Gaten Matarazzo Opens Up About the Messy Reality of Living with Finn Wolfhard During Stranger Things Filming
Gaten Matarazzo shared some behind-the-scenes stories about life off-camera during the filming of Stranger Things’ concluding season.
He and fellow cast member Finn Wolfhard spent about a year as roommates while working on the fifth and final season of the hit Netflix sci-fi show, and their shared living quarters quickly became a chaotic mess.
“It felt like a college dorm experience,” Gaten admitted during a November 18 appearance on the Dinner’s on Me podcast hosted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson. “After just three months, I’d look around and think, ‘This place is absolutely disgusting.’”
Despite their close friendship—Gaten is 23 and Finn is 22—their bond contributed to a relaxed attitude about tidiness.
“We kind of fed off each other’s energy,” he explained. “Because we got along so well and had known each other for so long, we didn’t hold one another accountable. It was more like, ‘Eh, we’ll clean up later.’”
Their lax approach to cleanliness became especially apparent when friends suggested social gatherings during breaks from filming.
“We’d plan to hang out, and someone would say, ‘Let’s meet at your place,’” Gaten recalled. “Both of us would quickly respond, ‘No way. Keep at least 10 feet away from our apartment.’”
Thankfully, the pair improved their housekeeping habits as their time living together progressed, and their friendship remained strong throughout.
“Moving in with a close friend can be unpredictable,” Gaten noted. “It can either strengthen or damage a friendship. If you’re mature, you can recognize when it’s not working and make changes to protect the relationship. Luckily, everything went well for us.”
Though production on Stranger Things has wrapped, the young cast—including Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, and Caleb McLaughlin—continue to stay connected, often coordinating plans through their group chat.
“We’re always trying to find time to get together,” Millie shared with E! News’ Will Marfuggi. “It’s all about checking in with each other: ‘When are you free? Where are you right now?’”
The first four episodes of Stranger Things season five are currently streaming on Netflix, with three additional episodes set to release on December 25, and the series finale arriving on December 31.
Additional Insight Into Stranger Things’ Journey and Cast
Before the show gained massive popularity, creators Matt and Ross Duffer initially developed it under the title Montauk, inspired by their work on Wayward Pines. Though the original title was tough to sell, they eventually settled on Stranger Things.
The series was originally intended to be filmed on Long Island due to its coastal ambiance, reminiscent of films like Jaws. However, logistical and weather challenges led the production to relocate to Atlanta.
Almost twenty TV networks rejected the show before Netflix picked it up, doubting the audience’s interest in a series led by children.
For the role of Eleven, 12-year-old Millie Bobby Brown famously shaved her head, an act she described as empowering and transformative, helping her embrace the character fully.
Millie took inspiration from Charlize Theron’s character in Mad Max: Fury Road and from Winona Ryder’s youthful pixie cut photos to shape Eleven’s look.
Interestingly, Millie perfected her American accent by watching Miley Cyrus’s Hannah Montana series, a surprising yet effective technique.
The casting process saw the Duffer brothers have young actors audition with scenes from Stand By Me, leading to key roles being tailored to actors’ unique energies, notably Finn Wolfhard’s anxious vibe influencing Mike’s character.
Similarly, Gaten Matarazzo’s portrayal of Dustin reshaped the character from a typical nerd into a more dynamic personality.
Beyond casting, the series left cultural impacts, such as a spike in Kellogg’s Eggo waffle sales due to Eleven’s fondness for the snack.
Other cast anecdotes include David Harbour engaging with fans through social media, like taking senior photos with a fan and officiating a wedding as Chief Hopper.
Rumors about character relationships, such as Eleven possibly being Hopper’s daughter, were explored through subtle details like Eleven wearing Hopper’s late daughter’s hair ribbon at a school dance.
Millie’s first-ever on-screen kiss was the season one moment between Eleven and Mike, which she described as intense given the hundreds of onlookers.
Meanwhile, Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton, who play love interests Nancy and Jonathan, have maintained a mostly private real-life relationship since 2016.
Surprisingly, fan-favorite Steve Harrington, played by Joe Keery, was not originally meant to survive past the first season but was kept due to his popularity.
Eleven’s character arc was nearly cut short in season one, with plans for her to sacrifice herself, but the show’s potential longevity and Millie’s talent ensured her continued presence.
Season two’s episode “The Lost Sister” was almost removed due to pacing concerns, but ultimately remained to deepen Eleven’s story.
Additional casting tidbits include Nicola Coughlan auditioning for Robin before landing a different role, and Dacre Montgomery impressing the creators with a memorable, cheeky audition video for the role of Billy.