- The cast of Stranger Things describes the emotional toll of the show ending, comparing the process to mourning a death in the family.
- Finn Wolfhard reveals he was so overwhelmed by the finale that he would often “just walk around crying” when he was alone.
- Noah Schnapp opens up about how playing Will Byers was instrumental in helping him embrace his own identity and sexuality.
- Despite fears of a controversial ending like Game of Thrones, the cast is confident they’ve delivered a powerful and satisfying conclusion for fans.
As the final season of Netflix’s global phenomenon Stranger Things approaches, the young men who grew up in front of our eyes are opening up about the profoundly emotional experience of saying goodbye to the show that defined their lives. In a recent, candid interview, Finn Wolfhard (Mike), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas), and Noah Schnapp (Will) revealed the tears, the grief, and the full-circle moments that marked the end of an era.
A Brotherhood’s Bittersweet Goodbye
After nearly a decade of battling Demogorgons and navigating the horrors of the Upside Down, the bond between the four actors is as real as any storyline on screen. They describe a relationship akin to brotherhood, having gone through the trials of puberty and global stardom together.
This deep connection made the show’s conclusion incredibly difficult. Wolfhard admitted the process was like a “mourning process,” a sentiment Matarazzo co-signed. The emotional weight became so intense for Wolfhard that he confessed to breaking down when alone.
“I Would Just Walk Around Crying”
While optimistic on set, Finn Wolfhard struggled privately with the finality of the show. “There were times when Gaten wouldn’t be home… And I would just walk around crying,” he shared. “And I’m not that big of a crier.” He would seek comfort from his on-screen siblings, Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton, who lived nearby, creating a poignant parallel to the show’s theme of found family.
Caleb McLaughlin had his own moment of stark realization, recalling an evening listening to ’80s music when it hit him: “And I was like, Lucas is done.”
Personal Growth and Full-Circle Moments
For Noah Schnapp, the journey was deeply personal. He revealed that playing Will Byers and seeing the world embrace the character was crucial in his own journey of self-acceptance. “Seeing how the world receives Will, and embraces him, has taught me through the years to feel OK in who I am,” Schnapp said, alluding to how Will’s storyline helped him before he publicly came out in 2023.
The final season brought a surreal moment for Schnapp when he had to mentor a young lookalike for a flashback scene, teaching the child how to portray his 10-year-old self. “I was like, Oh my God, I’m not the kid now. I’m the adult,” he reflected.
Confidence in the Grand Finale
The actors are aware of the immense pressure to deliver a satisfying ending, especially after fan backlash against finales like Game of Thrones. A quote from Wolfhard expressing initial concern was widely circulated, but he clarified that the cast feels they have “done a great job.”
Matarazzo pointed to shows like Breaking Bad as proof that a great ending is possible. The cast promises season five is “action-packed, peak Stranger Things,” picking up with Hawkins under military quarantine as the heroes mount a final assault on Vecna and the Upside Down.
The last day on set was a testament to their shared journey. With hundreds of cast and crew members, past and present, gathered, the final wrap was met with confetti and tears. “Literally, like, all of us can’t even talk, because we’re crying so hard,” Wolfhard remembered. “But it was really special. We bonded extra hard that day.”
Image Referance: https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/i-would-just-walk-around-crying-how-the-stranger-things-boys-said-goodbye