The Ultimate Stranger Things Cast & Character Encyclopedia

The Stranger Things cast continues to expand, showcasing an impressive array of new and recurring characters. The Duffer brothers possess a true talent for seamlessly incorporating more characters into the show without sacrificing its narrative momentum. As the series approaches its thrilling conclusion, the core characters have emerged as the central figures in the battle against the Upside Down, while the fate of numerous characters has been sealed.

Even the group of Hawkins' teenagers has grown in size, with the addition of Max, Eddie, and Lucas' little sister Erica, who have quickly become beloved by fans. Stranger Things season 4 has introduced a fresh wave of characters, including allies, antagonists, and other individuals who enrich the story's universe. With the upcoming Stranger Things season 5, viewers can anticipate the arrival of new faces through exciting casting announcements, while the original members of the Stranger Things cast are bound to shine in this grand final adventure.

Season 5 Casting News

Each new season of Stranger Things introduces fresh faces, often including well-known actors who join the franchise. With the highly anticipated Stranger Things season 5 approaching, fans can expect more announcements regarding the cast. Excitingly, the first new addition to the series has been revealed, with Linda Hamilton joining the cast for its final season. Hamilton, renowned for her iconic portrayal of Sarah Connor in The Terminator franchise during the '80s, brings a strong action hero persona to the table. While her role remains undisclosed, it is possible that the show will capitalize on her background and cast her as the leader of the military operatives in pursuit of Eleven.

Millie Bobby Brown is Eleven

While the Stranger Things ensemble boasts a large cast, it is undeniable that Eleven, portrayed by the talented 19-year-old English actress Millie Bobby Brown, takes center stage. Brown's portrayal of Eleven in Stranger Things season 1 captivated audiences and earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series at the young age of 13. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the youngest person ever featured in the prestigious TIME 100 list. Leveraging her immense popularity, Brown has successfully launched a high-profile career, showcasing her acting prowess in prominent roles such as a key human character in the recent Godzilla films and as the lead in Netflix's Enola Holmes 2.

Stranger Things season 4 witnessed Eleven reclaiming her supernatural abilities and unveiled the origins of the initial Upside Down portal she had created. Her profound connection with Henry/Vecna and his relentless pursuit of revenge against her firmly establishes her as the central character in the series' highly anticipated concluding chapter.

David Harbour is Jim Hopper

David Harbour, known for his roles in acclaimed films like Revolutionary Road and Quantum of Solace, has once again taken on a captivating character. In his latest venture, Violent Night, Harbour portrays a unique blend of combat skills and Santa Claus charm. Fans can look forward to seeing him reprise his role as Red Guardian from Black Widow in the upcoming Thunderbolts movie within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Additionally, Harbour is set to appear in the highly anticipated video game adaptation, Gran Turismo.

Though initially portrayed as the reluctant hero in the series, Hopper has endeared himself to viewers with his strong bonds to various characters. He has assumed the role of a father figure to Eleven and developed a romantic connection with Joyce. Despite the apparent demise of Hopper in the third season of Stranger Things, he miraculously resurfaced in season 4 after being rescued from a Russian prison, just in time for his return to Hawkins in the final season.

Winona Ryder is Joyce Byers

One of the most popular names in Hollywood, Winona Ryder made her debut in 1986 in the teen drama Lucas. She has garnered Oscar nominations for her performances in Little Women and The Age of Innocence, showcasing her talent for taking on complex roles. Known for her memorable performances in films like Heathers and Bram Stoker's Dracula, Ryder is set to reprise her iconic role as Lydia in Beetlejuice 2.

Ryder portrayed the role of Joyce Byers with perfection, a mother whose life is completely upended when her son Will goes missing. It would be an oversight for the Stranger Things season 4 cast not to include Ryder's character, Joyce. Throughout the past four seasons, Joyce has evolved from a determined mother to a true hero in her own right. She played a pivotal role in foiling the Russian plot and leading the mission to rescue Hopper. Although Joyce left Hawkins with her family in season 3, the season 4 finale brings her back home.

Finn Wolfhard is Mike Wheeler

A Canadian actor and musician, Finn Wolfhard gained immense popularity for his role as "the kid from Stranger Things." This success has opened doors for him to take on notable roles in both live-action and vocal performances, such as in It, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and The Addams Family. Wolfhard's career is on a steady rise, and his most recent venture involved lending his voice to the character of Candlewick in Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. Within the group, Mike has earned the title of the "heart" thanks to his close friendship with Will. It's evident why he holds this position, as he has formed a strong bond with Eleven and has made it his mission to keep the group united while facing various formidable threats.

Noah Schnapp is Will Byers

Noah Schnapp, an American actor, embarked on his performing career at the young age of six. His breakthrough moment came in 2015 when he secured the role of Roger Donovan in Steven Spielberg's film Bridge of Spies. Recently, Schnapp portrayed the character of Tommy in Adam Sandler's Netflix movie Hubie Halloween. However, it was his role as Will Byers in Stranger Things that propelled him into the spotlight. Will's character initially gained attention for his absence in season 1 but gradually became crucial due to his encounters with the Upside Down.

Throughout the series, Will has endured significant trauma as he becomes the target of the menacing Mindflayer. In recent years, there has been a deeper exploration of his character, as he grapples with reclaiming his lost youth and the revelation in Stranger Things season 4 that he identifies as gay.

Gaten Matarazzo is Dustin Henderson

Dustin Henderson, portrayed by Gaten Matarazzo, made his debut on Broadway in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Since then, he has taken on various roles, including voicing Boris in My Father's Dragon. However, it was his portrayal of Dustin in Stranger Things that propelled him to fame. Despite being one of the younger members of the Hawkins kids, Dustin possesses remarkable intelligence. He often comes up with unconventional theories that initially seem bizarre to others, but later prove to be true. For instance, he deduces that the Hawkins teens are attempting to communicate with them through the lights.

Despite the constant danger they face, Dustin brings a much-needed sense of humor to the group. One of the endearing aspects of his character is the introduction of his girlfriend Suzie from camp. Additionally, his friendship with Eddie in season 4 showcases Dustin's compassionate nature and his ability to form deep connections with others.

Caleb McLaughlin is Lucas Sinclair

Caleb McLaughlin, an American actor known for his Broadway beginnings, has established an impressive reputation in the entertainment industry. Prior to securing the role of Lucas Sinclair in Stranger Things season 4, he showcased his talent by voicing Mo-Slo in The Boys spinoff Diabolical. Like his fellow young cast members, McLaughlin has utilized the popular Netflix series as a platform to further his career, appearing in various television shows such as Ultra City Smiths, The New Edition Story, and Shades of Blue. Additionally, he has made appearances in numerous music videos.

In the show, McLaughlin's character Lucas portrays one of the more complex individuals within the teenage community of Hawkins. Unlike Dustin and Mike, he openly yearns for acceptance and belonging. Although he achieves his desire by joining the high school basketball team in season 4, he ultimately prioritizes his friendships over seeking revenge against his teammates. Lucas shares a tumultuous relationship with Max, but they manage to reconcile before unfortunate circumstances lead to Max falling into a coma caused by Vecna.

Sadie Sink is Max Mayfield

Sadie Sink, a multi-talented artist with a background in acting, music, dance, and singing, has made her mark in the entertainment industry. She first caught attention for her role as Suzanne Ballard in the acclaimed series American Odyssey, after starting her on-screen career with a brief appearance in Blue Bloods. Sink's recent project, The Whale, allowed her to showcase her skills alongside Academy Award winner Brendan Fraser. Additionally, she has made appearances in notable films such as The Glass Castle, Eli, and Fear Street.

Sink gained further recognition when she joined the cast of Stranger Things for its second season. In the show, she portrayed the character Max Mayfield, a newcomer to Hawkins with a troubled family history. Max quickly became a part of the tight-knit group of Hawkins kids and even started dating Lucas. However, her step-brother Billy succumbed to the influence of the Mind-Flayer, adding a layer of complexity to Max's storyline. In the fourth season, Max finds herself mourning Billy's tragic death while also falling victim to Vecna's curse, unbeknownst to her. As the series progresses into its fifth season, Max's fate hangs in the balance as she remains in a coma, leaving uncertainty about her eventual awakening.

Natalia Dyer is Nancy Wheeler

Natalie Dyer, an American actress and graduate of the Nashville School of the Arts, gained recognition for her role as Clarissa Granger in Hannah Montana: The Movie. Prior to 2016, Dyer primarily appeared in short films, but her breakthrough came with her portrayal of Nancy Wheeler in the first season of Stranger Things. Since then, she has showcased her talent in movies such as Velvet Buzzsaw and Yes, God, Yes, as well as the television series Acting For A Cause and Things Heard & Seen.

In Stranger Things, Dyer's character Nancy is the older sister of Mike and becomes entangled in the mysterious events that unfold in Hawkins after her best friend Barb goes missing. Known for her fierce and proactive nature, Nancy fearlessly puts herself in harm's way when necessary. As she matures, her skills as a reporter develop, leading her to take charge of investigating the bizarre happenings in Hawkins. Additionally, Nancy has found herself caught in a love triangle between her former boyfriend Steve Harrington and her current boyfriend Jonathan Byers.

Charlie Heaton is Jonathan Byers

Charlie Heaton, the English actor and musician, made his international debut in Stranger Things. Since 2016, he has been steadily building his career with notable films such as The New Mutants, Shut In, and No Future. Heaton also showcased his talent in the Spanish horror film Marrowbone, alongside George MacKay, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Mia Goth. Recently, he appeared in The Souvenir: Part 2. In Stranger Things season 4, Heaton portrays Jonathan Byers, an introverted teenager who faces social challenges and carries a deep sense of responsibility for his brother, Will.

Although Jonathan has often played a supporting role to the more prominent characters in Stranger Things, his character arc has evolved throughout the seasons. In season 1, he embarked on a search for his brother, and in seasons 2 and 3, he joined Nancy in her investigations. Season 4 showcases Jonathan taking on a leadership role as he leads a cross-country quest to save Eleven. However, unlike Nancy and Steve, he portrays a different type of heroism, reflecting his unique character traits.

Joe Keery is Steve Harrington

Joe Keery's career took off after landing the role of Steve Harrington in Stranger Things, propelling him to teen stardom. Since then, he has made appearances in various films and TV shows including Free Guy, Molly's Game, Death to 2021, and the highly anticipated fifth season of Fargo. In the show, Keery's character, Steve, initially portrayed the typical popular and troublesome high school student who mistreated Nancy and bullied Jonathan. However, as the series progressed, he experienced a redemption arc and became affectionately known as the group's babysitter, often taking care of the younger characters and proving himself to be a hero on multiple occasions.

Maya Hawke is Robin Buckley

Maya Hawke, the daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, is an accomplished actress and model. She made her debut in the BBC adaptation of Little Women and later joined the cast of Stranger Things for its third season. Maya has also showcased her talent alongside fellow Stranger Things actress Sadie Sink in Fear Street. Additionally, she has appeared in notable films such as Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Do Revenge.

Robin Buckley, the character played by her in Stranger Things, instantly captivated audiences as Steve's coworker at Hawkins Mall. She eventually played a pivotal role in assisting him in infiltrating the Russian lab. Over time, Robin and Steve developed a close friendship, which was further strengthened by the fact that there was no possibility of a romantic connection between them. In season 3, while under the influence of drugs, Robin revealed her sexual orientation to Steve, confirming that she is a lesbian. In season 4, Robin fully embraced her unique qualities and actively contributed to the group's efforts in saving the day. Additionally, she also found the time to explore her feelings for her classmate, Vicki, showcasing her journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Priah Ferguson is Erica Sinclair

Priah Ferguson portrays the role of Erica Sinclair, the younger sister of Lucas. She has an impressive repertoire of work in both movies and television, kickstarting her career in 2015 with the TV movie Perfectville. Apart from that, Ferguson has also made appearances in popular shows like Atlanta, My Dad the Bounty Hunter, and Hamster and Gretel. Erica initially had a minor role, but in Stranger Things season 3, she becomes an integral part of the Hawkins gang after aiding Steve and Robin in infiltrating the Russian lab beneath Hawkins Mall.

The conclusion of Stranger Things season 3 witnessed Erica fully embracing her inner nerd when she inherited Will's old Dungeons & Dragons set. This led to her induction into the Hellfire club in season 4, where she replaced Lucas and is poised to surpass the boys in her gaming skills. Although Erica didn't feature as prominently as the other cast members in season 4, she did assist in communicating with the Hawkins teens at the Wheeler house. It is highly likely that she will continue to be a prominent figure in season 5.

Gabriella Pizzolo is Suzie

In Stranger Things season 3, viewers were introduced to Gabriella Pizzolo, who played the role of Dustin's girlfriend. They met at summer camp and initially, the other kids in Hawkins thought Suzie was just a product of Dustin's imagination. However, she proved her worth in the end by helping them and even showcased her technological skills. In Stranger Things season 4, Suzie returns to the cast and once again, her genius comes to the forefront as she assists Mike and the others in finding Eleven. As for her involvement in season 5, it remains uncertain.

Matthew Modine is Dr. Martin Brenner

Matthew Modine, the actor who gained fame in the 1980s, caught the attention of director Harold Becker with his impressive performance. Modine is best known for his roles in Birdy, Full Metal Jacket, and The Trial, as well as his recent portrayal of Rick Singer in Operation Varsity Blues. When he was cast as Dr. Martin Brenner in Stranger Things in 2015, it was considered a significant achievement. Dr. Brenner is the scientist responsible for the experiments conducted at Hawkins Lab.

Initially, it was believed that Brenner had been killed by the Demogorgon in season 1. However, in season 2, Eleven discovered that he had survived the attack. After his absence, Modine returned to the Stranger Things cast for season 4, where his character played a crucial role in helping Eleven regain her powers through the NINA project. Unfortunately, Dr. Brenner met his final demise in season 4, making it unlikely for him to make a comeback in the show's last chapter, unless it is through a flashback.

Paul Reiser as Dr. Sam Owens

Paul Reiser, known for his roles in Aliens and Mad About You, joined the Stranger Things cast in season 2 as Dr. Sam Owens. In a similar vein to his character in Aliens, Reiser's Owens initially appears to be a two-faced villain, posing as a doctor while secretly researching the Upside Down. However, as the season progresses, it becomes clear that Owens is a good-hearted individual who grapples with the responsibility of safeguarding both the world and the children. In the latest season of Stranger Things, Owens is last seen being discovered by military operatives who are in pursuit of Eleven.

Bree Gelman is Murray Bauman

Brett Gelman, a renowned actor and comedian, has gained fame for his roles in The Other Guys, Fleabag, and Inside Job. In season 2 of Stranger Things, Gelman joined the cast as Murray Bauman, a conspiracy theorist who aids Hopper in a difficult situation. With his suspicious nature and sharp observation skills, Murray perfectly fits into the narrative of the series, which revolves around secret government organizations and Russian infiltrators during the Cold War. As the show progresses, Murray's character has evolved, and his role has expanded along with the show's overarching storyline. As a member of the Stranger Things season 4 cast, Gelman's character plays a crucial role in freeing Hopper from prison, and it is highly likely that he will continue to be a part of season 5.

Sean Astin as Bob Newby

American actor Sean Astin has had a successful and enduring career in Hollywood, beginning with his early days as a child actor in films such as The Goonies, which served as a direct inspiration for the popular series Stranger Things. Astin's repertoire expanded to include teenage comedies like Encino Man, but it was his remarkable portrayal of Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy that truly garnered him recognition and praise.

Astin's endearing and courageous persona in those films seamlessly translated to his portrayal of Bob in the second season of Stranger Things. As Joyce's new romantic partner, Bob appeared almost too perfect to be true, leading many to anticipate the revelation of a hidden dark side. However, contrary to expectations, Bob remained a genuine hero, aiding the others in their escape from the demodogs within Hawkins Lab, only to meet a tragic demise that ranks among the most heart-wrenching deaths in Stranger Things.

Joseph Quinn is Eddie Munson

Eddie Munson, portrayed by Joseph Quinn, joined the cast of Stranger Things season 4 as the formidable leader of Hawkins High School's D&D club, known as the "Hellfire Club." With his confidence and charisma, Eddie is reluctantly thrust into the terrifying world of the Upside Down, where he discovers that the monsters in his hometown are far more menacing than those in his games. Tragically, Eddie valiantly sacrificed himself in the fourth season and will not be returning for season 5. Joseph Quinn is recognized for his notable performances in Dickensian, Game of Thrones, and Howards End, and will soon appear in Gladiator 2 and A Quiet Place: Day One.

Dacre Montgomery as Billy Hargrove

Dacre Montgomery, an Australian actor known for his previous notable roles, including the Red Ranger in the ill-fated Power Rangers franchise and a role in the holiday horror-comedy Better Watch Out, has recently appeared in the Oscar-winning movie Elvis alongside Austin Butler. In season 2 of Stranger Things, Montgomery joined the cast as Max's stepbrother Billy, who quickly became the new bully in town. However, in season 3, Billy's character took a dramatic turn when he was possessed by the Mindflayer and became the season's villain. Ultimately, Billy found redemption by sacrificing himself to save Eleven and Max.

Shannon Purser as Barbara Holland

Shannon Purser, widely recognized as Barb from season 1 of Stranger Things, has garnered significant attention as an American actress. Despite her limited appearances in the show, Purser's portrayal of Barb left a lasting impact on viewers. Since then, she has showcased her talent in the Netflix comedy Sierra Burgess Is a Loser and currently portrays the character Ethel Muggs in Riverdale. Barb, Nancy's loyal and studious friend, tragically met her demise when she accompanied Nancy to a party at Steve's house and was attacked and killed by the Demogorgon. Audiences were deeply affected by Barb's untimely and sorrowful death.

Robert Englund is Victor Creel

Veteran horror actor Robert Englund is renowned for his memorable portrayal of Freddy Krueger, the eerie antagonist in the slasher series Nightmare On Elm Street. In the upcoming season 4 of Stranger Things, Englund takes on the role of Victor Creel, an inmate at Pennhurst Mental Hospital. Victor was wrongfully imprisoned in 1959 after being wrongly accused of the brutal murders of his wife and daughter. However, it is later revealed that his son Henry/Vecna was the true perpetrator. Victor's character plays a pivotal part in the fourth season, providing crucial information to Nancy and Robin. The question remains whether he will make an appearance in the fifth season.

Jamie Campbell Bower is Vecna

Jamie Campbell Bower, a former model turned actor, has showcased his versatility in both film and television. He has portrayed villainous characters such as Caius, the leader of the ominous Volturi, in the Twilight series, as well as a young Gellert Grindelwald in both Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Bower has also demonstrated his musical talent by starring alongside Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter in the musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Additionally, he has appeared in The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, lent his voice to the character Skiff in Thomas & Friends, and was involved in the unaired pilot of a Game of Thrones prequel.

In his role as the main villain, Vecna, in Stranger Things season 4, Bower had the opportunity to showcase his acting skills. The true origins of Vecna are slowly unveiled throughout the season, with the revelation that the friendly orderly, who forms a connection with Eleven, is actually Henry Creel/One. Eventually, he transforms into Vecna after being banished to the Upside Down for orchestrating the Hawkins Lab massacre. By the end of season 4, Vecna has inflicted irreversible damage upon Hawkins and is set to be the primary and ultimate antagonist in season 5, as the leader of the Upside Down.