6 Stranger Things Stars Who Have a Failed Career Outside the Netflix Show
From Noah Schnapp to Natalia Dyer, six Stranger Things stars struggle to find success beyond Hawkins' supernatural world. The show's fifth and final season begins with a flashback of a de-aged Will Byers, a moment Noah Schnapp reflects on deeply.
Schnapp told SFX magazine about coaching the young actor to imitate his physicality and breathing, while the VFX team spent months working with “11-year-old me.”
This nostalgic scene completes Will’s emotional journey. Schnapp has also shared he is ready to say goodbye as the season premieres in three parts (November 26, December 25, and December 31). The nostalgia is strong, but not all cast members have thrived beyond Hawkins' eerie chaos.
Gaten Matarazzo: From Broadway to Netflix
Gaten Matarazzo, who played Dustin Henderson, quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his humor and emotional depth, making him the heart of the Hawkins group. However, outside the show's glowing spotlight, his career has quietly stalled.
Before Stranger Things, Matarazzo was known for his Broadway roles as Gavroche in Les Misérables and Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. His theater experience brought a distinctive confidence that translated well on screen.
Summary
Despite their fame from Stranger Things, several stars like Noah Schnapp and Gaten Matarazzo have faced challenges in building successful careers outside the series’ supernatural allure.
Would you like me to format the rest of the summary for the other four actors as well?