6 Stranger Things Stars Who Have a Failed Career Outside the Netflix Show
From Noah Schnapp to Natalia Dyer, six stars of Stranger Things have struggled to find success beyond Hawkins’ supernatural world.
Noah Schnapp Reflects on Stranger Things’ Final Season
The fifth and final season of Stranger Things opens with a flashback showing a de-aged Will Byers. Noah Schnapp shared how he helped guide the young actor to replicate his "physicality" and breath control before the VFX team spent months working with “11-year-old me.”
He described this as "a nostalgic glimpse that seals the emotional loop of Will’s journey."
Schnapp also expressed his readiness to say goodbye to the role as the season premieres in three parts (Nov 26, Dec 25, and Dec 31), marking a high point of nostalgia.
Gaten Matarazzo’s Transition Beyond Stranger Things
Gaten Matarazzo, beloved for playing Dustin Henderson with humor and heart, instantly became a fan favorite. His broadway experience—playing Gavroche in Les Misérables and Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert—gave him the confidence that shone through on screen.
However, despite his success on Netflix, Matarazzo’s career outside the series has quietly faltered.
Summary
Several Stranger Things stars have found it challenging to replicate their on-screen success in other projects, highlighting the difficulty of moving beyond a defining role.