As Vecna might say, “It’s time.” Time for the series finale of “Stranger Things.” Over five seasons and 50 episodes spanning ten years, the show has mirrored the changing times – particularly in the evolving appearances of its young stars, who began filming as children and now appear as young adults.
At a celebration of the final season held at The Paley Museum in Manhattan on December 18th, NBC New York presented cast members with collages of their characters from each season, asking them to identify their favorite and least favorite looks.
Caleb McLaughlin, who plays Lucas Sinclair, described his Season 3 shorts as “stank” and “killing me,” noting the discomfort of filming in hot weather. He favored his character’s look in Season 5. Maya Hawke, joining the cast in Season 3 as Robin Buckley, found the task of choosing a favorite or least favorite look “complicated,” ultimately stating that Season 3 was the most iconic, while Season 5 felt most representative of herself, and Season 4 was potentially her favorite.
Hawke readily praised Joe Keery’s portrayal of Steve Harrington, declaring his Season 5 look “gorgeous,” noting his headphones, shirt, and overall aging process as akin to “a pair of old Levi’s.”
Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven, was unable to attend the event. In her absence, creators Matt and Ross Duffer selected Eleven’s Season 1 look – the pink dress and jacket – as their favorite, with Matt Duffer also highlighting the character’s buzz cut. This look is particularly resonant given its association with Eleven’s nemesis, Vecna.
Jamie Campbell Bower, who portrays Vecna, Henry Creel, and 001, jokingly selected his current face as his preferred appearance, acknowledging the dramatic transformations his character has undergone throughout the series.
The event also showcased the transformations of other main characters, including Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo), Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), Will Byers (Noah Schnapp), Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer), Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton), Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink), Jim Hopper (David Harbour), and Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder).
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the cast to reflect on their appearances?
The cast was asked to select their favorite and least favorite looks from each season of “Stranger Things” at a celebration of the final season at The Paley Museum in Manhattan.
Which character’s appearance has changed the most drastically?
Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays Vecna, Henry Creel, and 001, has undergone the most significant transformation in appearance throughout the series.
When will the final episode of “Stranger Things” be released?
The two-hour series finale is set to be released on New Year’s Eve.
As the series draws to a close, what lasting impressions will the characters’ visual journeys leave on viewers?
