The Growth and Transformation of the Stranger Things Ensemble Over Time

It's been nearly a decade since the beloved sci-fi series Stranger Things first captivated audiences, and the child actors who brought Hawkins' extraordinary tales to life have grown tremendously.

As the eagerly awaited fifth and concluding season unfolds, fans are witnessing not only the end of an era on screen but also the remarkable personal journeys of stars like Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Sadie Sink, and Caleb McLaughlin.

Millie, who started the show at age 12, has since transitioned from a young actress into parenthood, welcoming a baby girl this summer with her husband, Jake Bongiovi, whom she married in 2024. Although they joyfully announced their new addition in August, the couple is carefully keeping their daughter's life private for now.

“If she ever wants to reveal her personality to the world, like I did at her age, we will support that choice,” Millie, now 21, shared in a November 5 interview with British Vogue. “But right now, as her parents, we feel it’s our responsibility to protect her from public exposure.”

On the other hand, Finn remains focused on his professional ambitions and confirmed he is currently single, emphasizing that his career demands have taken precedence over romantic relationships.

“This period marks the busiest and most intensive work phase of my life,” he revealed to Variety in August. “So, perhaps intentionally, I’ve avoided committing to a partner.”

Finn’s dedication has yielded significant roles in major films such as It and Ghostbusters: Afterlife. He attributes his progression to embracing his connection with Stranger Things rather than trying to surpass it.

“For me, moving forward means honoring the show, not attempting to replace it,” he explained.

Similarly, Sadie, now 23, has built an impressive resume, including a standout appearance in Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well” short film and a recent Tony Award nomination for her Broadway work in John Proctor Is the Villain. Despite her rising fame, she remains protective of her private life.

“I prefer keeping my personal life out of the public eye,” Sadie told Teen Vogue in April. “I believe the less people know about me off-screen, the stronger the impact of my characters can be. That’s the approach I’m taking.”

The first part of Stranger Things season five is now available on Netflix, with the second volume arriving December 25 and the series finale set for December 31. Scroll down to see how the cast members have evolved over the years.