Stranger Things Cast: Life After Hawkins in 2026
The Final Chapter Closes
Stranger Things Season 5, the beloved Netflix series’ final instalment, premiered in three parts throughout late 2025, with the finale episode releasing on New Year’s Eve. After nearly a decade of captivating audiences worldwide, the series that turned its young stars into a cultural phenomenon is coming to an end after five seasons. The show’s conclusion marks a significant moment in television history, but it’s far from the end for the talented ensemble that brought Hawkins, Indiana to life.
Where the Cast Is Heading Next
The final season starred Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Brett Gelman, Priah Ferguson, Linda Hamilton, Cara Buono, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Nell Fisher. As these actors bid farewell to their iconic roles, they’re embarking on exciting new ventures.
Brown, 21, has two high-profile projects in the pipeline, including The Netflix film Enola Holmes 3, which will once again cast her as the titular private detective and reunite her with Henry Cavill. Wolfhard, 23, will be guest hosting the first 2026 episode of Saturday Night Live on January 17, whilst Sink, 23, will star in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, opposite Tom Holland and Zendaya.
Diverse Career Paths Emerging
The cast members are pursuing remarkably diverse projects. McLaughlin, 24, has evolved into a versatile leading man, bridging animation and drama, leading the voice cast of Sony Pictures Animation’s Goat, scheduled for February 2026 alongside Stephen Curry and Viola Davis. Meanwhile, Bower, 37, is also a musician, performing with the rock band BloodMagic, and has joined the cast of Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power for the fantasy show’s upcoming Season 3.
A Legacy That Endures
The transformation of these young actors from relative unknowns to Hollywood powerhouses demonstrates the show’s profound impact on popular culture. On Rotten Tomatoes, the fifth season holds an approval rating of 84% based on 117 reviews, with critics stating that Stranger Things solidified its pop culture classic status with genuinely captivating genre fare. As the Stranger Things universe continues with planned spin-offs, including the animated series Tales From ’85, the cast’s individual journeys will be closely watched by millions of devoted fans who grew up alongside them.