Influencer Editorial Team
The cast of Stranger Things has officially wrapped production, marking the end of an era for one of Netflix’s most beloved series. On Friday, Dec. 10, the show’s creators announced the completion of filming for the fifth and final season, set to premiere next year, sharing behind-the-scenes photos as cast members bid farewell to the show that transformed their lives.
“We just wrapped Stranger Things Season 5. I’m still in shock,” Finn Wolfhard wrote on Instagram. “We shot it for a year and I’ll miss all of my friends and our characters terribly.” Alongside his heartfelt message, he shared a nostalgic photo from season 1 featuring the young cast. “When I think of the show, I picture this first photo. A bunch of goofy young people making something they think is cool but really have no clue what’s to come. I feel like we’re still those people and I’m lucky to still stand beside them today.”
The photo shows Wolfhard, now 21, alongside Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, and Gaten Matarazzo, aged between 10 and 12, posing with castmates Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, and Natalia Dyer. “I hope you’ll love this season as much as I do,” Wolfhard added. “See you all next year. 🚲🚲🚲🚲.”
Noah Schnapp, 20, also took to Instagram to share an emotional farewell and reflected on his decade-long journey as Will Byers. “Two days ago, I wrapped my final scene as Will Byers, and I’m feeling very emotional,” he began, listing 10 “valuable life/career lessons I learned” from the series and its creators.
He credited Winona Ryder for igniting his passion for film, Gaten Matarazzo for showing him “it’s cool to be a nerd,” and Millie Bobby Brown for teaching him to embrace his silliness. Sadie Sink, 22, inspired him to “embrace the child inside us,” while Heaton, 30, demonstrated that “true masculinity is rooted in love, kindness, and gentle compassion.”
“Growing up I always felt like an outcast, unsure of where I fit in,” Schnapp wrote. “Navigating life in the spotlight while carrying this feeling, through every awkward phase and embarrassing moment exposed for the world to see, has definitely been an unusual experience. But I’ve been honored to share it with my incredible co-stars, who understand it in a way that no one else can.”
Calling the series “more than a job,” Schnapp expressed his gratitude to the Duffer brothers for trusting a 10-year-old kid with such an important role. “Together, this cast + crew has built something so very special, and I couldn’t be any more excited for the world to see the final chapter. Stranger Things is a never-ending story for me – it’s in my heart forever. ❤️”
Ross Duffer also reflected on the journey in an Instagram post, describing the show as “a defining part of their childhood” for the cast. “They’ve grown up before our eyes, becoming more than actors—they’ve become family,” he wrote.
Teasing the upcoming season, Duffer noted, “Everyone involved was determined to bring this story to a satisfying conclusion. They poured their hearts and souls into it, and we couldn’t be more proud of what they’ve accomplished. We can’t wait to share it with you all next year. Until then—over and out.”
The final season promises to pick up in the fall of 1987, following a time jump from season 4, which was set in the spring of 1986. A teaser released on Stranger Things Day revealed the titles of the season’s eight episodes, including “The Crawl,” “Sorcerer,” “Escape From Camazotz,” and the series finale, “The Rightside Up.”
With its impending release, fans are gearing up to say goodbye to a series that has left an indelible mark on pop culture and the hearts of its devoted audience.
