Ahead of Stranger Things’ final season, fans were vocally worried about nearly everything, but few things inspired more impassioned theories than Steve’s fate. The creators kept fans stressing over Steve potentially dying in one heroic fashion or another, and the trailers for the split-apart season didn’t help matters. Of course, Joe Keery’s character survived the finale’s events, making the start of the 2026 TV schedule that much less depressing, and now Matt and Ross Duffer admit that they intentionally played into that widespread worry.

Beyond the general idea that major TV characters tend to become victim fodder in final seasons, the Steve-centric paranoia came to a head in the final episode as he was dangling from the radio tower, and his fingers let go before anyone reached down to grab him. And then a gobsmacking cut to black! The joke was on us, though, because Hawkins’ finest head of hair was indeed saved and went on to keep crushing at life.

Appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast (also streaming on YouTube), the Duffer brothers admitted that bit with Steve was the very rare instance where they pointedly and purposefully stoked fan fear just for the sh-ts and giggles of it all. Here’s how Matt Duffer addressed it:

Elsewhere during the interview, Ross Duffer explained in more specific terms just how they f-cked with fans. As it turns out, the brothers were inspired to go a little further with that shot than what they'd originally filmed. As he put it:

While in the midst of filming the seemingly endless number of scenes that made up the finale, and the final season at large, it makes sense that certain visuals like Steve's radio tower dangle just didn't get enough coverage on the day. Would it have turned out fine if they'd just kept what they had to begin with? Maybe, maybe not. No reason to speculate, though, since they absolutely went back and beefed that part of the scene up a little.

Ross Duffer continued:

Surely they didn't have the cut-to-black moment in mind initially. I do wish there was some kind of measurement that clocked how many gasps happened during the moment when it seemed like he was a goner.

When it comes to the actor himself, Keery knows that Stranger Things provided him the role of a lifetime, and that for some people, he may always be known as Steve Harrington, which is just fine with him. He’s more into his music era now anyway.

The Duffer brothers’ efforts at Netflix aren’t yet extinguished, either. Fans can find their latest executive-produced series, the upcoming horror series The Boroughs, streaming via Netflix subscription starting on Thursday, May 21.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is constantly keeping fans on their toes, thanks to a steady stream of content hitting theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. Fans are always curious about upcoming Marvel movies, and which actors might join the fray as beloved heroes or villains. Stranger Things' Sadie Sink has a mysterious role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and now Joe Keery has spoken about one foe of the wall crawler he'd be down to play. And honestly, it seems like a great choice.

Keery is best known for his tenure as fan favorite character Steve Harrington in Stranger Things (streaming in its entirety with a Netflix subscription). In the wake of the Stranger Things finale, his schedule should be open for more exciting roles. While speaking with ScreenRant, Keery addressed fan edits of him playing Harry Osborn, saying that "its fun to entertain" the idea of landing the role. He went on to share his thoughts, saying:

Sounds like not only has the actor/musician seen the fan castings of him as Harry, but he's down to join the MCU if that role fell into his lap. Fans who have been watching the Marvel movies in order will recall that the character hasn't been introduced in the Tom Holland-led movies yet. We'll just have to wait and see if Peter Parker's friend from the comics, and the previous two Spider-Man franchises, ends up joining the shared universe.

While the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies haven't featured Harry Osborn, he's a major character in most adaptations of the beloved hero. He starts off as Peter Parker's best friend, in addition to being the son of Norman Osborn aka the Green Goblin. He also ends up becoming the Goblin himself, putting a huge rift in his relationship with Spider-Man. He was played by James Franco in the Sam Raimi movies, and Dane DeHaan in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. But will Joe Keery join these ranks?

Joe Keery became a household name thanks to his role in Stranger Things, as Steve Harrington was one of the most beloved characters in the popular Netflix series. It should be interesting to see where his career goes next, as there are plenty of fans who will be paying attention to whatever projects he gets involved in. And with Sadie Sink having a role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, adding another member of the Stranger Things cast would totally break the internet.

In addition to his acting career, Keery is also an accomplished musician. He formed the band Post Animal, and his solo career is under the name Djo. So timing might be important if he's ever going to get the chance to play Harry Osborn on the big screen.

The next MCU movie heading to theaters is Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 31st as part of the 2026 movie schedule.

Listen, I’ve been riding the “I think Steve Harrington might die” train for years. However, as I’ve been watching Season 5 of Stranger Things, I’ve started to wonder if he’ll live, and a different pivotal character will bite the dust instead. Then, the trailer for the series finale dropped, and Dustin can be seen freaking out in it. It seems like he could be reacting to something very bad (like a death), and my theory about what he's seeing does not involve Steve dying.

Now, showing Gaten Matarazzo’s character reacting to something like that in the trailer implies one obvious thing to me: Steve will die. However, after looking at the image below and pondering it, I think we should be considering something other than the obvious.

Steve Dying Is Too Obvious

For years now, there have been theories that Steve could die, and as Season 5 has aired on the 2025 TV schedule, they’ve persisted. Plus, in the latest batch of episodes, his emotional reconciliation with Dustin, and their proclamation of “you die, I die” have certainly upped the emotional stakes of a loss like this.

So, it’s certainly possible that Joe Keery's character could die in the final episode. And that’s exactly why I don’t think it’ll be him. It’s way too obvious. They’ve been teasing and playing this up as a possibility, and at this point, I think they’re going to pivot away from it and shock us all.

Killing Steve is what many expect. Showing Dustin screaming in this trailer also totally plays into that idea, at least to me. Therefore, I’m actually leaning into a theory that a different character won’t make it out of this episode alive.

I Have A Theory That Mike Might Die

Alright, let’s do some process of elimination here. Personally, I think that Dustin would have the reaction above to almost any character dying, and I especially think he’d scream like that if Steve, Mike, Lucas or Will’s lives were on the line, since they’re his best friends.

With that in mind, as I said, I think killing Steve would be too expected. I also don’t think they’ll kill Lucas, because I really think he and Max will stay together. I really don’t think Will will be the one to go down either, considering all he’s been through (and the fact that that would kill Joyce). So, that leaves Mike.

I’ve been playing with the theory that Finn Wolfhard’s Mike could be the character who dies in this episode, and this trailer has me really leaning into it now.

Think about it, he’s had quite the hero’s journey this season (especially in Volume 1). His helping Holly find her bravery with Holly the Heroic, and saving all those kids in Episode 4, was amazing. He's also determined to save his little sister. He’s proved how much he’s grown and how selfless he can be, so one final heroic move would be a great and very emotional way for him to go.

I also think it’d hit really hard since Mike started out as kind of the ring leader for these kids, especially in Season 1. So, his death would be incredibly tragic, but also meaningful.

So, in summary, no, I don’t think Steve will die; I think Mike might instead. However, I could be wrong, and really, anything can happen in the final episode of Stranger Things. So, make sure you tune in to find out what Dustin is screaming at when the series finale of this beloved show becomes available to those with a Netflix subscription on December 31.

It’s hard to believe that tonight, the final volume of Stranger Things will be hitting your Netflix subscription. I’m already bracing myself for what’s expected to be an emotional ending I’ll never forget. Even though filming has long been over, Joe Keery and the cast took it upon themselves to revisit The Creel House, and one gets the sense that the home attracts a lot of unwanted visitors.

The legendary Creel House was introduced at the end of Season 4, Vol 1, which was linked to Vecna’s origin story. It was a horror house due to a young Henry Creel using his psychic powers to kill his mother and sister before becoming the Upside Down’s terrifying force.

The mansion’s haunted reputation didn’t scare off Joe Keery and the Stranger Things cast enough to visit. However, I’m amused that it apparently gets a lot of undesired attention, as suggested by the lawn sign in the second photo:

While the beloved cast is looking chummy sitting outside the 1986 dilapidated version of The Creel House, check out a hidden detail at the bottom of the second photo. We see a sign that states “no soliciting/loitering.” It's possible that the sign is meant to exist within the show of Hawkins, warning people to stay away from the house, or if it's because the place is getting more attention than the owners hoped for.

Whatever the reason, the actors of the 2025 Netflix release definitely weren’t staying away, and I’m waiting for that house to be a standalone attraction for the next Halloween Horror Nights. Whether you look at The Creel House in its picture-perfect state or as rundown real estate, it’s creepy either way. With so many windows, they almost look like eyes staring right at you. I don’t know about you, but looking all boarded up in the 1986 version makes them look like bones.

It’s a breath of fresh air to see Joe Keery and his fellow cast still hang out despite the beloved Netflix series coming to an end. When the final season wrapped up, the actor expressed what an emotional experience filming was on the final day, but he also said the cast he spent “a third of [his] life” with are “family for life.”

The Creel House may apparently get a lot of unwanted visitors, but they have faithful guests in the Stranger Things clan. It proves that some friendships are strong enough to make it worth visiting a seemingly contraband area (perhaps making it all the more fun).

Volume 2 of the final season of Stranger Things a.k.a. the series finale arrives tonight on Netflix, and it will be hitting theaters on December 31 and January 1.

Know that as I write the next sentence, I’m feeling very stressed and annoyed with myself that I’m worrying about this again. OK, alright, here we go: I’m nervous that Steve Harrington is going to die in Season 5 of Stranger Things. Yeah, once again, I’m concerned for the fate of Joe Keery’s character as we go into the final episodes of this show. However, this time, these feelings came up because of a very silly thing the Duffer Brothers did ahead of the episodes dropping on Netflix’s 2025 schedule.

Now, this silly thing involves Funko Pops and an appearance on The Tonight Show. As Matt and Ross Duffer spoke to Jimmy Fallon about what’s to come, the host asked them to use the figurines give hints about how the rest of Stranger Things will go. They put Barb on the floor, stacked Henry, Will and the big bad Vecna on top of each other, and Eleven got put in a glass of water. It was ridiculous. However, things took a turn when they put Steve on the edge of the desk, AND THEN HE FELL (as you can see in the images below):

Notably, the crowd had a worried reaction when the Duffers put Steve on the literal edge (which you can see in the video below). While the creators claimed that “he’s fine,” I can’t help but think about this as a bad omen. Obviously, they could be messing with us, especially since Joe Keery’s character dying has been a big worry for a long time now. However, I do think there’s reason to be concerned.

First of all, for a very long time now, there have been theories about Steve dying. Joe Keery’s character is a fan-fave, and Steve’s best moments are iconic; losing him would be seriously tragic. However, to me, it seems possible that he could sacrifice himself to save the kids and Hawkins and go out a hero.

Adding to this, in the trailer for Season 5, Volume 2, Steve and Dustin have a moment where they tell each other, “You die, I die.” And while it appears that literally everyone is in danger and all their lives are on the line, it would seem that these two boys might be in a particularly precarious situation. Plus, with them fighting this season, and Dustin putting himself in danger on a couple of occasions, I'm worried that things could go too far and one or both of them could wind up dead. So, yeah, I’m anxious.

Now, these silly little Funko Pops were the final nail in my coffin. Why, of all the characters, would they put Steve Harrington on the edge? What does he do that constitutes that line of thinking? I mean, I know he’s willing to put himself in danger to save everyone, but what specifically will happen in the episodes that are about to air on the 2025 TV schedule that made the Duffers do this?

Maybe they’re just trolling, that’s certainly possible. However, no one is safe on Stranger Things, I know that. Therefore, this funny little move tipped me over the edge into worrying about Steve Harrington again.

Thankfully, we don’t have to wait long to find out what happens to him and the rest of the Hawkins gang. That’s because Vol. 2 of Season 5 will be available to stream with a Netflix subscription on Christmas, and the series finale will drop on New Year’s Eve.

Now that the 2025 TV schedule has brought those with a Netflix subscription the first part of Stranger Things Season 5, we are inching ever closer to the end of an era. This season holds the final freaky adventures of Dustin, Eleven, Mike, Lucas, Max, Will, their friends and family, and fans have already turned out in droves to see how everything ends with Vecna. Our feelings about the new season are all over the place, but star Joe Keery just got real about a “weird” thing that happened after everyone had been filming for a decade.

What Odd Thing Did Joe Keery Say Happened After Filming Stranger Things For A Decade?

It was in the summer of 2016 that Stranger Things debuted and first set the world on fire as streaming’s preeminent “children in supernatural peril” series. We’ve now literally watched as the main cast has grown up on screen and in real life, with stars Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown (who’s married and has a child of her own), Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, and Gaten Matarazzo all now being in their early 20s.

Recently, when the cast was speaking with Entertainment Tonight, they were asked about spending the past decade working on the popular series and whether or not the time seems to have passed quickly. As they began to reveal their ages when the show first started, however, Joe Keery (who’s portrayed stalwart hero Steve Harrington since Season 1) mentioned the…strange thing that happened for him as one of the actors who began the series in his early 20s:

Oooooh…While I’d certainly thought about what it must be like to be part of a TV show for basically half your life (as younger cast members like Wolfhard – who found himself randomly crying about the series ending – know), I really hadn’t considered how “weird” it would be to watch the youngest castmates get to the same age as those who started the show by portraying high school students.

Keery, Natalia Dyer, and Charlie Heaton are all now in their early 30s, while Maya Hawke (who started the show in Season 3) is currently 27. What I’m now picturing is that feeling when you meet someone who has a full-on career, owns a home and has children, and you then find out they were born when you were a senior in college. Not only does it make you feel unexpectedly old, but it also leads to a feeling of, “Like…HOW?!?!”

You understand, logically, that plenty of time has passed since then, but it still seems like it just happened. My mom used to talk all the time about how oddly the passage of time seems; with events that happened a long time ago sometimes feeling both recent and like seriously ancient history. I didn’t fully get it when I was 20 or whatever, but now that I’m many decades past literally all of my schooling…yeah, man. I feel it deeply on frequent occasions.

So, it makes complete sense that having the little kids of ST get to the point where they’re basically the same age that Keery was when he started the show was a real trip for the actor. And, it sounds exactly like the kind of mind game that Vecna would settle in and play for the long haul.

When it comes to future TV stars making minor guest appearances before hitting it big, Law & Order: SVU is usually the place to find a plethora. For Stranger Things star Joe Keery, however, his second credit ever was in the One Chicago corner of the Dick Wolf TV universe after guest-starring in two episodes of Chicago Fire. Now, with Stranger Things ending in the 2025 TV schedule, NBC's official social media account for the franchise is throwing back to his pre-Steve Harrington days, and it makes me want to see him back on Fire again.

Joe Keery appeared in Episodes 16 and 17 of Chicago Fire Season 3, which originally aired in March 2015 and are available streaming now with a Peacock subscription. He played Emmett, a young man who Mouch mistakenly believed was his son via sperm donation. Prior to Fire, Keery only had one credit to his name: a single episode of Sirens.

Admittedly, I'd forgotten that Joe Keery had appeared on Chicago Fire until NBC's post, perhaps because Emmett from the Windy City in 2015 wasn't sporting the iconic '80s hair (fortified by Farrah Fawcett hair spray) of Steve Harrington in Stranger Things. NBC's One Chicago X account (formerly known as Twitter) didn't shy away from shouting out the hit show despite it hailing from Netflix, with "Mouch's world has been flipped Upside Down." Take a look at a clip:

If Joe Keery had been playing the typical one-and-done kind of guest star, there really wouldn't seem like an opening was left for his character to organically return. That said, as seen in the clip, Emmett is that half-brother of Mouch's biological daughter, Lizzie.

While Lizzie (played by Christian Stolte's real-life daughter) only appeared in one episode of Fire, one episode of Chicago Med, and hasn't been seen back in the franchise since 2019, I'm sure I'm not the only one who's curious about Mouch's relationship with her (or lack thereof) over the past decade. And since Lizzie and Emmett are siblings, why couldn't a reunion with Lizzie also mean the return of Emmett?

Of course, Joe Keery hasn't exactly been hurting for work outside of the world of the Upside Down in recent years. He (and his hair) have a role in the upcoming Liam Neeson film Cold Storage (set to premiere in the 2026 movie calendar), and he managed to film a season of Fargo between Stranger Things releases, to name just two credits. His music career is going strong as well, with his band releasing a new album earlier this year.

So, I wouldn't exactly count on seeing Joe Keery back on Chicago Fire in the 2026 TV schedule to reprise his role as Emmett, but it's at least fun to see him on screen before he shot to stardom as Steve on Stranger Things. If you want to revisit his two episodes of Chicago Fire's third season, you can find them on Peacock. If you've been waiting for more Stranger Things, the fifth and final season premieres for fans with a Netflix subscription on Wednesday, November 26 at 8 p.m. ET.

I don’t want to sound dramatic, but Joe Keery’s hair just launched a solo career. The star of the upcoming fifth and final season of Stranger Things shows up in the new trailer for Cold Storage, which you can watch above, looking like he lost a fight with a bottle of peroxide and a wind tunnel, and I mean that as a compliment. I really dunno what the heck is going on with the look, but at least Liam Neeson is truly going for it in the new comedy-thriller.

The trailer just dropped on Samuel Goldwyn Pictures’ YouTube channel, and the movie’s vibe is miles from Keery’s sunny mop—think biohazard suits, blaring sirens, and something nasty that should’ve stayed sealed. Slated on the 2026 movie calendar, the hook’s simple: Keery plays a blue-collar tech—wild ’do and all—who’s dragged into a nightmare when containment fails and a nasty fungus mutates and upgrades its living situation. Also in the mix is Neeson, whose particular set of skills includes spiking your pulse 15 BPM with a single glower. I'm so thoroughly excited for this one.

Let’s talk about that hair before the spores. Keery’s gone full “hazmat Himbo,” with surfer-blond mop flopping over his eyes and a choppy, DIY style that screams late-shift maintenance guy who didn’t think fighting an “apocalyptic fungus” was in the job description. It’s a sharp left turn from Steve Harrington’s glossy Hawkins coif, but it instantly sells the character. You don't have to say much or give exposition, because viewers will probably get it.

So what’s actually happening beneath the bangs? Keery plays Teacake, a self-storage employee working a facility that just happens to sit on top of a former military base—because of course it does. He teams with coworker Naomi (Campbell) when a government-sealed parasitic fungus breaks loose, unleashing brain-hijacking, body-bursting chaos on anything in range. Enter Neeson as a weathered bioterror operative. If you’re hearing echoes of containment thrillers with a streak of gallows humor, that’s the movie’s lane.

Behind the camera, there’s more pedigree than you might expect for a midnight-movie premise. Jonny Campbell (BBC’s Dracula 2020) directs from a screenplay that is a new book-to-screen adaptation of David Koepp’s novel, and yes, that's the Jurassic Park and Panic Room writer, David Koepp. Producing are Gavin Polone (Zombieland, Panic Room) and Koepp himself, which helps explain the trailer’s mix of pressure-cooker suspense and wry energy.

The supporting cast is stacked, too: Sosie Bacon (Smile), Vanessa Redgrave (Mission: Impossible), and Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) all pop up, giving the outbreak a classy, award-adjacent aftertaste even as things get gloriously gross.

Tone-wise, it's clear from the footage that we are getting a healthy mix of comedy, outbreak panic, and creature-feature mayhem, which is very much reminiscent of the greatest horror-comedy/thrillers. It's giving me Ghostbusters vibes.

The trailer caption confirms a February 13, 2026, theatrical date via Studio Canal and Samuel Goldwyn Films, and frames the movie as a sci-fi horror-comedy. And, the bottom line is Cold Storage looks like a gnarly, midnight-movie cocktail and a starring hairdo you’ll be discussing for days to come. Keery’s locks may be a mystery, but the trailer makes one thing clear—this one’s got bite, and, I for one, cannot wait to catch this flick in the cinema.

We’re officially back in the live-action Disney remake discourse, and things are getting messy over casting. Recent reporting suggests the long-gestating live-action Tangled is back in the works, with The Greatest Showman’s Michael Gracey still attached to direct and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Do Revenge, Thor: Love and Thunder) having penned the script. And, now, a heated debate has erupted online about whether or not Joe Kerry is the ideal choice for a beloved character.

Earlier this week, Bustle’s Instagram dropped a fan-cast featuring Joe Keery as Flynn Rider and Sabrina Carpenter as Rapunzel. Carpenter? Solid choice, most fans are into it. Keery, though? Let’s just say Instagram didn’t hold back. The most-liked comment read:

That comment has over 3,000 likes so, needless to say, several fans seem to feel this way -- and it just snowballed from there. However, what exactly are the fans saying? Let's take a look.

How Tangled Fans Are Reacting To Joe Keery Casting Idea

Suggestions for Flynn casting ranged from Jacob Elordi to Zayn Malik, with plenty of nostalgic stans still pushing for longtime Zombies stars and real-life close friends Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly. Here is just a taste of some of the comments from fans:

• “Correct decision: don't make another live action.” – @HollyFay43
• “IT SHLD BE MILO AND MEG 😍” – @lizzyslittlediaryy
• “Him for Flynn?? No, no and no.” – @naty_marecos
• “Yeah… DONT MAKE THE LIVE ACTION.” – @zeynepnehir_acikgoz
• “How about obscure upcoming actors and actresses, or better yet no live action? 🙂” – @xxsic_wolves
• “Zayn Malik for Flynn. Sabrina Carpenter for Rapunzel.” – @sumreenk92

However, the tone shifted dramatically over on X, where fans were practically throwing confetti at the idea. A post shared by fan account @DJOEtimeKEERY received the following response:

• “That would actually go so hard” – @RandomPenguin
• “MY DREAM 😭” – @shawnftdjo
• “ PLEASEEEE” – @wishbones4byler
• “ It would be iconic really.” – @fooshggs
• “ That'd be great he can be cocky and pathetic all at once I love it.” – @brubeeps

I don’t understand what the split is about, honestly. Joe Keery, best known as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things, definitely has that lovable-jerk energy that could work for Flynn. He’s funny and weirdly charming and has also proven he can nail the reluctant-hero arc. Additionally, the dude can sing, as he’s had moderate success as a musician under the alias Djo, after his song “End of Beginning” went viral thanks in part to The Bear fan edits over on TikTok.

Flynn Rider’s status as a “Disney prince with swagger” and Tangled’s underrated recent Disney hit mean fans have very specific visions for how the actor’s cast should look and sound. And Keery, with his soft-spoken weirdness and intentionally chaotic energy, doesn’t fit everyone’s mold. Still, I personally think it works and would be a pretty great choice.

The bigger casting shock to me is the rumored consideration of former MCU star Scarlett Johansson. According to a recent report, the actress is being eyed for the role of the evil mother/kidnapper of Rapunzel, Mother Gothel. Johansson just became the highest-grossing movie star ever, so casting her makes sense financially. However, I just don’t think she has the same kind of evil gravitas the character calls for. Other names being floated by fans include Helen Bonham Carter and Doctor Who's Michelle Gomez, which, honestly, sounds like a better fit —if not just a bit too old.

For me, casting Flynn (or any of the characters) isn’t about replicating the animated look in live action. Joe Keery might just bring the offbeat charm that makes a live-action Flynn feel less like cosplay and more like a real person. While you wait for casting news, know that Tangled is currently streaming with a Disney+ subscription in all its animated glory.

It is hard to believe that the final season of Stranger Things will be released on Netflix nearly a decade after Season 1 dropped. Back then, the cast had no idea they were filming one of the biggest shows ever, but with the first 4 episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 set to premiere on the 2025 TV schedule in November, the cast has been rewatching alongside their fans. Which led to Joe Keery and Charlie Heaton dropping some Season 1 lore that gives me a whole new perspective of their alley fight scene.

Let me jog your memory: It’s Season 1, and Nancy is dating popular jock Steve Harrington, while also teaming up with loner Jonathan Byers to find out what happened to his brother Will and her best friend Barb. Jonathan has a major crush on Nancy, and the two boys get into it in the alley. As it turns out, actors Keery and Heaton opted not to use their stunt doubles for this scene, and maybe they should have. In a video posted to the Stranger Things official Instagram, the two actors recall filming their fist fight, and Heaton explains what went wrong:

This is why stunt doubles exist! Clearly, Heaton and Keery are able to laugh about it all these years later. But it sounds like that wasn’t the case at the time, with the New Mutants actor revealing his scene partner was less than pleased with his mistake the second time around:

Looks like the final result wasn’t all acting, based on this BTS lore. Perhaps that’s what made the tension between these two characters so good during their alley fight. Some of those emotions were probably real, after the Free Guy actor got punched in the face, not once, but twice.

It’s important to remember though that 10 years ago, the cast wasn’t as close as they are now, having filmed 5 seasons together. Besides, Keery’s character, everyone’s favorite demogorgon slaying babysitter, wasn’t intended to have a major role in the series. Steve Harrington was supposed to just be Nancy’s asshole boyfriend, originally written off in Season 1. He became a fan-favorite though, and now has one of the best character arcs of the entire show.

So these two actors were probably more strangers than friends when they filmed this scene, and I can see there being less understanding between them, especially if Heaton managed to actually punch the Spree actor twice:

Watching it back, I can’t really blame the Marmalade actor. Heaton’s got a mean punch. As we know from later in Season 1, Steve turns out to be not too shabby himself. He steps up to attack the Demogorgon at the Byers’ house in order to save Nancy and Jonathan, and it is still one of Steve’s best moments to this day. It was also one of the first scenes in which this ongoing love triangle puts their angst aside to work together.

I honestly love this trio when they aren’t at odds with each other, and BTS photos from Season 5 have me hopeful they will team up again. Most of all, I hope those popular fan theories about Steve Harrington aren’t true, and that they all make it out alive. Regardless, I anticipate crying just as much as the cast did when they wrapped.

You can rewatch the popular sci-fi show alongside the cast now with a Netflix subscription, and be sure to check out how Steve, Jonathan, and Nancy’s journey will end, starting Thursday, November 26.

When you think of Joe Keery, it's likely that your mind will going to Stranger Things, one of the best shows on Netflix to date. The 33-year-old actor has been playing everyone’s favorite demogorgon-slaying-babysitter, Steve Harrington, since he was in his early 20s. The role launched his acting career, and it’s safe to say this fan-favorite ‘80s teen with killer hair will be the crown jewel of Keery's resume for years to come. How does Keery feel about that, though? Well, he just shared a fantastic take.

When a young actor spends 10 years of their life playing a popular role, it’s sometimes hard to escape that character afterwards. There’s a fear of being pigeon-holed into a specific archetype when it comes to roles. With Stranger Things 5 wrapped and set to premiere on Netflix’s 2025 release schedule, the Zach Sang Show asked Joe Keery how he was feeling about fans possibly only recognizing him as Steve Harrington for the foreseeable future, and it sounds like he's not all that bothered by the possibility:

The Marmalade actor is referring to his exploding music career, which he partakes in under the stage name Djo. By the time one of his songs went viral on TikTok, the indie artist had already released two studio albums. It was the viral success of “End of Beginning” that finally had people making the connection between the Stranger Things actor and his music. Between the release of his new album, The Crux, and the upcoming final season of ST, the Massachusetts native’s career is arguably more well known than ever before.

I think the stage alias definitely helps separate Keery’s musical craft from Steve Harrington, not that he’s trying to hide one from the other. I think his take on his Stranger Things fame is very glass-half full and grateful. For some, like his co-star, Millie Bobby Brown, the attention can be a burden at times. His mindset to see it as a privilege is the real gift. While Keery says he's looking forward into his next career move, he will never let go of his time on the Netflix series:

A crazy ride is putting it lightly. When Stranger Things premiered back in 2016, it was one of the first Netflix original series to really penetrate the pop culture zeitgeist. I'm not sure anyone could have imagined the pop cultural phenomenon it would become, especially not Keery.

According to series creators Duffer Brothers, Steve was one of the characters they had originally planned to kill off early on in Season 1, but they saw potential in Joe Keery’s portrayal and ran with it. The Free Guy actor told Sang he initially only signed on to four days of work on the Stranger Things set. Nearly a decade later, he experienced an emotional final day of filming.

I can’t say I blame them for keeping Joe Keery around as, ultimately, some of Steve’s best moments have been the highlights of the iconic sci-fi series. I only hope the fan theories about Steve's potential death in the upcoming season are proven wrong. I love Keery's character, but what makes me smile even more is that the actor himself doesn't plan to shy away from attention related to the role as time goes on.

You can check out Keery’s charismatic portrayal of Steve by streaming the first four seasons of Stranger Things now using a Netflix subscription.

The fifth and final season of Stranger Things is set to hit the 2025 TV schedule later this year after production wrapped in December 2024. After ten years on and off the set, it’s no surprise that the cast and crew were very emotional about ending such a momentous journey. Millie Bobby Brown, Sadie Sink, and Finn Wolfhard all opened up about what filming those final days was like, and now Joe Keery is sharing more thoughts on what it meant to him.

Keery is best known for playing fan-favorite Steve Harrington, who fans hope will make it out of the final season alive after a popular theory has many believing otherwise. The Fargo actor sat down with CBS Mornings recently, where he was asked what it was like letting go of Stranger Things and the character that truly launched his incredible career. He responded:

The sentiment of not believing it's truly over until the last day of filming is one that seems to be shared by the large ensemble cast as a whole. Brown shared similar thoughts in her goodbye post to the show, and back in March 2024, she even noted that she was trying not to think about what that last day would be like when they were in the early days of filming.

I’m just a fan of the show, and I’m already emotional thinking about what it’s going to be like watching the final season. It’s not the same at all, but I definitely sympathize with the younger cast members who have literally grown up on the show.

Even Keery, who started the show in his twenties, holds special memories about what it was like being on set every day. He's even already looking back on the experience with a sense of wonder, saying:

Ten years is a long time to devote to one project, so I think it’s totally understandable that the cast would have strong emotions about leaving a set that has become a second home to them. After all, they’ve endured a lot while filming Stranger Things, not just in the emotional and frightening story being told but also in the lengthy production delays production due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

Still, that didn’t stop CBS Morning host Anthony Mason from questioning how Keery could already be nostalgic for something that happened recently. The Marmalade actor held firm, explaining:

Stranger Things wasn’t just another project to Keery and the rest of the cast. Still, there’s a big difference between getting to see your fellow costars regularly during production for the better part of a decade and suddenly only catching them in passing.

Thankfully, the Stranger Things chapter isn’t fully over for Keery and the rest of the cast, as they’ll still have to promote the final season, which hopefully is going to get a release date from Netflix soon.

In the meantime, you can stream the first four seasons of Stranger Things with an active Netflix subscription. I know I’ve already started my rewatch to get reacquainted with all the horrors Vecna has inflicted on Hawkins so I'm all caught up by the time the final season drops.

One of the many shows ending and canceled in 2025, Stranger Things is going to be a tough title to say goodbye to. Sure, it’s been known for almost three years now that the hit Netflix series would be ending with Season 5, but it's still somewhat surreal to think that'll it be over by the end during the 2025 TV schedule. Now that filming has wrapped, cast member Joe Keery is joining his castmates in discussing his experience on the final day, and I need some tissues.

What Joe Keery Said About Wrapping Stranger Things' Final Season

Joe Keery appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he discussed his new album, The Crux, talked about the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. Only a handful of details have been shared about the new episodes as of right now, including the Season 5 episode titles. Keery didn't share spoilers but did provide insight into his last day and overall experience working on the show, which makes this Netflix subscription holder's heart so full:

Stranger Things 5 was in production for a year and, while the cast and crew were probably preparing themselves that entire time, it was probably a given that their respective last days would be a lot. They are a "family" that's been working together for 10 years. For a fan like myself, the fact that ST is really ending this year is only feeling more real. That's a sad prospect, but I love the fact that Joe Keery is looking back on the work with fondness as his colleagues have.

What Have Other Stranger Things Cast Members Said About Wrapping?

After Season 5 wrapped, other Stranger Things actors posted tributes to the series. One such person was Millie Bobby Brown, who posted a series of photos to her Instagram from throughout her time on one of the best Netflix shows. Sadie Sink also shared photos from set and a short but sweet message commemorating her time as Max, while Noah Schnapp wrote a lengthy and heartfelt message and shared photos.

Finn Wolfhard made a Toy Story 3 comparison while discussing his final day. He described it as “leaving your toys behind,” and it really does put into perspective just how long the show has been on. The Duffer Brothers' sci-fi horror show premiered in 2016, with production starting in 2015. So it's certainly been a sizable chunk of the cast's lives as Joe Keery mentioned. It'll surely be weird that they'll no longer be working together. However, I take comfort in the thought that they'll all be "family for life."

A premiere date for Stranger Things 5 has not been revealed just yet amid Netflix’s 2025 lineup. Just be sure you have a subscription to the aforementioned platform to check it out and binge the previous four seasons to get ready.

Stranger Things was one of many shows hit with delays due to the actors' writers' strikes in 2023. Then, months after those ended, its fifth and final season officially went into production in January with the cast, crew, and fans like myself over the moon about it. Now, Joe Keery, who plays fan-favorite Hawkins resident Steve Harrington, gave a sweet Stranger Things 5 update, except his wording worries me.

Based on Joe Keery and Maya Hawke taking a sweet pic during production, it’s clear the cast is very excited to reunite and work on Stranger Things with each other one last time before it’s time to say goodbye. However, as we’re nearing the end of summer, fans of Netflix’s binge-watchable series like myself are itching to find out how filming is coming along and if we’re any closer to a premiere date. Keery spoke to TV Insider about this, and he provided a sweet update about the work they're doing, but his words honestly have me a bit worried:

But what does that mean if Joe Keery doesn’t know how far along filming is? Are there any scheduling issues or other obstacles getting in the way? Is he not in the loop about key plot points? Could he just be playing clueless to keep the show's secrets? The questions are endless...

While we’re hoping that Stranger Things 5 will premiere sometime next year, as they've been in production for months now, these comments concern me. It gives off the vibe that there's still a lot to do. So, the long-running time of filming could mean we have to wait even longer to say goodbye to Hawkins and the Upside Down.

Moving on to another question his comments gave me: With Keery saying he’s “in the dark in my own way,” is he saying he’s got less screen time than everyone? Is Steve going to make it or could he be playing “Mom Steve” and sacrifice himself for his young friends? It was already heart-wrenching enough to see Eddie sacrifice himself to protect Dustin and everyone else. If Steve is next, and he joins the list of major Stranger Things character deaths, fans will be shedding a lot of tears.

If you look back at Steve Harrington’s best moments on Stranger Things, it's clear that he’s one of the show’s most developed characters. He started off as a jerk, but eventually, he fought evil with Hawkins’ young residents and he's become everyone's favorite babysitter. But if a popular Stranger Things fan theory were to come true, I feel like he’d get a noble death that’ll prove to audiences what a hero he’s been in the series.

As filming is officially halfway through, that should mean it's closer to being over. Even though Joe Keery is keeping us in the dark about important details on the upcoming horror TV series, he did share something touching about filming proceeding:

It’s incredibly sweet that Joe Keery is cherishing the time he’s spending with his Stranger Things castmates as filming continues. Two years is absolutely a long time to wait for a series finale, but I’m confident it’ll be worth it. All we know so far about Stranger Things 5 is that it's expected to premiere in 2025. The main cast will all be returning and they've added ‘80s stars like Linda Hamilton.

In terms of the plot, we were told by The Duffer Brothers that everything would be “a lot larger in scale” with the closing of the show focusing on Will, who was one of the Upside Down’s first victims in Hawkins. I have a feeling there are going to be a lot of surprises in store for us that will make the final season all the more memorable.

Joe Keery gave a sweet message about the “fun experience” he’s had to film with his Stranger Things chums, but it has also me worried about how much longer filming will go and how much he’ll be in the series. As we sit and wait for the final season of the 2024 Netflix series, we can watch all four seasons with a Netflix subscription.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe just expanded in an exciting way for fans who have spent years watching the Marvel movies in order. After a long wait, Deadpool & Wolverine hit theaters and is making serious money at the box office. Lots of fans went to theaters, and it turns out that even the Stranger Things cast totally saw Deadpool 3 on opening wekend. And now I totally wish there’d been a Demogorgon in the void.

Those with a Netflix subscription are not-so-patiently waiting for Stranger Things Season 5 to finally arrive and end the beloved series. Filming is underway, but some of the cast used their time off to support director Shawn Levy's MCU debut. Levy shared a photo of the group on his Instagram Stories, check it out below:

How cute is that? While the entire cast isn't assembled, a number of fan favorites from Hawkins got together to see Deadpool & Wolverine during its first weekend in theaters. And yes, now I kinda want a crossover with the MCU.

In this image we see a number of fan favorites from Stranger Things. Steve Harrington himself Joe Keery is shown with a peace sign, and behind him are the Wheeler siblings Finn Wolfhard and Natalia Dwyer, as well as Noah Schnapp. We'll just have to see how many of their characters end up surviving the show's final season.

A big part of Deadpool & Wolverine's runtime is set in The Void, which is where pruned variants are sent by Loki's Time Variance Authority. We got to see all sorts of characters and places there, so why not throw in a Demogorgon for good measure? I mean, the fans are having a hard enough time waiting for the final season of Stranger Things to finally get here.

While without any ties to Stranger Things (besides Shawn Levy of course), the Deadpool threequel put Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds' faux feud on display, to great results. The movie was filled with laughs, some truly epic action sequences, and (most importantly) heart. And given how wildly successful the blockbuster has been in just a few short days, one has to wonder how the studio will use the two title characters for upcoming Marvel movies.

Shawn Levy has worked on Ryan Reynolds on a number of major films, including The Adam Project and Free Guy. But despite his long career as a producer and filmmaker, he truly became a household name thanks to his contributions to Stranger Things. In addition to being a producer, he's expected to direct at least one episode for the beloved series' final season on the air.

It's currently unclear when the final season of Stranger Things will premiere, but anticipation is at a fever pitch. For now, you can watch Deadpool & Wolverine in theaters, and check the 2025 movie release dates.

Nearly two full years have passed since the Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 1 ending released for Netflix subscribers, and there's still no news about when the fifth and final season will be ready to go. After the cliffhangers from the Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 2 ending, fans have had a lot to wonder about since spring 2022. Now, co-creator Ross Duffer has shared some photos of Natalie Dyer and Charlie Heaton as Nancy and Jonathan, and the clues about who they'll be paired with is worth getting excited about even as hiatus continues. I'm stoked, anyway!

In noting that Stranger Things Season 5 had finished filming through Week 19 of production, Ross Duffer shared a bunch of pics, including a few that suggest fans with Netflix subscriptions are in for a throwback to the earliest days of the series. Take a look:

While there's only so much we can glean about Stranger Things filming locations and plot points from the photos, the first image shows Steve and Nancy looking pretty terrified in the back of a car, which the show's Instagram account confirmed is the back of Steve Harrington's BMW. The next photo shows the Duffer Brothers as well as Joe Keery looking at a screen along with Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton, who are seemingly wearing the same costumes that they were in the back of the car.

It looks like those early special effects sneak peeks weren't messing around about Steve and Jonathan sharing some scenes! After this particular trio had one of the major storylines of the first season, it'll be a throwback to get them back together again. The next image from Duffer looks to be like a screenshot of a video of Maya Hawke as Robin, but it's impossible to say just on that if she's in the same storyline as Steve, Nancy, and Jonathan. I have to hope so, though, as the Robin/Steve duo has been one of the most fun parts of the show since Season 3.

Without even a teaser trailer to go on, fans have really only had photos to use as fuel for speculation. Some other behind-the-scenes pics from Ross Duffer seemingly reveal that the final season is set in 1989 after a time jump of multiple years, although it's possible that I'm just reading too much into one particular prop. Some footage could really help!

Even if we can't expect any spoilers as big as to confirm whether the Stranger Things Demogorgon will be back or if there's any truth to fan speculation about whether Eddie Munson is alive, even a brief teaser would be more than welcome at this point. Still, I can appreciate Ross Duffer providing the occasional glimpses behind the scenes that seem to confirm at least some elements of the fifth and final season.

For now, you can always revisit the first four seasons streaming with a Netflix subscription, and check out some other options on our 2024 TV schedule that will arrive a whole lot sooner than Stranger Things Season 5.

Many people know Joe Keery as the complicated Steve Harrington on Stranger Things, but now fans are getting to know the actor for his musical talents. He has enjoyed moderate success as a musician under the alias Djo, and he has even played at popular music festivals. However, this was before his song “End of Beginning” became a viral sensation on TikTok, earning Keery a hit on the Billboard charts and more attention on his musical pursuits. Now, the actor/musician has given Jeremy Allen White and The Bear some credit for making the song so popular, and it's for a really interesting reason.

The "End of Beginning" song was released in 2022, and Keery has performed it live many times, including at Lollapalooza last year. However, the track didn’t truly take off until fans of FX’s The Bear started making compilation edits to “End of Beginning.” It is a perfect song for this because the lyrics can easily relate to Carmy finding solace in returning to his midwestern roots in Chicago in the show. Because of this association, Keery recently gave Jeremy Allen White, who has won awards for playing Carmy on The Bear, some credit for the song receiving attention. He told Rolling Stone:

The song gained popularity in part because of The Bear fan edits (like the one below), but it has since taken off in other ways with many viral videos using the song to convey emotion. It has been used in many compilations of Chicago, or metaphorically, over montages of college experiences or TikTokers’ own hometowns. It became even more popular when TikTok learned that the Stranger Things star was the one behind the song, and people documented their reactions to learning this. Now, it has taken on a life of its own, and it is used as the sound for a TikTok trend where creators reveal what they would buy if they won the lottery.

While “End of Beginning” has been recontextualized after going viral on TikTok, the song was originally written about Keery’s personal ties to Chicago. The actor attended DePaul University, and the song documents some of his feelings toward returning to his college city, and the memories that come with it. 

Those who have heard the song likely understand why it has become so popular, as the lyrics connect deeply with many post-grad students who have experienced something similar. The popularity of The Bear in tandem with the song can not be overlooked, either, as the themes of both are closely related, so it makes sense why Keery would want to give some credit to Jeremy Allen White.

Keery may be receiving a lot of attention right now for his strengths as a musician, but this doesn’t mean he is leaving acting behind. After several delays, Stranger Things is returning with its cast in 2025. Keery is expected to reprise his role as Steve for Season 5, which just went into production. In addition, he is starring alongside Liam Neeson in the film Cold Storage, a disaster thriller expected in 2025. The Fargo star is certainly a multi-talented guy, and I can’t wait to see what other music he puts out as well. He has yet to work with Jeremy Allen White officially, but with the success of “End of Beginning,” it feels like he already has. 

You can check out Joe Keery’s music under Djo now, as his most recent album Decide is available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music. You can also see the actor on Stranger Things, which is streaming for Netflix subscribers. For more information on other projects heading to the streamer in the near future, make sure to consult our feature on upcoming Netflix movie and TV show releases. 

While many of us know Joe Keery because of his beloved Stranger Things character Steve Harrington, these days he’s also known for his music. Using the stage name Djo, the actor/musician has been making waves recently because his song “End of the Beginning” has gone mega-viral on TikTok. Now, as his music starts to hit the mainstream, many are wondering how to pronounce Keery’s stage name, and it turns out, it’s way easier than you’d think.

Much like how I’m frequently theorizing about Stranger Things Season 5 and questions like: Is Eddie Munson really dead? And how will the crew defeat the big bad Vecna? I was equally puzzled by how to pronounce Joe Keery’s stage name. While only three letters, the D at the front was cause for confusion. I couldn’t deduce if you were supposed to pronounce it like d-joe or if it was supposed to be said like an acronym, d-j-o, or if it was something totally different. Well, while speaking with SiriusXM, Keery cleared up the confusion about the pronunciation of Djo, saying:

You heard it from the man himself folks, Djo is literally just pronounced like his name, Joe. It’s as easy as that. 

The interviewer then asked the Fargo actor if the idea for it came from the name “Django,” and he told her she was right, explaining that a famous jazz guitarist inspired him:

Along with that, Keery also explained when he came up with the name. He noted that this realization was a late-night thought, and he said it was last minute too:

The rest indeed is history. Djo’s song “End of the Beginning” currently sits at the top of Billboard’s TikTok Top 50, and many people online are using the track as the soundtrack to their viral videos. This comes a few months into production on Stranger Things Season 5, so I think it’s safe to say that Joe Keery has been staying booked, busy and incredibly successful. 

Releasing his first album Twenty Twenty in 2019 and his second DECIDE in 2022, Keery has released multiple singles and two albums under the name Djo. While he’s maintained a mighty fanbase, it’s only been recently that his music exploded online. 

However, Joe Keery is no stranger to massive amounts of attention on his work. Stranger Things has been a pop culture phenomenon since it debuted in 2016, and his character Steve Harrington has been a fan-favorite character ever since he turned into everyone’s favorite babysitter in Season 2. 

Along with that, Steve became one-half of Stranger Things' best duos when Maya Hawke’s Robin was introduced in Season 3. Funnily enough, Keery’s frequent scene partner is also a musician, and she’s released two albums – her new project, Chaos Angel, is coming in May. However, she just goes by her name, Maya Hawke, so there’s no confusion on how to pronounce it. 

Like Stranger Things, Djo – pronounced Joe – is only growing in popularity. Hopefully, by the time Season 5 premieres, many more discover Keery’s talents as a musician and fall in love with him and his funky stage name, just like they did with the Netflix hit. 

Stranger Things is finally in the midst of filming Season 5, but it’s still going to be a while before the final episodes hit Netflix. No stranger to lengthy waits between seasons, fans know how to keep themselves busy by coming up with wild theories about everything from what the Upside Down really is and how Vecna is involved, to what characters’ fates will be when the show ends, like fan-favorite Steve Harrington. 

The latter of these theories is a hot topic amongst the Stranger Things fandom as many (including star Millie Bobby Brown) have criticized the show for not being bold enough to kill members of the main cast. However, now that the final season is here, many fans believe that the creators are finally going to give fans what they want and that no character is safe. According to several Reddit threads, like this one, and tweets shared online, Steve Harrington is at the top of the list of characters fans don’t think will survive the final battle against the Upside Down, and I really hope they're wrong.

Why Fans Believe Steve Harrington Is Going To Die In Season 5

Die-hard fans of the Netflix sci-fi drama will recall that Steve Harrington was never supposed to make it out of Season 1 alive. However, the Duffer Brothers and executive producer Shawn Levy were so enamored by Joe Keery, that they decided to keep him around. And thank god they did because we never would have gotten one of the best duos in the show's history had they stuck with their original plan. 

This background is a large reason why so many fans believe Steve’s days are numbered. However, it’s not the only theory. Another popular reason why fans, like those on the Film Theorists Reddit, believe he’ll die by the end of the series is because of the ongoing Nancy-Jonathan-Steve love triangle. As with most love triangles, there are fans on both sides rooting for their couple to win — and even some fans, like myself, who hope to see Nancy single by the end of the show. However, the popular take is that out of the three, Steve is going to be the one to kick the bucket while Nancy continues her relationship with Jonathan. 

X User @bucsbasemnt pointed out that some fans believe Steve isn't going to make it out alive because he made the fatal horror movie error and dreamt about what his future would look like. Remember that 6 nuggets and a Winnebago speech? Well, it might have been the nail in the coffin if the show follows standard horror movie tropes. 

So, all in all, there are a lot of theories floating around that could explain why Steve might be killed off. 

How They Want Him To Die 

Despite never killing off the main members of the cast, Stranger Things does have a history of making the minor character deaths extremely memorable and divisive. So divisive, that many fans are still wondering if Season 4 favorite Eddie Munson is really dead. All that’s to say that the Duffer Brothers know how to write a heroic death, but that could be a problem heading into the final season, especially when it comes to making Steve’s death equally as impactful. 

Fans don’t seem to be too worried about that though, since, according to this Reddit thread by Terrell8799, the most popular theory about how Steve Harrington is going to die involves him making a sacrificial move to save either Dustin Henderson, Robin Buckley, or his alleged true love Nancy Wheeler. It makes the most sense in terms of how the show has handled deaths in the past. It also works given that Steve’s always the babysitter of the group, and he has constantly put himself in danger to protect others, even way back in Season 1.

A less popular theory involves him succumbing to the injuries he got at the end of Season 4 by the demobats and vines in the Upside Down’s version of the Creel House. While this makes the most logical sense, Stranger Things has never been one for logic. The reports that Season 5 is going to feature a sizeable time jump also make this theory less likely. 

Overall, there are a couple of ways fans think Steve will go, and I really hope they're all wrong.

Why I Hope Those Fan Theories Are Wrong And Steve Harrington Gets To Live

While I understand why some fans believe that killing Steve makes the most sense, I can’t help but disagree with them. Here’s the thing, if the Duffer Brothers wanted to kill him in a meaningful way, they should have done it last season. Then he could have swapped places with Eddie and been the one to stay back with Dustin and, in the end, sacrificed himself to save him and buy the others time to defeat Vecna. That would have made the most sense and had tremendous repercussions for the rest of the characters. 

When it comes to Steve’s character, it makes the most sense for him to die saving someone, but I don't think it can be Dustin since he’s already witnessed a sacrificial death at his expense with Eddie. If they chose to put him through that again, it would lack originality and emotional depth. 

That leaves two options: have Steve sacrifice himself to save Nancy which would annoy a large subset of fans (myself included) or have him do so to save Robin. However, that also feels lackluster, because we’ve already seen Steve throw himself to the wolves to protect Robin in Season 3 with the Russians.

With a sacrificial death seemingly off the table, I just don’t see any other way for the Duffer Brothers to kill Steve in a meaningful way. After all, he's already proven himself able to take on demogorgons, demodogs, demobats, and Vecna, what else could the Upside Down possibly throw his way that he can't defeat? 

They had their chance in every season and they’ve never taken it, doing so now would feel ingenue. Not to mention, the series has a pattern of only killing people off in the final two episodes of a season which means we wouldn’t even get to see how his death would affect the other characters. 

Beyond that, killing Steve is a huge disservice to his character arc. He’s put in the work to become a better person, and he has since realized he was wrong in Season 1. Steve’s had no real ties keeping him involved in the Upside Down and Hawkins Lab nonsense and yet, he’s always there to help out often putting his safety at risk to do so. In my opinion, he deserves the chance to put an end to the Upside Down that robbed him of his youth and walk into a bright future. 

Unfortunately, it’ll be a while before we find out if these theories are right. Thankfully, the Duffer Brothers continue to tease fans with behind-the-scenes photos, so we could get hints in the coming months. In the meantime, fans can stream all four seasons of Stranger Things with a Netflix subscription. And keep an eye out for any new info about Season 5 that may be shared. 

Stranger Things may be a show about a group of kids facing off against interdimensional monsters, but over the years it’s also made a point to weave romance into the narrative. With the fifth and final season in production, it’s safe to assume that some of these will-they, won’t-they relationships are going to have actual resolutions by the time the credits roll. While I’m a fan of most of them, there is one character I hope ends up single instead of in another relationship, and that's Nancy Wheeler. 

Nancy Wheeler (played by Natalia Dyer) started out as the only teenage girl in the main cast, so it’s no surprise the Duffer Brothers immediately placed her into a love triangle with Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) and Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton). For a while it seemed like she had made her choice, choosing to stay with the latter as they bonded over their investigation tendencies. However, the Season 4 ending seemed to breathe life into the dreaded love triangle once again, placing Nancy between both men who have grown and matured after all the horrors they’ve faced. 

As a romance fan, actively wishing for a character to be single seems counterintuitive. However, in Nancy’s case, it’s the only ending to Season 5 of Stranger Things that would make sense for her character. Why? Well, I'm glad you asked: 

Nancy Deserves An Arc Free Of Romance

When it comes to Nancy’s character, it seems all anyone ever wants to talk about is who she’s going to end up with when the hit Netflix show ends. It’s not enough that she’s faced off against a Demogrogon and won, looked straight at the big bad Vecna while trying to kill him, and often led the charge in the final episode guiding the group to victory. Dyer can’t even go on late-night talk shows without being grilled about the love triangle by hosts and other guests. 

While it’s all in good fun, it’s a disservice to how brilliant and fearless Nancy is. She has the potential to be this generation’s next heroine to kick ass like Ellen Ripley, and yet no one wants to acknowledge how badass she actually is. Instead, she’s often stuck trying to be an investigative reporter each season which almost always gets overshadowed by her relationships. Even Season 3 focused more on her relationship turmoil with Jonathan after they got fired than her being the one to put the pieces together about The Spider Monster. 

In a perfect world, Nancy would ditch both boys at the start of Season 5, and her arc would center on her putting an end to Vecna and the Upside Down once and for all, while also realizing her worth. She definitely has the intelligence and track record to do just that. 

Neither Of Nancy’s Love Interests Share Her Own Goals For The Future

Beyond the fact that Nancy is a badass character who deserves to be acknowledged for that fact alone, the other reason I want her to be single is that both of her love interests actually suck. Don’t get me wrong I love Steve Harrington and think he’s one of the best Stranger Things characters and Jonathan has his own redeeming qualities, but as boyfriends to Nancy, they’re terrible. 

We see this disconnect clearly in Season 4 when Jonathan voices his concerns about college life to his new California friend Argyle (who sadly won’t be returning for Season 5), and he opens up about wanting to stay close to his family after high school. Steve doesn’t fare any better after openly admitting to Nancy that the future he envisions for them is spending the summer together with their “six little nuggets,” and a Winnebago. 

On the surface, neither of these visions for the future seem bad, but the thing people forget about Nancy is she has very clearly and repeatedly shared her distaste for the nuclear family lifestyle. She doesn’t believe in it, and she definitely doesn’t want that for her life. This alone should strike Steve from being one of her suitors, but that hasn’t been the case since the two have shared several key moments over the years. 

As for Jonathan, well, Nancy’s already been accepted into Emerson, and she’s likely not going to sacrifice her dreams to go to a school closer to him. This means the two of them would have to keep doing long distance, which already isn’t working for her. There’s also the fact that Jonathan is floundering with his own personal aspiration, which would drive career-oriented Nancy nuts eventually. 

Overall, I just don't think these two are good matches for Nancy.

Nancy Needs Time To Grow And Heal On Her Own 

Even if a new love interest was introduced, I still would want Nancy to stay single because it’s what her character truly needs. She’s never gotten to properly grieve the loss of her best friend Barbara Holland, and she’s no doubt going to come out of the final battle with Vecna with more scars of her own to deal with. 

Nancy deserves time to process the last several years of hell she’s gone through thanks to the Hawkins Lab and the Upside Down, while also chasing her dreams of being an award-winning journalist. She deserves to get some semblance of the youth that was stolen from her back. In my opinion, she can’t do any of those things if she’s tied down with Steve, Jonathan, or any other love interest that might rise from the ashes of Hawkins.

Time with herself would also allow her to understand who she is as a person and why she has this need to always put herself in harm’s way. It could even do wonders for her platonic and sibling relationships which have both been pushed aside in exchange for subpar romances. 

At the end of the day, I know that the likelihood of Nancy turning both Jonathan and Steve down isn’t likely given how much effort has been put into the love triangle by the Stranger Things team. But, I’m not going to give up hope. After all, stranger things have happened, like Hopper surviving the blast in Season 3. Not to mention I still think that Eddie Munson isn’t actually dead. So, really, wanting Nancy to end up single is the least weird thing I could hope for when the series returns. 

Season 5 of Stranger Things is currently in production, however, we don't know when it will come out. While we wait, fans can have fun theorizing about the iconic sci-fi series, while also living vicariously through the teasers the cast and crew have been sharing. You can also stream the first four seasons of the show with a Netflix subscription. 

Major spoilers ahead for Marmalade. 

Joe Keery might be in the Stranger Things Season 5 trenches right now, reprising his role as beloved Steve Harrington for the final time, but the actor/singer has a lot of other projects in the works too. Though his appearance in Season 5 of Fargo has come to an end, fans can now obsess over his role of Baron in the romantic heist Marmalade. 

The movie, which is written and directed by Keir O’Donnell, follows Baron (Keery), a sweet small-town boy who finds himself incarcerated after the love of his life, Marmalade (Camila Morrone) talks him into robbing a bank. He quickly befriends his cellmate Otis (Aldis Hodge) and convinces him to help him escape so he can reunite with Marmalade. In return, Barron promises Otis $250,000 for his troubles. Reluctant at first, Otis agrees and Baron spends the rest of the day telling him about how he ended up here in the first place. 

On the surface, it seems like a tried and true heist gone wrong movie with a hint of romance peppered into it. At least, that’s what I was expecting when I decided to digitally rent the movie. However, Marmalade isn’t at all what it seems. Keery, Morrone, and Hodge all put on a masterful performance, but it’s the movie’s major plot twists that have me still thinking about it days after watching. 

The First Plot Twist Was Surprising, But Not All That Shocking 

I may not be well-versed in heist movies, but it’s pretty normal to expect some kind of plot twist. For Marmalade the first twists come about an hour into the movie. During mealtime, Baron finds himself in a scuffle with another prisoner forcing Otis to intervene. However, when Otis gets hauled away by security, he’s not thrown back into his cell but rather is thrust into an office swarming with FBI agents. 

It turns out that Otis isn’t a prisoner, but an undercover FBI agent who has been tracking Marmalade and her string of bank robberies for some time now. The goal is to use Baron to get to her and put an end to her crime spree. 

I was definitely surprised at the sudden switch, but it definitely made sense. Why else would Otis encourage Baron to tell him how he ended up in jail instead of just enacting a plan to break him out right away? It was a stalling and misdirection tactic, that worked on me since I did not see the plot twist coming. 

The Second Plot Twist Completely Blew My Mind

With the Otis reveal out of the way, I thought I was safe from any other plot twists. Never have I been so wrong in my life! 

The last twenty to thirty minutes of Marmalade is where the story really starts to shine. Otis manages to get Baron out of jail, but his plan to stay with him backfires leaving the recent convict on his own. Thankfully, Otis and his team are fast and begin trailing him in the hopes of finally nabbing Marmalade. 

While it seems that Baron is leading them straight to her, all hope is lost when Baron manages to swap cars with a food service employee and get Otis off his trail. We then follow Baron back to the cabin where everything started and learn that he hid the money there along with several newspaper clippings of FBI Agent Otis. Turns out, he’s known Otis’s real identity this whole time! 

As if that’s not mind-blowing enough, it quickly becomes clear that Baron is the one behind the string of bank robberies, not Marmalade. In fact, Marmalade doesn’t even exist. She’s a figment of Baron’s imagination that he projected his own life trauma onto. 

I was so surprised by the twist of events, that I had to pause the movie to wrap my head around the fact that Baron was the mastermind in the entire operation. Once I came to terms with it, I was blown away at how effectively the writing and Keery’s performance threw me off Baron’s trail. I never would have expected him to be so conniving, but it all made sense. It's definitely one of the best plot twists in a movie -- at least in my opinion. 

After all, he wasn’t robbing banks for himself, he was doing it to afford his mother’s life-saving medication and help other patients suffering from the same condition. He’s a real-life Robin Hood waging war against the pharmaceutical industry (and his abusive foster father who owned the medication company). 

The Entire Movie Works Because Of Keery’s Phenomenal Performance 

It’s no surprise that Keery has undeniable range when it comes to acting. He’s made a name for himself playing Steve Harrington, who famously went from a jerk antagonist to one of the best characters in Stranger Things. Beyond that he’s played a loveable nerd in Free Guy, a rideshare driver obsessed with going viral in Spree, and most recently showed off his talents playing Gator, the morally gray son of Sheriff Tillman (Jon Hamm) who goes on a wild journey in Season 5 of Fargo. 

The role of Baron in Marmalade can best be described as a combination of all the best elements of Keery’s former roles. He’s a sweetheart with a penchant for caretaking (like Steve Harrington), he’s easily swayed by the people he loves in his life and will risk it all if the moment feels right (like Gator), and though he’s not a rideshare driver or interested in getting internet famous like his character in Spree, Baron is obsessed with finding a way to pay for his mother’s medication. 

Keery absolutely knocks it out of the park. I was slightly worried that the wig and Southern accent were going to be distracting, but it all fades into the background as Baron begins telling the story about how he landed himself in jail. And when the twist is revealed and Baron sheds the naive, small-town boy stereotypes to become an unlikely morally gray hero, well the actor’s range truly shines. 

While the Stranger Things actor might be the main character here, he has some help along the way. Morrone and Hodge both serve as excellent scene partners, pushing the plot along while also helping Keery explore the character of Baron. Someone needs to give the casting director a raise because this movie would not have been as good as it is without this trio. 

Marmalade may not have been a highly anticipated 2024 movie release, but it clearly should have been. At the very least, everyone should watch it at least once. Marmalade is playing in select theaters not and is also available to rent or purchase on VOD sites like Apple TV and Prime Video. 

Between a host of lovable characters, skin-crawling monsters and the mysterious underworld of the Upside Down, Stranger Things is one of the most obsession-worthy shows imaginable for fans of science fiction. As we prepare to say goodbye to one of Netflix’s best creations with Stranger Things Season 5, it’s a great time to show your love of the TV show in your living space (or give a great gift to a fellow fan) with the show’s many available Funko Pops.

Across the four seasons of Stranger Things that have been released thus far, so many iconic character moments and they’ve been immortalized through Funko Pops. If you’re shopping for the best Stranger Things Funkos, look no further to become a master of Pop-pets. 

Eleven With Eggos And Mike With Walkie Talkie (From Season 1) 

Friends don’t lie! Our love of Stranger Things all started back in 2016 when the first season introduced us to Eleven and the gang of friends who help her. Eleven and Mike create a special bond from the start, and those beginnings have been turned into a pair of Funkos you can buy together, because as we know, Eleven and Mike don’t like to be apart for long.

Will The Wise (From Season 3) 

It’s safe to say the Stranger Things boys may not have become the best of friends that they are without the power of Dungeons and Dragons, which they would play every week together before their life kind of became a game of survival on its own. In the spirit of that, a unique Funko to own is this glow in the dark “Will The Wise” figure! 

Hawaiian Shirt Hopper (From Season 3) 

David Harbour’s Jim Hopper is one of the best parts of Stranger Things, between his character arc and funny moments with the cast. His best fit of the series has to be in Season 3 when he rocked a Hawaiian shirt and does some action-packed investigating. Hopper fans will love this find. 

Max with Walkman (From Season 4) 

I don’t think we’ll ever forget the emotional “Running Up That Hill” sequence starring Sadie Sink’s Max in Season 4 of Stranger Things. The moment that made Kate Bush’s ‘80s song go viral decades after its release has been tributed though this Funko Pop. She looks a lot more content as a frozen figure than how she appeared in the show, that’s for sure. 

Joyce with Christmas Lights (From Season 1) 

When we first fell for Stranger Things, Joyce’s sequence with the Christmas Lights in an effort to communicate with Will from the Upside Down was one of those big moments that got us there. This Funko Pop's price has lit up a big higher over the years as it's become more rare, so snatch it up before you have to communicate by otherworldly means to get your own! 

Robin In Scoops Ahoy Outfit (From Season 3) 

It’s hard to believe Maya Hawke’s Robin has only been around for two seasons on Stranger Things, because she’s become a favorite of ours so quickly! While she’s worn a lot of great fits since her introduction, her most identifiable outfit remains from Scoops Ahoy, where she was once a coworker with Steve Harrington at the mall. A lot of mileage comes from that hat font.

Eddie Munson & Dustin With The Demobats (From Season 4) 

The last we saw of the series was the Stranger Things Season 4, Volume 2 ending, where Dustin and Eddie came across some pesky Demobats in the Upside Down and had to fend them off. Ultimately, Eddie fended them off and lost his life saving everyone doing so by playing Metallica’s “Master of the Puppets” on his guitar. Funko made this special set of both Eddie and Dustin coming against the Demobats. It’s a great keepsake for an all-time great moment in the series. 

Steve Harrington with Spiked Baseball Bat (From Season 2) 

I say with confidence that Joe Keery’s Steve Harrington remains the No. 1 heartthrob of Stranger Things in many of our hearts, and him swinging his spiked baseball bat with Demogorgon-destroying rage was most certainly a highlight of the character’s arc on the show thus far. This Funko Pop was a San Diego Comic Con exclusive, so it’s pricer than the others, but we’re not bat-ting any eyelashes at that, since it’s a great figure!  

Alexei with Slurpee (From Season 3) 

Another iconic slice of Season 3 (arguably the most iconic of anything free from danger and romance) was Alexei’s Slurpee moment. The Russian scientist quickly became a beloved character during the 2016 season of the show. Sadly, Alexei did not make it long enough to try new flavors, but this Funko Pop can keep him alive forever. 

Barb (From Season 1) 

The first famed casualty of Stranger Things was Barb. Anyone and everyone who saw Season 1 of Stranger Things needed a few business days (or business years, honestly) to cope with the sudden death of Nancy’s best friend so early in the series. She was gone too soon…but at least the character found justice in Funko form. 

Billy On Halloween (From Season 2) 

No list of ST characters would be complete without the hellacious Billy Hargrove, who first arrived in Season 2. The older step-brother of Max Mayfield was used as a vessel by the Mind Flayer, making him a sizable villain in Stranger Things. Perhaps his most memorable fit was on Halloween when he wore the leather jacket without a shirt. It’s one of the most sought after Funkos as well, given the price tag.  

Black Light Vecna (From Season 4) 

Speaking of villains, the big bad of Stranger Things is Vecna of course. With the release of the fourth season of the series, Funko released a special black light version of Vecna that will add some creepy coolness to whatever space you place it in. Is it Number One? That's up to the buyer.

Camo Lucas (From Season 3)

Caleb McLaughlin’s Lucas Sinclair has had tons of great moments in the series (and plenty of Funko editions as well), but our favorite is this sweet fit he wore in Season 3. As you may recall, Lucas wore the same camo bandana in Season 1, so it was fun to see him bring it back for Season 3 with an upgrade to his ‘80s sense of style. 

Hunter Nancy (Season 4) 

Another OG Stranger Things character to add to your collection is Nancy Wheeler. While there’s many versions of the high schooler in Funko form, we argue the best is from Season 4 when she went into badass mode, gun and all! She might also have the best plastic 'do of anyone.

Jonathan With Camera (Season 1) 

And to finish out our collection of best Funko Pops, check out this Season 1 figure of a glaring Jonathan holding his camera. It’s going for $70 these days because it’s more rare than a lot of other figures, and presumably not because of what's on the camera's film. Treat yourself to Funko treasure! 

As you go down the Funko Pop rabbit hole, check out what movie Funko Pops we cannot believe hasn’t been made yet! You can also catch up on Stranger Things now with a Netflix subscription. 

Every streaming service had a handful of megahits, and those with a Netflix subscription know that Stranger Things is definitely in that category. The sci-fi period piece is wildly popular, and fans are preparing for the release of its fifth and final season. After a strikes-related delay, Stranger Things 5 is in production, with Joe Keery and Maya Hawke reuniting with a sweet set photo. And I've never missed Steve and Robin more, tbh. 

Maya Hawke's Robin was introduced in the third season of Stranger Things, and quickly became a fan favorite character. This is partly thanks to her friendship with Steve, so it's thrilling to see them back together on the set. Stranger Things' official IG shared a photo of the pair back together in Hawkins, check it out below:

The gang's back together, including everyone's favorite queer ally/ babysitter of children: Steve Harrington. The stakes for the final season are high, and it should be fascinating to see how Robin and Steve's relationship continues to change in the final group of episodes. Suddenly the ongoing wait for Season 5 feels excruciating. 

What we know about Stranger Things Season 5 is limited, but it seems like the final battle against Vecna and the forces of the Upside Down are going to come to a head. Stranger Things' Season 4 finale showed the barriers between worlds dropping, and smart money says that a number of beloved characters aren't going to make it out alive. For her part, Maya Hawke has expressed interest in being killed off-- but only time will tell what the writers are planning.

The pressure is on for Stranger Things' final season to deliver a satisfying conclusion, although the show has definitely been on a hot steak. Season 4, which was divided into two parts, was bigger than ever, and felt almost theatrical in regards to scale. So I've got faith that Season 5 is going to be firing on all cylinders.

Narratively, there are a number of threads to pull in the final season, directly connected into the events of the Season 4 finale. Obviously the biggest question mark is the way the Upside Down is seemingly invading Hawkins. The town has been torn apart in the first four seasons, and one can assume that chaos is going to ensue in the final chapter of episodes.

Plus there's the ongoing battle against Vecna, who definitely is still alive per Will. Fans are also curious about what's going to happen with Sadie Sink's Max, who was briefly killed but is in a coma the last time we saw her. Hopefully we get lots of Steve and Robin, because I can't get enough of that friendship. 

It's currently unclear when Stranger Things Season 5 will debut, but all eyes are on any indication of the future. In the meantime, check out the TV premiere list to plan your next binge watch. 

Joe Keery might be gearing up to reprise his role as beloved babysitter Steve Harrington in the final season of Stranger Things when the Duffer Brothers' show begins filming this month, but that hasn’t stopped him from expanding his filmography. Fans are currently captivated by Keery’s performance as Gator Tillman in Season 5 of Fargo. With the season winding down though, fans will be thrilled to know that they’ll be able to see that familiar face soon enough when MARMALADE hits theaters and VOD on February 9. 

Written and directed by Keir O'Donnell, the movie follows Baron (Keery), a recently imprisoned man who befriends his cellmate Otis (Aldis Hodge) as he recalls the story of how he met the love of his life, Marmalade (Camila Morrone), and wound up in jail. In the midst of the retelling, the pair devise a plan to escape in the hopes of reuniting Baron with Marmalade. If that piques your interest, the first trailer is definitely going to have you hooked. Take a look: 

From Keery’s long hair and Southern accent to Morrone’s eclectic ensembles and scary mask, MARMALADE is definitely a project on the 2024 movie schedule that fans won't want to miss. In fact, the Stranger Things star’s supportive fanbase already seems obsessed with his new character who's wildly different than Steve. @azzasfatalflaw reposted the trailer along with the caption: 

Several other fans shared the same level of excitement, reposting the trailer with keyboard smash reactions. I can’t say I blame them! Others took a calmer approach to share their reactions with a simple “Seated” tweet or taking on a more honest approach like @BigManOwen22 who posted: 

Everyone who’s been obsessed with an actor can relate to sitting through some questionable movies, but it seems like fans of the Stranger Things star are in agreeance that MARMALADE is going to be worth the watch for more than just Joe Keery. This is especially true since it seems he is keeping with tradition playing another down-on-his-luck type of character (however, other than that it seems like Baron and Steve have nothing in common). I think @iwillbeurfool said it best:

Keery isn’t the only one getting love for his performance in the movie’s trailer though. Moorone, who many will recognize from her role in the Daisy Jones & The Six cast, is also getting quite a reaction from fans. Many pointed out the love for her pink ensembles and creepy masks, and I can’t help but agree! Others chose to focus on her character, like @bella_hunter05 who posted: 

It’s been a while since we’ve had a true manic pixie dream girl to watch some hopeless boy character lust over, so it’ll be interesting to see how the trope plays out with modern audiences. 

Aldis Hodge (most recently seen in Black Adam) has also been getting love from X users. When new look images were shared on @FilmUpdates, his own fans shared similar sentiments as Keery’s about the movie, while also posting new takes like @virtualpopul1 who shared a celebratory gif along with the caption: 

Clearly, the hype is real for MARMALADE and its cast, and fans are looking forward to Joe Keery taking on a new role that's totally different from the Stranger Things character we know and love him for. Luckily, the wait to see the movie is almost over, as MARMALADE will hit theaters and simultaneously release on VOD on February 9.

The fifth and final season of Stranger Things is on the way, and it’s really hard to comprehend the fact that there won’t be more after this. It turns out, the cast is also coping with this realization too, and they’ve been quite open about how they’re feeling. While this cast loves the show, and they have become uber-successful because of it, many of them are also ready to move on to other projects. And like a lot of the fans' feelings about the finale, they all seem to have those bittersweet emotions about one of Netflix’s best shows. With that said, here is what David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown and the cast of the Duffer Brothers' smash hit have to say about their series ending with Season 5. 

David Harbour 

David Harbour has seen some scripts for Season 5, and he’s very excited about the upcoming season. While we all have questions about how Vecna and those pesky demogorgons will impact the series and its end, the actor is aware of how the show is going to finish, and he calls it “moving.” While on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the man behind Hopper said:

Along with these comments, now that the writers’ and actors’ strikes are over, the cast and crew can get back to work. And the Harbour confirmed that they are wasting no time getting Stranger Things Season 5 into production. 

Millie Bobby Brown 

While she loves the show deeply, Millie Bobby Brown is ready for Stranger Things to end. During a conversation with Seventeen, the Eleven actress spoke about the end of this era, saying:

It makes sense that she’s ready to move forward. Between Enola Holmes 3 being in development and her other projects like Damsel, she’s a busy gal. Overall, she’s been clear about her excitement for the other work she’s pursuing along with Stranger Things.

Finn Wolfhard  

While Finn Wolfhard isn’t ready to say goodbye to Mike, he’s very excited to see what happens next. While speaking to Uproxx, the actor shared his thoughts on saying so-long to Hawkins, explaining:

However, while he doesn’t want the show to end, he also knows it’s the right time. He went on to say that if the series continued past Season 5 it would “be ridiculous.” With all that said, he noted that he’s positive the Duffers have figured out “a perfect ending,” and he hopes that it will be “satisfying for fans.” 

Caleb McLaughlin  

Along with joking about what he’d like to see from Lucas in the final season of Stranger Things (it’s him playing more basketball), Caleb McLaughlin has also shared his candid thoughts on the series ending. As he reflected on growing up on the show, he told Collider:

His comments are so sweet, and it turns out the majority of the original cast feels this way about the show ending.  

Noah Schnapp 

Noah Schnapp was 10 when he started working on Stranger Things, and like all the kids, he’s literally grown up on this show. Thinking about that fact, the Will actor reflected on the end, and how he’ll feel when the final “cut” is called, telling Collider:

Over the years, we’ve seen both Will and Schnapp grow so much, and we can’t wait to see how they evolve during Season 5. 

Gaten Matarazzo 

Gaten Matarazzo, who plays the beloved Dustin, spoke eloquently about the show coming to a close when he appeared on The Tonight Show in March. Speaking to Jimmy Fallon, the young actor explained:

I totally get where Matarazzo is coming from. The Stranger Things cast makes a lot of money, and this show has provided a lot of stability for them throughout the years. Moving forward must be a bit scary. 

He also said that while he doesn’t know how Dustin’s story will end, he trusts the Duffer brothers completely. Speaking about how he’d like to see the show wrap up, he said:

I hope that Dustin and the crew get this kind of ending too; they deserve it!

Sadie Sink 

Considering Max’s state at the end of Stranger Things Season 4, Volume 2, it’s unclear what kind of role Sadie Sink will play in the upcoming episodes. However, according to a statement she made on Today, even though she has “no idea what is going to happen,” she’ll “be there.” Continuing to speak about the show, the actress said:

While Max wasn't introduced until Season 2, she quickly became an essential part of the family. And like Sink, I think we’ll all be sad to say goodbye to her and the Stranger Things family. 

Joe Keery 

Like most of this cast, Joe Keery, who plays the adored Steve Harrington, sees this as a bittersweet situation. While he’s ready to move forward, it’s also sad to say goodbye to a show that made such a big impact on his life. He told WWD: 

Overall, Keery’s comments seem to sum up the general consensus among the cast. There’s no question that Stranger Things is special, and it’s had an immensely positive impact on this cast and pop culture as a whole. However, all good things must come to an end, and why not go out on top?

Now that the actors’ strike is over, Stranger Things Season 5 should get going, and hopefully, it will hit Netflix in the next year or two. We here at CinemaBlend will be sure to keep you posted on everything regarding the final season of this gargantuan hit -- from the actors’ sweet comments about it coming to a close to the wild theories surrounding the folks of Hawkins and the Upsidedown. In the meantime, you can mentally prepare for the final season by streaming the legendary show with a Netflix subscription. 

Celebrity dating can be a wild thing to behold, as you never know who’ll show up next as a potential pair of lovebirds. Some people might not have guessed that SNL vet Pete Davidson would have paired up with his Bupkis co-star Chase Sui Wonders, and their split this past September may have been even more of a shock. Well, prepare for another surprise, as not even I had Ms. Wonders hanging out with Stranger Things star Joe Keery on my 2023 bingo card. 

This intriguing piece of news comes from ET, who not only ran photos but also some details on how things are going in the post Davidson/Wonders relationship. Apparently in terms of Joe Kerry and Chase Sui Wonders, things are getting pretty romantic, with the pair heading to the former's New York apartment after a walk together. But of course, nothing’s been officially stated at this point; so it’s all still scuttlebutt. 

It wouldn’t be that much of a surprise, as Pete Davidson’s post break up life has seen him moving on as well. In the report cited above, The King of Staten Island star is stated to be dating Outer Banks and Glass Onion star Madelyn Cline, who was even reported to be sitting with Pete’s family during his recent SNL hosting gig. If anything, Chase’s potential relationship status would indicate that she too has closed the book on this chapter of their lives. 

The potential pairing of Chase Sui Wonders and Joe Keery is a rather adorable one. And honestly, who can blame her as people are still obsessed with Keery’s hair years after his Stranger Things role catapulted him to superstardom. The man’s winning personality, and lovely locks, are a killer combination when it comes to the dating scene. 

In all fairness, the largest question I have surrounding this whole scenario is how is custody being split when it comes to Davidson and Wonders’ dog? The pair adopted their furry friend this past June, and one can only hope that a sufficient co-parenting situation is in place. Human romances may be unpredictable, but if there’s anything that should be consistent, it’s the care of any animals that come into the picture. 

We’ll all just have to wait and see what happens on either side of the Chase Sui Wonders/Pete Davidson break up. All anyone can hope for at this point is that all involved have found peace, and their new relationships are enriched by the lessons they learned from each other. Ok, so I lied: we can also hope for photos of Joe Keery playing with Chase’s pup at some point. That’s when you know things are getting seriously adorable. 

Such pictures would also help when it comes to easing the wait for Stranger Things Season 5; which is of course on hold due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. However, that doesn’t mean fans can’t check out Joe Keery’s past as dreamy babysitter Steve Harrington, as the first four seasons are still available for streaming with a Netflix subscription. Meanwhile, you can see Chase Sui Wonders in the streaming universe with ex Pete Davidson, in the Peacock comedy Bupkis; which also saw some good news as it was renewed for Season 2.

All anyone seems to be talking about these days is when Season 5 of Stranger Things is going to start production, especially as concerns over the actors’ ages annoyingly persist. However, there are other reasons to be talking about the Netflix series, like the fact that Season 2 is set to turn 6 years old on October 27th. While the show's sophomore season might not be as universally loved as the series as a whole, it still deserves to be celebrated. 

Despite being a solid sequel to the iconic first installment, Season 2 has never received an outpouring of love like the other seasons of the show. It often gets overlooked because all anyone wants to discuss is the experimental and polarizing “The Lost Sister” episode, which left many checking Netflix to ensure they weren’t accidentally watching a different show. Sure, it might have been a bit too strange for the series, but that doesn’t mean the entire season should be cast aside. Without the second season, so many of our favorite dynamics and plot points wouldn’t even exist. That’s why I think it’s time we realize how important the season actually is and finally celebrate it properly. 

Hopper Gets To Be A Dad Again

In Season 1, we learned that Chief Jim Hopper was a devoted father who lost his daughter to cancer, which he feels responsible for, given his time in the military. Hopper doesn’t bond with El in that inaugural season; in fact, he sells her out to Hawkins Lab in order to go into the Upside Down and save Will. 

Perhaps it’s this guilt that has Hopper searching and leaving food in the woods in the hopes of luring El to him. Whatever the case, the two grow close as he promises to keep her safe and hidden until he’s positive the Bad Men are gone forever. 

They don’t have a perfect relationship, but the bond they form becomes a key emotional plot point for the rest of the series. It’s also an extremely realistic parent-child dynamic that has them butting heads but also making emotional amends. Not to mention, it’s endearing to see Hopper’s softer side, which he tries so hard to hide. That's partially why they're one of the best Stranger Things duos.  

The Arrival Of Max And Other Iconic Characters 

Season 2 kicks off in big ways with the introduction of Max and her older brother Billy. Despite all of Mike’s whining, Max actually fits into the Party perfectly. She’s just as stubborn and curious as the members are, she isn’t afraid to get dirty, and she is just as tough, if not tougher, than them. It may take her a minute to come around to the whole “Will is possessed” thing, but once she believes, she commits to helping them. 

Billy is a more divisive character, especially given his racist and abusive attitude towards Lucas and Max, but without him, Season 3 would have been entirely different. 

Fan-favorite conspiracist Murray also joined Season 2, helping Nancy and Jonathan get closure for Barb’s parents, and he also helps them admit their feelings for each other. 

And, of course, the sophomore season also introduced us to Bob Newby, whom they tragically took away from us, too. Plus, we got a glimpse of the sarcastic and hilarious Erica Sinclair. 

Though Stranger Things has gotten slack over the years for having too many characters, I definitely can’t image a world where these folks don’t exist. After all, Max is such an important character in later seasons, and Murray is always there to bring the comedic relief. 

Steve And Dustin’s Relationship (Plus His Babysitter Origins) 

One of the greatest things Season 2 gave us was Steve’s transformation from King Steve into The Babysitter. Originally slated to die at the end of Season 1, producer Shawn Levy and the Duffer Brothers realized Joe Keery’s portrayal was too good to pass up and decided to keep Steve around. They took a risk pairing him with Party genius Dustin Henderson, and it has definitely paid off in more ways than one.

The duo has become one of the best Stranger Things pairings of all time. In fact, most of Steve’s best moments of the series involve him hanging out and giving advice to Gaten Matarazzo's character. However, as the season progresses, he finds himself entangled with all the Party members. Keery's character excels at his new babysitter role, protecting them even when he’s suffering a pretty serious concussion at the hands of Billy. 

If it weren’t for Season 2, Steve would never have gotten a chance to shine in his new role and prove he was worthy of the Season 1 redemption he got. Let’s just hope Season 5 remembers he is a well-rounded character and not just a pawn in the dreaded Nancy-Jonathan-Steve love triangle. 

Will Gets Time To Shine 

Without Season 2, fans would have never gotten to see Noah Schnapp shine in the role of Will Byers. Sure, he’s featured in Season 1, but aside from the first episode and the epilogue of the finale, he spends most of the time trapped in the Upside Down. The second installment is the first time fans get to see and learn who Will is, and Schnapp’s performance is a knockout. 

Will’s loyalty to his friends is tested as he gets possessed by The Mind Flayer in a nightmare Upside Down vision gone wrong. Now a spy for the season’s monsters, he struggles with who to be loyal to. Arguably, some of the most iconic moments of the season involve him in his possessed state and how the others react to it — like Joyce willing to hear him scream in pain in order to save him. 

Though he plays the role of an antagonist in many ways, Will also has a few softer moments in Season 2 that show off who he is. The conversation with Mike after Halloween is a big one, especially since it hints at Will’s sexuality and crush on him. So much of who Will becomes later on begins in this season, so it’s disheartening when so many fans write it off as the worst. 

Romance That Doesn’t Take Away From The Story

Season 2 has a lot going on: the mystery of the rot and tunnels Hopper is investigating, Will’s possession, Dart, Nancy, and Jonathan’s mission to get the truth out there, and yet, somehow, it also manages to throw romantic plots in there, too. Often, romantic subplots take away from the action, but that wasn’t the case here. 

In fact, I’d argue that the romance plot lines helped round out the sophomore season, and they helped fans get to know the characters even more. Max and Lucas’s adventures into young love were sweet and, at times, extremely scary, thanks to Billy. Joyce’s relationship with Bob is a nice reminder that things can and do get better (albeit this one didn’t end well for either of them). Even Jonathan and Nancy’s exploration into their relationship adds a nice level of complexity to their characters, especially in relation to her love triangle. 

There’s also the less talked about love triangle going on between Will, Mike, and El. So much of the season sees Mike dealing with the loss of El while also trying to ensure Will’s safety. Then, when El comes back, the dynamic shifts as Mike is more there for her than he is for Will.

The Best Cliffhanger Ending

Stranger Things is a master at cliffhanger endings (just look at how Volume 2 of Season 4 closed out). Whether it be for an episode or for the season as a whole, there’s always something that has fans itching for more. Season 2 is no exception, because it executed the most iconic season finale cliffhanger of all time. 

If you don’t remember, the season ends with the Hawkins Middle School Snow Ball Party. While everyone is inside having fun, there’s a flash of red lightning, and suddenly, the camera starts to spin until we’re in the Upside Down with the shadow monster looming over the school. That sole visual is one of the reasons fans stayed engaged with the series until Season 3 premiered nearly two years later. 

It might be too early to start rewatching Stranger Things for Season 5, but it’s the perfect time to revisit the overlooked second season. Maybe knowing what comes next will have you appreciating all it has to offer. After all, we could definitely use more Season 2 defenders in the world. 

All four seasons are streaming for those with a Netflix subscription. Keep checking back for any and all updates regarding Season 5. 

The entertainment world breathed a collective sigh of relief when, on September 24, the Writers Guild of America and major studios reached a tentative agreement ending the four-month WGA strike. Still, the showbiz rollercoaster is far from over. While the writers are set to return to work, creatives like those on the Stranger Things team are still grappling with the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. In a playful series of tweets, the writers of Season 5 playfully teased Joe Keery's potentially wild hairdo if the SAG strike lingers. Plus, they humorously hinted that the quirky visuals serve as our first sneak peek at the upcoming season.

The official Stranger Things writers account account on X (formerly Twitter) offered fans a "sneak peek" into the show's upcoming fifth season, which we know a bit about already. In their first tweet, they shared a humorous CGI image of Joe Keery as the iconic Steve Harrington, complete with his signature high hairdo. The caption joked, "Let's hope the studios strike a fair deal with SAG soon, or else the fifth season might just feature this hairstyle." Look at the mind-boggling photo below, which sees Keery's hair defiying all the known laws of physics:

The cheeky scribes followed up the yuks with another post that contained a vital piece of information. They revealed:

These tweets are bound to make fans eagerly awaiting the next season laugh. They also hint that Steve is still alive and kicking, defying fan expectations and managing to survive—at least for a while in Season 5. Additionally, the account explained pre-vis for those unfamiliar with the term. It clarified:

The team had one more surprise up their sleeves, too. In a sneak peek from their pre-visualization, they showcased Charlie Heaton, known for his role as Jonathan Byers, alongside Joe Keery in a scene that hinted at the involvement of some kind of explosive device. (This could tie into the mysterious video of a wrecked Scoops Ahoy , which was shared weeks ago.) Nevertheless, they couldn't help but add some humor to the mix by dropping in a funny caption. Dive into this amusing, yet intriguing, sneak peek below:

Agreed. That is a vacant face straight out of my nightmares. 

While these Season 5 teasers offer fun insights, they also highlight the ongoing labor dispute in the industry. The SAG-AFTRA strike remains a concern, with actors and their supporters fighting for fair pay and better working conditions. This writing team's playful take on the situation reminds us that, despite the setbacks, they're committed to delivering another thrilling season, even if it means poking fun at wild hairdos.

As negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the studios persist, Stranger Things fans can take solace in knowing that the show's creative minds are diligently working. While we eagerly await the strike's resolution and a glimpse of Hawkins' future, one detail is certain: Joe Keery's hair will be a hot topic when Season 5 finally graces our screens. 

Stranger Things is set to end after its fifth season, and that likely means an emotional journey lies ahead for all of Hawkins fans as the story comes to a close for some fan-favorite and stand-out characters. While we wait for the ongoing strike to come to a close, it's about time we revisit the entire series, which is now streaming for anyone with a Netflix subscription. There are also plenty of promising 2023 Netflix shows to hold you over while you wait.

With the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike still going on, fans of Stranger Things have accepted the fact that they are going to be waiting a long time for the fifth and final season of the beloved Netflix show.  Thankfully, there are other things to look forward to in the Stranger Things universe, like the upcoming stage play Stranger Things: The First Shadow. However, that's not the only thing on the horizon for the beloved show, because the official Twitter account shared an interesting video of Scoops Ahoy that is sending fans into a panicked frenzy. 

While we don't know what this cryptic post means just yet, there are some theories out there, and I think I have an idea of what the mysterious video is leading toward. 

Stranger Things Released Mysterious Scoops Ahoy Video

The ten-second video clip shows a fallen Scoops Ahoy Ice Cream Parlor sign and Robin’s iconic You Rule/You Suck whiteboard in a pile of rubble. In the background, the checkered floor and boat from the Scoops Ahoy shop can be seen. But don't take my word for it, check it out yourself: 

It’s an interesting time to share a video like this, given fans have known that Scoops Ahoy no longer exists. After all, the entirety of Starcourt Mall went up in flames during the battle with the Mind Flayer at the end of Season 3. And yet, seeing the iconic location destroyed is gut-wrenching — even all these years later. It also makes me wonder, why are they bringing this back now?

Fans Speculate Over What The Destroyed Scoops Ahoy Means 

The Stranger Things fandom is a passionate bunch, so it comes as no surprise that fans immediately took to the replies to start asking questions and screaming theories. Several fans kept it simple and even earned responses from the official account, making it clear that something is likely coming. 

Twitter User @driveinitagain asked, “CARE TO EXPLAIN, BESTIE?” and earned a short and sweet “ahoy” response from the official Twitter account. 

Another fan took a different approach and it went like this:

@SCUDESAINZ: can i get a scoop of steve and scoop of robin??? AND A SCOOP OF WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE

Stranger Things: unfortunately those are not on the menu at the moment but how about some USS Butterscotch.

Some fans started speculating about whether or not this could be a teaser for Season 5 — like user @endjoyer, who fears it could be foreshadowing the death of fan-favorite character Steve Harrington. Others went in an entirely different direction. Like User @corrodedkas, who theorized that we might be getting a real-life, physical Scoops Ahoy chain of stores. I definitely wouldn’t complain about that! However, based on lots of fans theories, I've come up with my own too.

Here’s My Theory About What The Video Really Means

Everyone has good theories about why the Stranger Things account decided now was a good time to share a video of the destroyed Scoops Ahoy set from Season 3. However, I think the video is teasing the official announcement of a Scoops Ahoy line of ice cream products. 

Rumors first started swirling a week ago when TikTok user @Markie_devo took to the popular app to share their discovery of Scoops Ahoy branded ice cream at Walmart. What ensued was a scavenger hunt that led to a plethora of taste-testing videos being posted. 

While the ice cream seems to be available in Walmarts around the United States, neither Walmart nor Stranger Things has made an official announcement. At least, not yet. Given this, I believe the destroyed Scoops Ahoy video shared this morning is them hinting at the ice cream line. 

I mean, User @ConnieR_B tweeted them asking: “Guys what does this MEAN?” and received an almost immediate response from the Stranger Things account saying, “it means something sweet is coming.” Ice cream is definitely sweet! My suspicion only grew after reading some of the other official replies, take this exchange for example: 

@tayIorsvers1989:  love scoops ahoy ice cream rn 

Stranger Things: boy do I have some good news for you.

Instagram User @snackolator even shared an image of the alleged ice cream flavors, which include the iconic U.S.S. Butterscotch and one named after the Mind Flayer. It appears we are all about to set sail on the ocean of flavor with an official Scoops Ahoy ice cream line sooner rather than later. 

I, for one, am already grabbing my keys and heading off to my nearest Walmart to see if I can get my hands on one of these. And then I’ll be racing home to rewatch Stranger Things with my Netflix subscription. 

In a crossover event I never could have imagined, Joe Keery, you know, of Stranger Things fame, was seen leaving Electric Lady Studios, which is the recording studio Taylor Swift has been working at frequently over the last few months. Due to the unexpected nature of this duo, fans were obviously shook by the news that the actor was seen leaving the place where some of Swift’s upcoming projects are likely being recorded, and their reactions are, of course, the best. 

Over the last few months, Taylor Swift has been spotted walking in and out of Electric Lady Studios in New York City. Clearly, she’s working on something musical, however, we have no idea what it is. Could it be the re-recording of 1989 (Taylor’s Version)? Could it be an entirely new album? Maybe she’s putting the finishing touches on Speak Now (Taylor’s Version). The options are endless, however, these new images of her and Keery have fans theorizing that he might be involved with whatever she’s working on, and they’re pumped about it. As shown by @katy_dara’s tweet:

Others were flabbergasted by the idea of Djo (which is the name Keery goes by musically) and Swift collaborating. For example, @http_migraine posted:

I could totally see a “Lavender Haze” remix, or any Midnights remix honestly. Also, considering Swift tends to collaborate with artists on her vault tracks for re-records (Fall Out Boy and Hayley Williams will be featured on Speak Now (Taylor’s Verison)), I could see them popping up on Taylor’s Versions on 1989 or Reputation too. 

While this is an exciting prospect, it’s also possible that Keery was simply working at the same studio that day, and it had nothing to do with Taylor Swift. Due to this some fans, like @carolinef1923, are trying to lower their expectations: 

Other fans couldn’t contain their excitement, and for @saigondjo this was a moment she’d been manifesting as she posted this hilarious video: 

Again, we don’t know if Keery and Swift are collaborating, or if they’re simply working from the same studio. However, both options got @djoshoe excited as they used a clip from Arthur to demonstrate their enthusiasm: 

Along with the collaboration tweets, some fans are hypothesizing that this means the two are dating. However, it seems like many Swifties have already put the dating rumors to rest. While the internet had a heyday over her alleged breakup with Matty Healy, and Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn officially split up earlier this year, when it comes to the Grammy-winner and the Free Guy star, it seems like fans are of the opinion that this is a professional relationship. 

If Joe Keery is indeed collaborating with Taylor Swift, this would mark the second time a Stranger Things cast member has worked with the singer. Sadie Sink notably starred in All Too Well: The Short Film. Along with this, other stars of the Netflix hit have shown their love for the singer, like Millie Bobby Brown, who used a “Lover” lyric to announce her engagement. Considering how much the ensemble of this show seems to love the “Cruel Summer” singer, it seems sort of likely that Steve Harrington himself could be collaborating with her. 

As this story develops we’ll be sure to keep you posted. While we wait to find out more about a potential Joe Keery x Taylor Swift collab, you can stream Stranger Things with a Netflix subscription. 

When Stranger Things returned to Netflix subscribers this May after a nearly two-year hiatus, the Duffer Brothers introduced fans to quite a few new cast members for Season 4. The writers have proven so adept at weaving new characters into the storylines, and it wasn’t long before Joseph Quinn’s Eddie Munson was a full-blown fan favorite. It wasn’t just fans, however, who took a liking to the leader of the Hellfire Club (or Doja Cat, who apparently wanted to slide into the actor’s DMs), but his co-stars as well. Joe Keery opened up about the real-life “bond” he and the Eddie actor formed on set.

Joe Keery’s character Steve Harrington — who boasts some of the series’ best moments, himself — often complains about being the baby-sitter of the group, as he tends to get left behind to watch over our younger heroes. However, Season 4 had him not only spending time with Natalia Dyer’s Nancy again, but also teaming up with Robin (Maya Hawke) and Eddie, the latter of whom became Keery’s friend off-camera as well, he told UNILAD:

These two fan favorites forming such a tight bond in real life is music to our ears. Can you even imagine the hair care tips shared between the two of them? Unfortunately, as fans know from Season 4 (and if you somehow aren’t caught up, now would be a good time to stop reading), that friendship will have to move forward off-screen only now, as Eddie Munson died a hero, sacrificing himself to buy the others time to track down Vecna. Joe Keery said while he’ll miss being able to work with Joseph Quinn, Eddie did get a pretty badass sendoff! Keery said:

Another relationship that spilled over into real life is the brotherly love that both Joe Keery and Joseph Quinn have for Gaten Matarazzo. Just as the two older characters discussed how much they cared about Dustin on the show, Quinn told CinemaBlend that he and Keery “are constantly sharing stories about kind of just anything that that guy does, because we're so enamored with him.” 

Season 5 will definitely see a shift in Dustin and Steve’s relationship, Gaten Matarazzo said, because of Eddie’s death, and it really is a tragedy Joseph Quinn won’t be sharing the screen with these actors anymore — at least on this series.

We’ve got a ways to go until Stranger Things’ final season, as production likely won’t begin on Season 5 until sometime in 2023. In the meantime, check out where you can see Joe Keery next, as well as what to watch if you like Joseph Quinn. Also, you can take a look at these series to watch if you like Stranger Things.

We all know that Steve Harrington’s biggest strength in Stranger Things is being a “dad” to Hawkins' youth whenever they’re left in his care. Another strength that fans just can’t get over is Stranger Things actor Joe Keery’s perfect hair. Well, the 30-year-old actor has some thoughts on fans’ obsession with that aspect of himself.

With Steve Harrington being one of the most popular boys at Hawkins High School, and with Stranger Things taking place in the ‘80s, it’s only natural for this guy to have a wild mane for everyone to go gaga over. In an interview with The Daily Beast, Joe Keery admitted that he’s done talking about his hair, saying:

It seems like Joe Keery’s “groovy” mane (in an '80s sense) is a real trademark for the well-known actor. Even in Stranger Things, one of Steve’s best moments was when he revealed to Dustin the secrets to grooming his hair with that Farrah Fawcett hair spray of his. His hair tricks may not have worked for Dustin in slaying the ladies at the Snow Ball, but they helped him score a dance with Nancy Wheeler. 

In tons of interviews, Joe Keery's taken up half a paragraph when asked about his hair. Imagine the shock his fans went through when he admitted he doesn’t even wash his gorgeous locks. It’s no wonder that the actor's felt the need to wear hats around Manhattan to shield his identity. The hair just seems to give him away every time! For all we know, he could make headlines and do something completely drastic with his trademark hairstyle, like when Emma Watson cut her long hair after Harry Potter, or when Tom Holland shaved his hair for a movie. To Keery’s chagrin, you know we’ll all still talk about it no matter what he does to it.

Even though a Steve-centric fan theory ended up not being true about him dying in Stranger Things Season 4, this means we’ll see this fan-favorite character return for the show's final run. But with Stranger Things with after Season 5, what’s to become of Joe Keery and his beautiful hair now? Well, Keery has said to The Daily Beast about wanting to delve into directing projects and explore a number of different genres for his movies. He’s also been wanting to take Stanley Tucci's route in experimenting with creating a project that blends his music with cooking recipes. And yes, the Massachusetts native creates his own music under the stage name Djo to keep his music life separate from his Stranger Things character.

No matter what Joe Keery has in store for himself after Stranger Things, we know he’ll continue to find new ways to heighten his career. It's only a matter of time before we get a Joe Keery hairspray in the works. You won’t have to wait too long to see the Free Guy actor before Stranger Things Season 5, as Keery's set to appear in the upcoming movie Marmalade. But if you can’t get enough of Steve and his hair, you have plenty of time to watch Stranger Things with your Netflix subscription. 

For a sci-fi show about otherworldly dimensions and terrifying, bloodthirsty monsters, Stranger Things has really gotten viewers invested in the love triangle between Nancy, Jonathan and Steve. Fans seemed to really take issue with the way Natalia Dyer’s character disposed of her boyfriend Steve — who has had some great moments on Stranger Things —  in favor of dating Jonathan, and Megan Thee Stallion was not about to let the actress off the hook, grilling her about Nancy’s actions during a recent interview.

Natalia Dyer appeared on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, on which Megan Thee Stallion was co-hosting, and the rapper demanded answers, as she proclaimed herself proudly “Team Stancy.” Check out Dyer being hilariously put on the hot seat regarding Nancy’s love triangle:

Although Megan Thee Stallion described the situation pretty well, for those who don’t remember all the way back to 2016, Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer) was dating Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) in Season 1, before teaming up with Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton) to fight the demogorgon. Nancy broke up with Steve in Season 2 as she continued to mourn her friend Barb’s death and got together with Jonathan. However, Season 4 showed Jancy struggling with their long-distance relationship, and there seemed to be some embers still burning between her and Steve. 

In response to Megan Thee Stallion’s questions, Natalia Dyer tried to defend herself, admitting that her character is not perfect. She said:

Steve Harrington might be a fan favorite at this point in the series — people went absolutely bananas when they thought Steve might not survive the events of Season 4 — but have we all forgotten just how much of a turd he was in Season 1? While the entire cast of Stranger Things has grown up so damn much in the past six years, Joe Keery’s character has really come a long way in emotional maturity, particularly through Steve’s friendships with Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) and Robin (Maya Hawke). 

One thing that some ST fans don’t know about Natalia Dyer is that she is dating Charlie Heaton in real life. She spoke with Cosmopolitan in May about working with her boyfriend and the importance of keeping their relationship private. So as well as avoiding any spoilers about what’s to come in Season 5 (if she even knows!), she’s got a pretty personal reason for not wanting to choose favorites when being put on the spot!

Work has begun on Season 5, but it will still be a while before we get to see our Hawkins heroes return. In the meantime, check out where else you can watch Joe Keery, as well as these movies to watch if you like the Stranger Things cast. Seasons 1-4 are, of course, available for your rewatching pleasure with a subscription to Netflix.

Let me tell you - I love horror movies. 

Whether that means watching the best horror movies out there, or some of the funniest horror comedies, I am always down for a fun time when it comes to these films. Whether it be the scares, the music, the gore, or the acting, anytime someone puts a horror movie on the TV, I will watch it. Which was why I decided to try out the underrated horror comedy, Spree, starring Joe Keery. 

And oh my God, I do not regret a single bit of my time watching this film. 

It was a random pick on a random Saturday night as I was just looking for something to watch, and poof! There it appeared on Hulu. I had heard good things about it, and while it was never a huge hit (it did come out during 2020), I knew that Joe Keery fans said that it was one of his best projects he’s done outside of Stranger Things. So, I gave it a shot, and I’m here to tell you why you should, too. 

If You Want To See The Scary Side Of Joe Keery, Spree Is The Film For You

Let’s be honest - half of you here probably saw the title and thought, “Joe Keery? I love that guy.” And I love him too, so much. I love his acting, and he’s freaking hilarious in Stranger Things. I mean, I could go on for hours about Steve Harrington's best moments. 

But, Joe Keery in a horror movie is something else, and I need people to see him in Spree. 

The basic premise of this film is that a taxi driver who operates on a ride-share platform (like Uber) wants to become famous online, so he decides to make this big streaming video that he’s calling, “the lesson.” This ends up being an all day event where he straight-up murders his customers in his car, while on a live stream. 

He’s not even unnecessarily scary. I don’t look at Keery’s character, Kurt, and think he’s a homicidal maniac like legendary horror movie villains such as Nightmare on Elm Street’s Freddy Kruger or Halloween’s Michael Myers. He just looks like a normal dude who is trying his hardest to somehow become famous online and nothing that he does works out for him, whether that be tutorials, random videos, streaming - nothing. But, it’s the way he acts later on in the film that makes me shiver. 

He’s so calm about everything he does. There are rare moments where he loses his cool, but most of the time, he’s so direct with his audience as he streams. He has a smile that really unnerves you, despite Keery’s natural charisma, and you know that Kurt is just a psycho deep down. It’s a great performance from him. 

The Movie Finds Some Creative And Truly Disturbing Ways To Take Out Its Victims

I have seen some gory horror movies in my time. I have even refused to watch the entire Saw franchise because I think there’s almost too much gore in those. Some of the moments in Midsommar had me gagging. I really didn’t think that a horror comedy would be able to impress me with the way they kill off people, but Spree did that and more.

Without getting into spoilers, Kurt finds some very creative and yet disturbing ways to kill his victims. It almost had me applauding him for thinking of something so creative and smart and then realizing that this dude is truly dangerous. Some of the ways in which he ends their lives are evilly smart and I hate that I was so impressed.

Again, you look at this guy and think “there is no way this man is a serial killer. He wouldn’t harm a fly.” But this movie gives us that and more, and your mouth is left gaping open in shock at what he is able to come up with. 

The Way In Which This Movie Is Shot Is So Different

I know that there are horror movies out there that focus on how scary social media and modern day technology can be. The Blumhouse horror film, Cam, is a good example of that, but I don’t think there’s another horror movie out there that is filmed the way Spree is. 

Throughout this film, you do not see a single professional shot of film in the way you would expect. Everything is shown through the eyes of a dash cam, a security camera, a phone recorder, live streams - anything you can think of that could be seen online. From the first moments of the film, we are given legit YouTube videos that Kurt has uploaded online as our background info on the character. 

Afterward, it continues to stick to non-traditional methods of capturing the story. It’s extremely well done, and certainly caught my attention from the first moments of the film. 

It Tackles The Topic Of Dependence On Social Media And Followers For Some

I am a part of the generation that grew up depending on social media, and to an extent, there are days where I wonder what it would be like if I had a bigger following. It’s movies like Spree that help me continue to realize that social media isn’t a big enough deal to have some people literally kill to get followers. 

While Spree is a horror movie, at its core is a very good commentary on the effects of social media on the mind and how someone can become dependent on it, and can drive certain people to do ridiculous things in order to gain a following. While Spree is an audacious example of what someone would do, there have been real examples on social media that certainly fit this. 

I’m not saying that every influencer is like Kurt, because they are certainly not, but I will say that there have been people out there who will do anything for attention just so they can get their follower count up, and Spree is an example of how far someone could go. It doesn't make it right, but it’s seriously interesting in the way that it’s told. 

The Way The Film All Ties Together At The End Blew My Mind

No spoilers, but the way this film ends will make you grin and smile and shake your head in disbelief. 

While it’s also a good commentary on a certain aspect of real life today - how people can sometimes spin a story in their favor - it’s the way that both of the main stars of the film, Joe Keery as Kurt and Sasheer Zamata as Jessie, get their fame at the end of this hour-and-a-half-long killing spree. It’s amazingly done - and something that I think anyone would really enjoy.

For those who want a new horror comedy to watch, check out Spree. It’s entertaining, well-acted, and has some good commentary on modern-day society. This film deserves more people talking about it, and if I can get one other person to watch it, I will. 

Stream Spree on Hulu.
Rent/Buy Spree on Amazon.

After starting off as a recurring character in Stranger Things Season 1, Joe Keery’s Steve Harrington was upgraded to a main player in Season 2, and has become one of the hit Netflix show’s most popular characters. While there was concern about if Steve would meet his demise in Stranger Things Season 4, the beloved, spiked baseball-bat wielding babysitter came out of the other side alive and will be back in Season 5. Before that though, fans of Keery will be able to see the actor in an upcoming heist romantic drama.

Joe Keery, Black Adam’s Aldis Hodge and Death Wish’s Camila Morrone have been revealed as the lead cast members of Marmalade, which recently finished shooting. This marks the directorial debut of Keir O’Donnell, who’s acted in movies like Wedding Crashers and American Sniper. O’Donnell also wrote Marmalade’s script, and other behind-the-cameras talent includes cinematographer Polly Morgan, as well as producers James Harris and Mark Lane from Tea Shop Productions from Signatures Films and Jason Shapiro from Silver Lining Entertainment.

As spelled out by Deadline, Marmalade follows a naive small-town man who ends up in jail and tells a story about a romantic bank heist to his cunning cellmate to escape and reunite with the love of his life. It wasn’t revealed who Joe Keery is playing in Marmalade, but it stands to reason he’s either playing this incarcerated man opposite Aldis Hodge as the cellmate, or vice-versa. Even though filming has wrapped on Marmalade, there’s no word yet on when it will be released, let alone if it will be a theatrical offering or head straight to streaming. It’s certainly easy enough to imagine this being made available to Netflix subscribers alongside Stranger Things.

Although he’s best known for his time on Stranger Things, Joe Keery also received attention for his role as Walter “Keys” McKeys in the Ryan Reynolds-led movie Free Guy. With a Free Guy sequel in development, it’s entirely possible that Keery might reprise Keys, who co-developed the original Life Itself game that Free City was based on. Keery’s other notable credits credits include Molly’s Game, Slice, Spree and a recurring role on Paramount+’s No Activity.

Regarding Stranger Things Season 5, since Season 4 finished a little under two full weeks ago, it may be a while until we learn any details about the next batch of episodes, including when they’ll premiere on Netflix. While it has been confirmed that Season 5 will be Stranger Things’ last, at least one spinoff is on the way. Whether or not Steve Harrington will live to the end of Stranger Things or fall in battle against the Upside Down’s creatures like Joseph Quinn’s Eddie Munson remains to be seen.

While we wait for more news about Marmalade, Stranger Things Season 5 and other projects Joe Keery has lined up, look through our 2022 release schedule and 2023 release schedule to plan your movie viewings in the coming months accordingly.

Spoiler alert for Volume 1 of Stranger Things Season 4.

Volume 2 of Stranger Things 4 is upon us, and in the month since Volume 1 premiered, fans have been concerned about what the final two episodes hold for our heroes, as they continue to fight Vecna, the Russians, the government, and El’s “Papa.” Steve Harrington’s fate, in particular, has viewers worried, as he was attacked by Demo-Bats in the Upside Down. After some recent comments from the Duffer brothers, fans are straight up losing it over the thought of that perfect, perfect hair being messed up... I mean, Steve dying.

When speaking about a fan theory that Steve might suffer some after-effects from the Demo-Bats that attacked him in the Upside Down, Ross Duffer shot that down, saying that if Steve is going to die, it won’t be bat-related. This comment was followed by another from Ross, when he said he’s excited that fans are worried about Steve and the other characters’ fates, because we should be. 

There may not be a whole lot that the Stranger Things fanbase can do, but if Joe Keery’s character doesn’t make it out of Season 4, it won’t be for lack of effort. This fan ran to church to ask for divine intervention for Steve’s future. Literally ran!

And in the absence of divine intervention, one can always fall back on Taylor Swift. One fan found a stunningly simple, yet wildly appropriate way to adapt the lyrics to “Enchanted” to fit Steve Harrington’s current situation:

Everybody gather your Hellfire Club (with matching T-shirts, please), grab your slingshot, and make sure to pack extra batteries. We're ready to fight for the life and hair that is Steve Harrington’s! We ride at midnight (or whatever time new Netflix content drops in your time zone)!

Lots of fans pointed to Steve’s character arc as a reason he should be saved. Season 1 Steve Harrington was kind of a dick, but now, even though he jokes about always having to be the babysitter, he’s done a damn good job of keeping all those kids alive! Will that be his saving grace, or will Steve go out like a hero?

But you know what? If things don’t go our way when the final two episodes drop, it’s going to suck, but that doesn’t mean we should spoil it for everybody else. If Steve Harrington does meet his maker, don’t be this guy:

And I usually don’t get behind the “Let this person live and kill off this guy instead!” kind of bargaining, but I actually don’t disagree with this tweet:

Whether or not Steve dies remains to be seen, as well as whether that would affect how many people tune in for the fifth and final season. Personally, this is more my kind of threat:

All of the answers to our questions from Volume 1 are (hopefully) about to be answered, as the final two episodes of Stranger Things Season 4 will be available to Netflix subscribers on Friday, July 1. Godspeed, Steve Harrington, and hopefully we’ll see you in Season 5. Regardless of how it turns out, after you’ve recovered from what’s about to happen, check out these other shows to binge on Netflix, and see what series are premiering soon on the 2022 Netflix TV schedule.

Warning: SPOILERS for Stranger Things Season 4 Vol. 1 are ahead!

As a result of Netflix deciding to split Stranger Things Season 4 into two parts airing a little over a month apart, fans of the popular sci-fi/horror series were left with a quite a few cliffhangers when Volume 1 concluded with “Chapter Seven: The Massacre at Hawkins Lab.” With just two episodes left in this season, there’s a lot that needs to be addressed in Volume 2, including the fate of Joe Kerry’s Steve Harrington, who was bit by some Demobats when he ventured into the Upside Down. There’s just one week left to go before we delve back into Stranger Things, and ahead of that, co-showrunner Ross Duffer has shot down a Steve-centric fan theory, although this isn’t totally comforting news.

Many Stranger Things fans are speculating Demobat bites Steve sustained are more than superficial. Maya Hawke’s Robin Buckley expressed concern that Steve might catch an Upside Down version of rabies, so do we need to worry about him dying a bat-triggered death? Good news, Ross Duffer said that’s not on the table while speaking about the Netflix show with Variety alongside his brother, Matt Duffer, although that doesn’t mean that Steve won’t die another way. In the co-showrunner’s words:

So we can safely cross Steve Harrington slowly being poisoned by Demobats off the list of things to worry about in Stranger Things Season 4 Vol. 2. That’s not to say those bites couldn’t become scars, but Ross Duffer explained that the reason he included the Demobat attack is because of his own worry about regular bats. Once again though, it needs to be made perfectly clear that Steve is not off the hook for a death scene. The Duffer Brothers even said they “always have to beat Steve up somehow,” so whether that means he dies before Season 4 is over or suffers even more injuries, fans are well within their right to worry about his fate.

Steve was dragged into the Upside Down by a tendril from another dimension while he was inspecting the underwater gate at Lover’s Lake. Upon arriving in the Upside Down, the Stranger Things fan-favorite character was swarmed by the Demobats, but he was fortunately soon joined by Robin, Nancy Wheeler and Eddie Munson. After exploring the shadowy realm for a while, they were able to find the gate in the corresponding spot of Eddie’s trailer where Chrissy Cunningham was killed. Robin and Eddie safely made it back to our world, but before Steve and Nancy stepped through, the latter was possessed by Vecna and learned under his influence that he’s Victor Creel’s son Henry.

You can read through our Stranger Things Season 4 Vol. 1 ending breakdown to learn where we’ve left off with the starring players, but it won’t be much longer until Netflix subscribers reunite with them. While Stranger Things is no longer the streaming platform’s most popular show for the first time in weeks, count on a lot of people tuning in for Vol. 2, to the point it’s a good bet Stranger Things will regain the #1 spot. It was also confirmed in February that Stranger Things will return for a fifth and final season, but again, for now, we’re in the dark about if Steve will be around for it.

Stranger Things Season 4’s final two episodes drop Friday, July 1; the season’s eighth episode will be an hour and 20 minutes, and the ninth episode will be a whopping two hours and 20 minutes. Until then, our 2022 Netflix TV schedule is available to look through for planning out what shows to watch on the streaming service later in the year.

When it comes to certain characters from Stranger Things that I’ve grown to love, there are a good amount of great moments that come to mind. Several, of course, involve the amazing Eleven, with all her badassery and best moments, but another character that I have a place for in my heart is the one, the only, Steve Harrington. 

Yes, the perfect example of a "bad-boy-turned-good," Steve Harrington is one of those characters who is truly hard not to like. . Through good and bad times, Steve Harrington has had some hilarious, badass, and awesome moments. Let’s take a look back at some of his best so far, from the very beginning of his story arc to the latest episodes of Season 4. 

Steve Stands Up For Jonathan (Season 1, Episode 6)

In the sixth episode of Season 1 of Stranger Things, Steve and Jonathan get into a fight about Nancy, ending up with Steve getting a pretty big shiner on his eye from a punch Jonathan landed on him. But, instead of continuing to belittle him with his “friends” after their encounter, Steve instead stands up for Jonathan when they are insulting him, saying that they’re the real assholes. 

I personally believe this was one of the first moments we saw where Steve isn’t just some pretty boy with a bit of an ego. He actually realizes how much of a dick he’s been and sees how awful his friends can be, and decides that he wants to be better than that.

Steve Vs. Demogorgon - Plus Nancy And Jonathan (Season 1, Episode 8)

I mean, every monster in Stranger Things is also terrifying to look at, but there’s something about the demogorgon in Season 1 that always makes me shiver. Which is why this scene of Steve, Nancy and Jonathan fighting the monster in the Byers’ home will always stand out to me. 

I’m always going to love this scene, just because Steve goes full-on Negan from The Walking Dead and beats this demogorgon to the best of his ability while trying to lure it towards the trap that would hopefully kill it. Plus, it’s always amazing to see these three work together. 

When Steve Gives Dustin Advice - And Reveals The Secret To His Hair (Season 2, Episode 6)

While out trying to lure back Dustin’s pet-turned-monster in Season 2 of Stranger Things, Dustin and Steve have a heart-to-heart about trying to get girls; a real “big brother” talk where Steve tries to convey to Dustin how it feels to be with a girl. 

In my opinion, I think this is where everyone started to fall in love with Steve. Him being so open with Dustin about how he feels he gets girls, while also trying to warn him about the consequences of young love. And, to top it all off - telling him exactly how he does his hair, including the Farrah Fawcett spray, and then telling him he’s dead meat if he tells anyone - perfect way to cap off that conversation and start a new friendship. 

And When Steve Becomes Babysitter Extraordinaire (Season 2, Episode 9)

In the season finale of Season 2 of Stranger Things, Steve is helping the gang try and stop the monsters from killing everyone in Hawkins, often hiding out with them, taking out some monsters, and everything else that is needed to attempt to keep people safe. 

This whole episode is just Steve being a mom to these kids while also trying to act badass, and it’s hilarious. From comical quotes like “You want some?!” that he yells to one of the monsters from the Upside Down, to attempting to stop the kids from using a crazy plan because he’s trying to look out for them, saying “Yeah, and then we all die,” Steve is just in full-on babysitter mode in this episode.

When Steve Drives Dustin To The Snowball Dance (Season 2, Episode 9)

At the very end of Season 2 of Stranger Things, the gang finally gets to go to the Snowball Dance - and Steve takes it upon himself to drive Dustin to the school. Saying that he’ll look like a million bucks, he encourages him to go in there and have fun. 

Another moment at the very end of Season 2 with Steve that I love. It’s amazing how just a couple of episodes has me loving him and Dustin together, but this scene in particular always makes me smile. It shows Steve actually cares about Dustin and how he feels about his self-worth, and wants to see the little guy achieve his goals.

When Steve Lets The Kids Sneak Into The Theater (Season 3, Episode 1)

At the very beginning of Season 3 of Stranger Things, it’s revealed that Steve has taken on a summer job working at Scoops Ahoy in the mall. Later on, the gang comes to where he works, asking him to let them sneak into the movie theater through the back way, which he begrudgingly does. 

The moment is quick in the premiere, but I love it for one reason - and that’s because it shows Steve actually doesn’t just care for Dustin. While he does like Dustin the most - which we see plenty of during Season 3 - he wants to make the other kids happy too, while still keeping his tough guy demeanor up. 

And When Steve Reunites With Dustin (Season 3, Episode 1)

After Dustin was away at a summer camp for some time, he returns and heads to the Starcourt Mall, going to Scoops Ahoy to find Steve. When he first runs into Robin, Steve ends up coming out from the back, looking excited as all heck, and does his special handshake with him to commemorate the moment. 

I mean, do I need to tell you why this moment is awesome? The actors have such great chemistry and really sell this moment of two friends reuniting after weeks of being apart. What really puts the cherry on top is Maya Hawke’s excellent acting and sarcasm as Robin to him right after, asking how many child friends he has. 

When Steve Actually Wins A Fight For Once (Season 3, Episode 5)

In Season 3, Steve, Robin, and Dustin - alongside Lucas’ sister, Erica - discover a secret Russian base under the mall, and while there, end up getting in fights. Steve, who takes on one of the Russians, finally gets the upper hand and knocks him out before anything could happen to them. 

There’s been this running gag in Stranger Things that Steve can’t really win a fight. He fought against Jonathan and lost, against Billy and lost, but now, he fought a Russian soldier and finally won. Not only is this a hilarious moment, with Dustin calling him out for it, but it shows that even Steve can take on someone and actually win a fight for once, despite never winning one before. Talk about character development. 

When Steve And Robin Get Drugged (Season 3, Episode 6)

I could do a whole article dedicated to Steve and Robin and their hilarious friendship in Season 3 of Stranger Things, but one of my favorite parts is when they are drugged by the Russians down in the lab. And, while they are interrogated, they don’t seem to care, because they are too high to even notice. 

What makes this even better is the series of moments that happen after they’re drugged, from their escape to their trip to the movie theaters, to how they talk - both of them create such hilarious moments that it had me laughing like crazy. 

And When Steve Is Accepting Of Robin’s Sexuality (Season 3, Episode 7)

Near the end of Season 3 of Stranger Things, when they’re finally coming down from their high, Steve admits to Robin that he’s developed a crush on her, however, Robin tells him that she’s actually gay, and that she’s known since high school, saying that she had a crush on a girl that had a crush on him. Steve doesn’t get upset at the fact that she’s gay - instead, he welcomes it openly.

I mean, how can you not love him? Not only does Steve not get mad because Robin doesn't feel the same about him, he’s still her friend and still cares for her, showing that no matter who she likes, he’s always going to like Robin and be there for her. And, their hysterical duet right after, imitating the same person that she had a crush on, is just perfect. Definitely one of the best moments of Season 3.

When Steve Realizes Max Isn’t Okay (Season 4, Episode 4)

One of the biggest moments of Season 4, Vol. 1 of Stranger Things was when Max (Sadie Sink) was suddenly placed under Vecna’s curse after being haunted by him for a couple of days, and she listened to her favorite song to get out of it. While it seemed that, at first, she was just looking to speak with her brother while at his grave before her potential demise, Steve starts to notice that Max isn’t acting right from the car, and against her friends’ wishes, he goes up to check on her. 

It’s because of how far he has come as a friend to the rest of the Stranger Things kids - and in his babysitting skills, to be honest - that he’s able to sense that something is wrong. He’s come a long way from just calling Max a “weird girl” in Season 2 to actually caring about her wellbeing now.

Steve (And Everyone Else) Vs The Upside Down (Season 4, Episode 7) 

Oh, the Upside Down will truly never die, and it most certainly did not in Stranger Things Season 4, Volume 1. When Steve and his crew of high schoolers (including Robin, Nancy, and newcomer, Eddie (Joseph Quinn) find another gate that leads to the Upside Down in a lake, Steve dives into the water to investigate but is suddenly pulled in. 

There, he is attacked by Demo-bats, and while at first it seems he is going to be overwhelmed, the rest of his friends come down right after to save him - and it turns into an all-out brawl between them and the creatures, using whatever weapons they can to take them out. Talk about being versatile in your weaponry. 

It’s funny how we literally have a moment on this list about Steve finally winning a fight against a human, but bat creatures? That’s an easy battle. However, I have to be honest - I’m feeling a little nervous since Steve was practically eaten alive by those Demo-bats. There is no way I believe Steve is going to be completely okay after this season - which scares the crap out of me. 

Steve And Eddie’s Talk While In The Upside Down (Season 4, Episode 7) 

While there were a plethora of new Stranger Things Season 4 characters that were introduced, no one stood out quite as much as Eddie. A high-schooler with a whole lot of hair, a love for D&D, and a heart of gold underneath all those Hellfire shirts, Eddie became an all-star of the show and fans loved him in no time. So, leave it to the writers of Stranger Things to have the two fan-favorites have a talk about everyone’s favorite nerd, Dustin. 

Dustin, over the course of Season 4, has a strong relationship with both Eddie and Steve. The latter is for reasons that we’ve already seen, but Eddie was one of the few upperclassmen at Hawkins High who actually cared about Dustin and welcomed him into the Hellfire Club with open arms. It’s revealed during Eddie and Steve’s conversation that Eddie is actually jealous of Steve, because Dustin talks about him all the time. 

He even told Steve that he wished he was an “asshole” because it would make hating him so much easier, but now that he’s met him, he gets why Dustin likes him so much. And that little grin that’s on Steve’s face after that - ugh, makes the moment so perfect. I’d like to see more of these two characters before, ya know, something bad happens to both of them. 

Stranger Things does have a habit of killing of beloved characters before the end of their season when they are introduced - i.e. Barb, Bob, and Alexei - so I wouldn’t be surprised if Eddie (or Steve) ended up being the next. Praying that won’t be the case, though. 

Stranger Things Season 4, Vol 1 debuted and broke records all around, giving us even more Steve Harrington moments to love and enjoy. Now, with Season 4, Vol 2 right around the corner, I have so many questions going into it - but the biggest is going to be “Is Steve going to make it through this relatively unscathed?” Only time will tell. 

Following the drop of Vol. 1 of Stranger Things Season 4, fans were excited, yet scared for what could possibly be included in the final two episodes of the second-to-last season of the Netflix series. Perhaps one of the best parts of the show is Steve Harrington, jerk-turned-group mom, and fan-favorite character. However, after Steve found himself trapped in the Upside Down and attacked by Demobats, fans have the right to be concerned about him, and the Duffer Brothers are “excited” for what’s to come.

Matt and Ross Duffer, who serve as creators and executive producers of Stranger Things, discussed Steve’s prognosis with TV Line. Obviously, the character, portrayed by Joe Keery, has become popular and loved around the world, and after his stint in the Upside Down, fans are worried about what could possibly be in store for him. The Duffer Brothers are no help, however, as Matt explained his love for fans’ concerns:

I have to admit that there is just something about a character in danger that I enjoy, since I love being worried and concerned, as well as seeing other certain characters come to the rescue. However, Steve has gone through enough already, and I’d rather just have a fun spinoff with him and Dustin.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t look like it will be happening. While the Duffers didn’t expand on what Steve will be getting into, Ross did say that fans should definitely be concerned for the chaotic Stranger Things episodes. And with the two episodes setting up the upcoming fifth and final season, I am as concerned as ever. In Ross' words:

Stranger Things is known to go big or go home when it comes to season finales and seasons as a whole, which is what Season 4 has been like from the start. The show is also known for heartbreaking deaths and putting characters through more than they deserve. With Steve having a redemption arc and being a beloved character, it’s hard to tell just what will happen with him in Vol. 2. Hopefully Steve will survive into Season 5.

Meanwhile, the first part of Stranger Things Season 4 introduced its newest big bad, Vecna, and even included a guest role role from horror icon Robert Englund. The series also included one of the most talked-about scenes, with Sadie Sink taking center stage. It will be interesting to see how the last two episodes of the season top the first seven (if they do) and how they will set up Season 5.

Fingers crossed that the Duffer Brothers are just teasing and Steve is fine. Or, at the very least, he has no lasting side effects from the Upside Down. Because that place is terrible, and I would rather not have it terrorizing the characters anymore. Don’t miss Vol. 2 of Stranger Things Season 4 dropping on Friday, July 1 on Netflix!

It’s almost here!

That’s right. Stranger Things Season 4 is right around the corner as part of the 2022 TV schedule, and I am so excited. While there are plenty of things to remember before Season 4, and all the major deaths that we have to anticipate, it’s sometimes hard to remember that it’s been three years since 2019, when Season 3 came out. And, the cast members of this show have been doing a lot. 

For fans of the Stranger Things cast, here is what they've all been up to in between Seasons 3 and 4. So, maybe you’ll be able to find something new to watch then in now. 

Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers)

Starting off strong, let’s take a look at Joyce Byers, the loving matriarch of Stranger Things that we all fell in love with during Season 1, played by the wonderful Winona Ryder. This actress has been in plenty of movies and TV shows in the past, and in the last three years, that hasn’t changed a bit. 

Ryder recently made an appearance in the thriller, The Cow, and also had a main role in The Plot Against America, as well as the television special, Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine. But, it won’t be long before we see her as Joyce Byers again on the small screen. 

David Harbour (Jim Hopper)

While we may all know David Harbour as Jim Hopper, the slightly gruff sheriff who became a father to Eleven and ended up “sacrificing” himself at the end of Season 3 of Stranger Things, Harbour has been very active these last few years. 

His biggest role thus far was being a part of the Black Widow cast, where he played Alexei. Some of his other big roles over the last three years was playing the titular character of Hellboy, a role in Extraction, and a part in No Sudden Move. He’s also guest-starred on many television shows, like The Simpsons, Q-Force, Big City Greens, and more. 

Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler)

You want to talk about a young man who’s been making a name for himself? Look no further than Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things. Over the last several years, Wolfhard appeared in several movies, such as reprising his role in IT: Chapter 2, had a huge part in the Ghostbusters: Afterlife cast, appeared in the movie, The Goldfinch, had another starring role in The Turning, and many others. 

He also had a main role on the Netflix reboot of Carmen Sandiego, and guest starred on many TV shows such as Smiling Friends, Home Movie: The Princess Bride, and more. 

Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven / Jane Hopper)

Arguably one of the most known names from Stranger Things is Millie Bobby Brown, who blew up after her starring role as Eleven - later known as Jane Hopper. Millie Bobby Brown has consistently proven herself a valuable actress, and has appeared in a couple of movies. 

Her biggest role was starring in Enola Holmes as the titular character, a role which she will reprise in the upcoming sequel. She also had a role in the big-time monster movie, Godzilla Vs. Kong, and had a guest spot on Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special. 

Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson)

I think everyone else has collectively decided that we all love Dustin Henderson on Stranger Things, and he could only be played by the wonderful Gaten Matarazzo. While this young actor hasn’t been in any movies since Stranger Things Season 3 came out in 2019, he’s been very active in television. 

He guest-starred on the show, Nickelodeon’s Unfiltered, and hosts his very own prank show on Netflix called Prank Encounters, and with that charming personality, it’s not surprising that he’s won the hearts of viewers through his hosting skills. 

Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair)

Moving on, now we have Caleb McLaughlin, who plays Lucas Sinclair in Stranger Things, and he’s been quite active in both movies and TV during these three years. He appeared in two films, the sports drama High Flying Bird, and the urban western, Concrete Cowboy. He also voiced Ghost in the animated series, Summer Camp Island.

Most recently, McLaughlin had a guest spot on The Boys Presents: Diabolical, an animated spinoff of the Amazon Prime original series, The Boys, so McLaughlin hasn’t strayed too far from television. 

Noah Schnapp (Will Byers)

Will was the boy we were all looking for in Stranger Things Season 1, but now it seems that he and Eleven are going to be spending plenty of time together in California in Stranger Things Season 4, where he will continue to be played by Noah Schnapp. 

Schnapp has appeared in a few movies over the last few years, including the films Abe, Waiting for Anya, and the Netflix Adam Sandler original, Hubie Halloween. Schnapp also appeared in a guest spot on the YouTube Red comedy series, Liza on Demand. 

Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield) 

Sadie Sink is a name that I’m sure you have heard a lot over the several months. 2021 was really her year, because not only did she have a pretty big role in the popular Netflix horror trilogy, Fear Street, she also had a starring role in Taylor Swift’s short film, All Too Well, based on the song that Swift wrote long ago for her album, Red. She also appeared in the movie, Eli. 

Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler)

Nancy Wheeler was one of those characters where, at first, you wanted to not like her because of how she abandoned Barb in Stranger Things Season 1, but now, after some time has passed, you can’t help but admire her persistence to want to do good and her lowkey badassery. And, she's still played by Natalia Dyer. This young actress has been putting in work over the last couple of years, appearing in a variety of movies. 

She appeared in the films, Yes, God, Yes, Velvet Buzzsaw, After Darkness, Tuscaloosa, United States vs. Reality Winner, and Things Heard & Seen. She also had a guest role on the TV series, Acting for a Cause, where she guest-starred on the episode, “Jane Eyre,” playing the titular character. 

Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers)

Another character that I genuinely liked since the beginning of Stranger Things was Jonathan Byers, the strange yet sweet older brother of Will who would do anything to keep his family safe, and who ends up being Nancy’s boyfriend in Season 2. Jonathan is played by Charlie Heaton, who has appeared in plenty of movies and TV shows over the last few years 

In terms of film, he played a part in the movie, No Future, and was a part of The New Mutants cast. He also played Jim Dagger in The Souvenir: Part II. Heaton also had a guest role on the series, Soulmates, where he appeared on the episode, “Break On Through” as Kurt. 

Joe Keery (Steve Harrington)

Oh, Joe Keery. The person that I have truly fallen for over these last couple of years, because he is just so dang funny. To fans of Stranger Things, you know Joe Keery as Steve Harrington, the character that started off as someone that we all sort of collectively didn’t like, but over the last several seasons, he’s proven just how much of a nice guy he is - and a lowkey mentor to all of the children we know and love on the sci-fi hit. 

Steve has some amazing moments and they could only be performed by Keery. I can’t picture anyone else pulling it off. Well, maybe Ryan Reynolds - whom he does co-star with in Free Guy - but that’s besides the point. 

Anyway, Keery has been in a couple of movies and TV shows, which include being a part of the Free Guy cast, as mentioned earlier, as well as appearing in the film, Spree as Kurt Kunkle. Keery also has a recurring role as Officer Ed Reinhardt in No Activity, and had a special role in two television specials on Netflix, Death to 2020 and Death to 2021, where he played Duke Goolies. You just gotta love him. 

Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley)

Last but not least, we have Maya Hawke. While she only joined Stranger Things in Season 3, her character, Robin Buckley, left an impression on audiences and quickly became a fan-favorite, and also gave us some adorable friendship moments between her and Steve, who are basically besties now. Hawke has been very active these last several years, appearing in a variety of movies and TV shows. 

She appeared in the films Human Capital, Mainstream, and Italian Studies, and even was in Fear Street: Part One: 1994. Hawke has also stepped into the TV world a bit more, appearing in the miniseries, The Good Lord Bird, where she played Annie Brown.

With Stranger Things Season 4 around the corner, one can only wonder what these amazing cast members are going to do next. Are they going to end up joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Will we see more sci-fi from them after Stranger Things comes to a close? Only time will tell. But, you can bet that no matter what, I’ll be there watching from the sidelines to see whatever they do on the big or small screen. 

Stranger Things is finally returning with new episodes for fans who have been waiting nearly three years to find out what happens next after the defeat of the Mind Flayer and the “death” of Jim Hopper. While some questions – like whether or not Hopper survived – were answered over hiatus, Volume 1 of Season 4 will shed the light that viewers have been counting on since 2019. That said, it won’t be back to business as usual, with the storylines splitting up the characters between Hawkins, California, Russia, and presumably the Upside Down, based on the full trailer! Millie Bobby Brown, who of course plays Eleven, and more Season 1 veterans weighed in on all the distance in the fourth season.

Eleven will be in California in Stranger Things Season 4, after leaving Hawkins with the Byers family at the end of Season 3 in the wake of what then seemed to be Hopper’s death. The big California-themed trailer revealed that she’s heading to high school alongside Will, and they’re officially apart from The Party. Members of the cast spoke with CinemaBlend and other outlets, and when asked what Season 4 is like for El and Will in light of the split with their friends thousands of miles away, Millie Bobby Brown shared: 

Brown’s perspective may be reassuring for fans who have been nervous about Eleven and Will (as well as Jonathan and Joyce) relocating away from the Hawkins action, as “refreshing” can only be a good thing for a show that is four seasons in. Although members of the cast previewed a change that will be “sad” for fans to see, critics seem to largely agree about what’s on the way!

The majority of The Party and the older teens (with the exception of Jonathan) seem to be sticking in Hawkins, with the mystery of the Creel House and its possible connections to Vecna. Natalia Dyer, who has played Nancy from the very beginning, shared her thoughts on Season 4 feeling different with all the split storylines and distance between them:

The break between Season 3 and Season 4 likely would have been considerably shorter if not for the production shutdowns that affected the entertainment industry due to COVID, and the Duffer brothers revealed that the reason for the fourth season’s split into two volumes was to get some episodes to fans as soon as possible. (Plus, the episodes are extremely long.) Joe Keery, who plays Steve, agreed with Dyer's take, then said: 

Joe Keery not spending time with David Harbour on Season 4 isn’t surprising, considering one of the earliest reveals about the new episodes came with the footage of Hopper – alive and semi-well – being put to work in the snow of the Soviet Union. Posters for the season indicate that Joyce and Murray will be involved with Hopper’s storyline. 

Steve and Nancy will seemingly be joining forces with the younger teens, with even Erica joining in on the action. The members of the original Party are veterans of investigating anything and everything that has to deal with the Upside Down, although usually with the benefit of a friend with superpowers on hand to help out. Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin, weighed in on Season 4 feeling different with the distance:

Considering that the Demogorgon that wreaked so much havoc in Season 1 paled in comparison to the massive Mind Flayer in Season 3, fans can definitely agree with Matarazzo that the show has grown an awful lot! The Mind Flayer was seemingly defeated for good – or at least locked away in the Upside Down – at the end of Season 3, but all signs point toward a Season 4 that’s even bigger. Caleb McLaughlin, whose Lucas is on the basketball team when the show returns, shared his perspective: 

So, even though some of the characters with the strongest bonds will be separate for at least part of Season 4, the cast’s comments indicate that fans can look forward to something bigger and possibly even more thrilling than we’ve seen before. Plus, with nine episodes all reportedly running well over an hour, there’s plenty of time for potential reunions. After all, not even Stranger Things can keep the groups all separate for a full season, right? 

Find out when Volume 1 of Stranger Things Season 4 premieres on Friday, May 27 at 12:01 a.m. PT with a Netflix subscription. Volume 2 premieres just over a month later, on July 1. For some viewing options during the break between new episodes, check out our 2022 TV premiere schedule!

It’s been nearly three years since Season 3 of Stranger Things was released to Netflix subscribers. While fans are finally about to get some answers to our numerous questions following that shocking Season 3 cliffhanger ending, they may also be surprised at just how much our Hawkins, Indiana friends have grown in that time! Stranger Things Season 4 had its red carpet premiere in Brooklyn on May 14, and the whole gang was there, including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp and more. And those adorable kids from Season 1 are all grown up!

The changes aren't too surprising, considering how long it's been since Season 3. Like practically everything in the past couple of years, Stranger Things saw production of Season 4 delayed by COVID, although producer and director Shawn Levy saw the silver lining. He said the delay allowed for the writing and rewriting of the full season before they shot, making the quality of Season 4 “exceptional, maybe better than ever.” Fans should certainly be in for a treat when the sci-fi series returns on Friday, May 27. Honestly, it was a treat just to see the cast together again, looking fantastic at the season premiere:

Excuse me, down in front! Millie Bobby Brown is almost unrecognizable with her long blonde hair and bangs. The party’s mage wore a white Louis Vuitton gown with thigh-high slit, black tulle shoulder and silver belt. Brown’s character is iconic, as Eleven has provided some of the best moments on what has consistently been one of Netflix’s best shows to binge. We don’t know what El has in store for us in Season 4, as we’ll explore her past with Dr. Brenner, but we’re already blown away by the looks Brown served at the premiere.

Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery joined the “grown-ups,” Winona Ryder and David Harbour, on the red carpet, but seeing the younger generation — including Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard, Sadie Sink, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, and Priah Ferguson — all together again really made us wonder where the last three years have gone. 

The actors all rocked their own style on the red carpet, with Caleb McLaughlin going full Dalmatian in his polka dotted suit with fur trim and flare legs. Noah Schnapp and Gaten Matarazzobut looked great in pink, but David Harbour stole the show in his custom Stranger Things suit, which featured Eleven, the Upside Down, a demogorgon, and an Eggo waffle (of course).

Joining the Stranger Things universe for Season 4 will also be some new faces. Freddy Krueger actor Robert Englund was cast as convicted murderer Victor Creel, and Thomas Wlaschiha, who made a name for himself as Jaqen H’ghar on Game of Thrones, will be portraying a Russian guard who befriends Hopper.

Season 4 is said to be Stranger Things’ most challenging season yet, and it’s not one we’ll be able to binge through in one sitting. The fourth season will be released in two parts, with the first set of episodes coming May 27 and the second volume dropping July 1. It won’t end there, either. It was announced in February that while Stranger Things will return for a fifth go-round, Season 5 will be its last. 

While we count down the days to Stranger Things Season 4, check out our 2022 TV schedule to see what other shows are premiering soon.

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If Ryan Reynolds were a non-playable character in a video game, that would easily make him the funniest and most charismatic NPC ever animated. Such is the premise of Free Guy, in which the actor and producer plays a bank teller who suffers an existential crisis when he learns that he lives in the world of a popular MMORPG called Free City created by an eccentric game developer (Taika Waititi). Those aforementioned celebrities are only a few of the many famous faces in the Free Guy cast, whose careers up to this point (and beyond) we will breakdown for you one by one, starting with the lead.

Ryan Reynolds (Guy)

Free Guy is an action comedy, meaning Ryan Reynolds (who mastered action with movies like Smokin’ Aces, comedy with hits like Van Wilder or The Proposal, and the hybrid of both genres with Deadpool) was the perfect choice to play the title character. In fact, if not for the raunchy Marvel movie (his fourth attempt at superhero movies after Blade: Trinity, 2008’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and the infamous Green Lantern, the Canadian-born former sitcom star (of Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place, namely) might not have been considered for the role. The next of Reynolds’ 2021 movies (which has also included sequels to The Croods and The Hitman’s Bodyguard) is Red Notice (his second Netflix original after 6 Underground), he will reunite with Free Guy director Shawn Levy for the time travel adventure The Adam Project, and a Deadpool 3 is in the works, reportedly.

Jodie Comer (Millie/Molotov Girl)

Assisting Guy in his effort to save the non-existent city he calls home is a game designer named Millie - played by Jodie Comer, who is best known for her Emmy-winning role on Killing Eve as an assassin tasked with killing Eve (Sandra Oh). The BBC original drama, distributed in the United States on AMC, would be what introduced her into the American mainstream following a steady career in her native England, which led to roles like Rey’s long-lost mother in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and, of course, Free Guy. 

In October 2021, you can see Matt Damon and Adam Driver fight over Comer in The Last Duel, you can see her fight the spread of COVID-19 in the upcoming British TV movie Help, and she is rumored to star in another historical epic from director Ridley Scott called Kitbag, opposite Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte.

Taika Waititi (Antwan)

Playing the man behind the video game at the center of Free Guy, is Taika Waititi - the man behind other funny blockbusters like Thor: Ragnarok and poignant dramedies like the World War II satire Jojo Rabbit, which earned him a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar. The New Zealand-born artist has done everything from playing a vampire in the mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows (which he also co-wrote and directed) to playing a droid on The Mandalorian (which he also helmed an episode of), to playing the father of Daniela Melchior’s Ratcatcher 2 in The Suicide Squad (which he did not direct, but probably could have nailed). 

Waititi will reprise his Marvel movies character, Korg in Thor: Love and Thunder (which he is writing and directing), and of his many other upcoming projects, the most exciting is probably his Star Wars movie, expected for 2025.

Lil Rel Howery (Buddy)

Playing a Free City cop and best friend of Guy is Lil Red Howery, who skyrocketed to fame in 2017 as another scene-stealer with a badge in Jordan Peele’s Get Out - the first of two Best Picture nominees he has starred in, along with Judas and the Black Messiah in 2021. The comedian and fellow former sitcom star (for The Carmichael Show, Insecure, and his own short-lived, self-titled series on Fox) has led a versatile career that, of course, includes comedies like Brittany Runs a Marathon and Bad Trip, thrillers like Bird Box, dramas like Fatherhood, and animation/live-action hybrids like Tom and Jerry and Space Jam: A New Legacy. Howery has more variety coming up on his plentiful plate, including the Hulu original comedy Vacation Friends with John Cena and the crime thriller Deep Water opposite Ben Affleck.

Joe Keery (Walter “Keys” McKeys)

“Keys,” a video game designer and former beau of Jodie Comer's Millie, from Free Guy is easily the biggest movie role to date for 29-year-old Joe Keery, whose other most notable big screen credits to date include Molly’s Game with Jessica Chastain, the strange horror-comedy Slice, and the buzzy found footage thriller Spree in 2020. He will reprise his best known character, Steve Harrington, when Stranger Things Season 4 premieres on Netflix in 2022.

Utkarsh Ambudkar (Mouser)

Assisting Keys is a fellow coder in a pink bunny outfit named Mouser - played by Utkarsh Ambudkar, who went by UTK on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s improv rap group Freestyle Love Supreme before making his acting debut in 2007’s Rocket Science, alongside his future Pitch Perfect cast co-star Anna Kendrick. That movie opened doors for him to appear opposite Brie Larson in Basmati Blues, Mindy Kaling’s Netflix series Never Have I Ever, the acclaimed 2018 drama Blindspotting, and as a rat in Tom and Jerry (one of his many notable voice acting roles). Ambudkar’s post-Free Guy credits include the rom-com Marry Me, Hulu’s Elizabeth Holmes-inspired miniseries The Dropout, and an American update of the supernatural UK sitcom Ghosts.

Camille Kostek (Bombshell)

Free Guys’s “Bombshell”is the latest nameless character in a big screen feature film played by former New England Patriots cheerleader and Sports Illustrated cover model Camille Kostek, who made her acting debut in the Amy Schumer-led 2018 comedy I Feel Pretty in the role of “Hostess.” She has, however, played characters with names in a pair of Hallmark movies before becoming the on-field host of the competition show Wipeout on TBS. Kostek will finally have a major movie role with a name when she stars in the upcoming sci-fi adventure film Monsters of California.

Aaron W. Reed (Dude)

Dude is an appropriate name for a beefed up version of Guy, whom Ryan Reynolds claims in a recent trailer for Free Guy is actually played entirely by him after going on a strict (and illegal) diet of human muscle. The actor who's really doubling for Dude’s body, however, is former WWE wrestler Aaron W. Reed, who made his acting debut on the final season of Jane the Virgin in 2019 before appearing on an episode of NCIS in 2020 and playing Satan in a hilarious Match.com ad that was actually produced by Reynolds that same year.

I find it quite endearing that Aaron W. Reed, a guy whom Ryan Reynolds essentially made into star by casting him as a Devil smitten with the year 2020 in human form, is now responsible for making the actor appear like he is in better shape than ever before. Catch who wins when Guy and Dude face off in Free Guy when it hits theaters Friday, August 13, 2021.

The Free Guy cast, including Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Joe Keery, Lil Rel Howery, and Director Shawn Levy discuss everything about their new action-comedy in this interview with CinemaBlend's Mike Reyes. The cast picks their character’s NPC songs, Reynolds explains whether Deadpool could have been included in the film and if we can ever expect a sequel! Plus much more.

Video Chapters

00:00 - Intro

00:34 - Was Deadpool Ever Considered to be Included in Free Guy?

03:00 - Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery and Joe Keery Pick Their Free City NPC Songs

05:33 - What Ryan Reynolds Loved About Playing The Innocent “Guy” Versus Somone Like Deadpool

06:44 - Jodie Comer and Joe Keery Discuss Playing Two Different Characters

08:30 - Shawn Levy and Lil Rel Howery Explain What Makes Guy and Buddy’s Friendship so Special

10:31 - Joe Keery on the Perks of Working With Director Shawn Levy On Both Stranger Things and Free Guy

11:35 - What the Free Guy Cast Thinks About a Potential Sequel

Ryan Reynolds’ next comedy is almost here. He stars as the titular Guy in Free Guy, an upcoming sci-fi action comedy from director Shawn Levy (Stranger Things, Big Fat Liar). The movie also stars Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Joe Keery, and Taika Waititi. In a video game called Free City, Guy is a non-player character (NPC) working as a bank teller. Thanks to a program developed by programmers Milly (Comer) and Keys (Keery) inserted into the game by the publisher Antoine (Waititi), Guy becomes aware that his world is a video game, and goes on a journey to make himself the hero, creating a race against time to save the game before the developers can shut it down.

Based on social media reactions, people really seem to be enjoying Reynolds’ video game comedy, and it sure looks like a lot of fun. I mean, what else would you expect from the man who brought us Deadpool (who, by the way, has officially joined the MCU, in a hilarious way)? The sci-fi movie releases in theaters on Friday, August 13, and critics reviews are starting to roll in. Let’s see if they’re as positive as the early social media reactions, shall we?

Let’s start with the CinemaBlend side. Our very own Mike Reyes had a lot of fun watching Free Guy, and rated it 4 out of 5 stars. He argued it might be the most fun anyone could have in theaters this summer. With a perfect blend of punchlines and emotional beats that don’t overtake one another, the comedy showcases Reynolds’ humor and Lil Rel Howery’s wholesome energy, according to Reyes. He thinks the blockbuster will be re-watched over and over again by fans, saying:

Pete Hammond from Deadline was absolutely “smitten” with Free Guy. He praised Reynolds’ performance, which combined charm, wit, and emotion, among other qualities. He thought the rest of the cast was absolutely terrific, too, giving special recognition to Comer and Waititi. Hammond really enjoyed the sci-fi flick as it took on new urgency and action as its runtime continued, and said:

The positive reviews continue with Yolanda Machado from Nerdist. She commended the incredible world-building and thought the graphics were impeccable and engaging. She also praised the “perfect” cast, like we’ve seen in other reviews, and particularly enjoyed how Comer’s Millie/Molotov girl character was portrayed. Molotovgirl isn’t just a “science nerd” in the video game, nor is she desirable because she wears revealing clothing. She’s just a smart, focused, creative character, a great representation of a modern woman. Machado said:

Aaron Neuwirth from We Live Entertainment also enjoyed Free Guy overall, but he still had some criticisms. He thought that since the film tries to appeal to a wider audience, not just gamers, some of the gags are less impressive to video game experts, and the script loses a bit of edge in the process. But he commended several aspects of the comedy, specifically the casting choices (definitely sensing a pattern here). Neuwirth said:

Hoai-Tran Bui also enjoyed the comedy overall, but thought that it still had some faults. While she really enjoyed Reynolds’ refreshingly, painfully sincere performance, she thought the climax of the movie felt too full of needle-drops and pop culture references and didn’t quite make the impact it wanted to. But she thinks Free Guy is one of the best video game movies out there. Bui said:

Well, critics sure seem to be enjoying Reynolds' Free Guy overall! You can see for yourself when it releases in theaters next Friday, August 13.

Until then, you can check out the other movies coming out this summer with our release guide.

Ryan Reynolds in a comedy? Who would have thought?! Reynolds stars as Guy in Free Guy, an upcoming sci-fi action comedy directed by Shawn Levy (Stranger Things, Big Fat Liar). The film’s cast also includes Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Joe Keery, and Taika Waititi. In a video game, Guy is a non-player character (NPC) working as a bank teller. Thanks to a program developed by programmers Milly (Comer) and Keys (Keery) inserted into the game by the publisher Antoine (Waititi), Guy becomes aware that his world is a video game, and goes on a journey to make himself the hero, creating a race against time to save the game before the developers can shut it down.

Judging by the newest trailer, Free Guy looks like a lot of fun, which is to be expected from the man who brought us Deadpool (who, by the way, has officially joined the MCU, in a very relevant way). The social embargo for the video game movie has lifted, so critics are sharing their thoughts on social media. Let's take a look at what they're saying.

CinemaBlend's own Mike Reyes is absolutely singing the movie's praises, saying that it was everything he'd hoped for and more. He applauded Levy and Reynolds for their creation of a universe that is both hilarious and "bitingly satirical." Reyes can't wait to see the comedy again, saying:

Nikki Novak of Fandango also highly praised Reynold's latest blockbuster, predicting that it will be a hit with viewers. She enjoyed that the video game movie actually makes you feel like you're in a video game, and that it's clever and original, with fun surprises in store. Novak also commended Reynolds' and Comer's performances, saying:

It sounds like this action comedy is going to be really fun, as the positive opinions just keep on comin'. Steven Weintraub from Collider was smiling from the beginning to the very end. He also commended on the surprise twists featured that actually made his jaw drop, and argued that viewers should see it as soon as possible to avoid spoilers. Weintraub said:

Jacqueline Coley from Rotten Tomatoes considers Free Guy the best video game movie ever made, but she also noted that non-gamers will still enjoy it (which director Shawn Levy also assured us of). Coley also praised Joe Keery's performance in the comedy. She said:

Seriously, people are really enjoying this movie! Chris E. Hayner from Gamespot loved the film and specifically praised the over-the-top action, the Easter eggs (which Ryan Reynolds promised us the film will be riddled with), and the cast's performances. Hayner said:

Well, there you have it! People are singing Free Guy's praises, and now I'm even more excited to see this comedy. We'll soon be able to see what audiences think, when the film releases in theaters on August 13.

Before Ryan Reynold's comedy video game movie releases next month, plan your next movie-going experience with our summer release guide.

In a way, the talented members of the Stranger Things cast could already be considered superheroes and the fact that some have already starred in superhero movies really helps sell that notion. For instance, Charlie Heaton appeared in The New Mutants in 2020, which immediately made me wonder what it would be like to see his co-stars as X-Men characters, too. The following is a list of all your favorite actors from the hit sci-fi Netflix series and the mutants I would cast them as in the Marvel movies if given the opportunity, starting with one starlet who already knows a thing or two about playing a super-powered being.

Millie Bobby Brown (Kitty Pryde)

For the actress behind the telekinetic Eleven, I could have gone with the obvious choice of Jean Grey, but X-Men fans have been pulling for Millie Bobby Brown to play this mutant, nicknamed Shadowcat for her ability to walk through walls, for a while. I agree with the casting, especially considering how her Stranger Things character also shares similar telepathic powers with Kitty Pryde.

Maya Hawke (Jean Grey)

Besides, I would actually rather see how Maya Hawke, who joined the Stranger Things cast as Robin in Season 3, could handle the part of Jean Gray. Outside of a brief appearance in the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood cast as a Manson Family member who chickens out before invading Rick Dalton's house, the daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke has yet to really show her dark side and portraying the powerful psychokinetic's evolution toward becoming the Dark Phoenix would be a great opportunity.

Joe Keery (Cyclops)

Someone who did show off his dark side with 2020 horror movie Spree is Joe Keery, whose Stranger Things character Steve Harrington wrongfully assumed he had a shot with co-worker Robin in Stranger Things Season 3. Well, I can switch that around by casting him as Jean Grey's longtime laser-eyed lover Cyclops, whom Keery is nearly a dead ringer for outside of possessing the charisma of good-nature, but sometimes cocky, hero that defines the role.

Natalia Dyer (Rogue)

Some fans have also considered Maya Hawke as a good fit for Rogue, as well, but I actually thought of Natalia Dyer when considering who to play the young X-Men member. Her role as the feisty, ambitious Nancy Wheeler on Stranger Things has gone through one of the series' most transformative character arcs, convincing me she would be perfect to depict the energy-absorbing mutant.

Charlie Heaton (Cannonball)

You know, speaking of second choices, I actually did consider making Natalia Dyer Jean Grey and making Charlie Heaton Cyclops as a reference to their romance on Stranger Things and in real life. However, say what you want about The New Mutants, the British actor's performance as Sam Guthrie (otherwise known as Cannonball for his destructive flight path) was a highlight that warrants a second chance at the role in an MCU X-Men reboot movie.

Finn Wolfhard (Pyro)

Another destructive X-Men character is Pyro, the name St. John Allerdyce would earn for his ability to manipulate fire, but not create it. I thought of Finn Wolfhard to play a younger version of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants member, in part because I think the Stranger Things Mike Wheeler actor has potential to play a bad guy that his "sinister" role in 2020 horror movie The Turning did not quite justify.

Noah Schnapp (Nightcrawler)

When considering what X-Men character Noah Schnapp should play, I thought I would take some inspiration from his Stranger Things character, Will Byers, who chose a wizard for his Dungeons and Dragons role. While not an official magic user, I feel that the teleportation abilities of Nightcrawler make him a close enough choice. Plus, Schnapp got a taste of what it is like to portray a someone of more "monstrous" proportions in Stranger Things Season 2 when The Mind Flayer took over Will's body.

Gaten Matarazzo (Forge)

I also looked to Gaten Matarazzo's scene-stealing Stranger Things character to decide the X-Men character he had the most potential for, but not in terms of his Dungeons & Dragons role. After returning from Camp Know Where in Stranger Things Season 3, Dustin Henderson proved himself to be pretty damn tech savvy, much like Forge - an intuitive mechanical genius with mystical powers and a cybernetic leg.

Caleb McLaughlin (Cloak)

It was not, particularly, anything about Caleb McLaughlin's role as Lucas Sinclair on Stranger Things that led me to choose the darkly mystical and aptly named Cloak as his potential X-Men-related character. Yet, I did find similarities between Cloak's young, pre-superhero alter ego Tyrone Johnson and McLaughlin's role as a rebellious teen on the road to redemption in the Netflix original movie Concrete Cowboy from 2021.

Sadie Sink (Dagger)

On the other hand, I will admit that it was Sadie Sink's chemistry with Caleb McLaughlin as Max Mayfield, who became Lucas' girlfriend at the end of Stranger Things Season 2, that convinced me to cast her as the also rebellious young woman Tandy Bowen. She uses her mutant powers to project "daggers" of light as Cloak's partner in crimefighting (and on-and-off romance) under the alias Dagger. Together, they are known as Marvel's Cloak & Dagger, who would inspire a Freeform series of the same that ran from 2018 to 2019.

Dacre Montgomery (Slipstream)

As Max Mayfield's extremely antagonistic brother, Billy, on Stranger Things is Dacre Montgomery, whom you would never know is actually a native of Australia by how well, and how often, he hides his accent on screen. So, I figured, why not cast him as a mutant from Down Under like Slipstream, whose water-based powers and love of surfing call to mind Billy's stint as a Hawkins lifeguard in Season 3.

Winona Ryder (Selene)

Outside of playing Joyce Byers on Stranger Things, you no longer see Winona Ryder play the kinds of characters that made her a Scream Queen, like as Lydia Deetz in the Beetlejuice cast or the female lead of Bram Stoker's Dracula in 1992. The latter role gives me the idea of casting her as one of the X-Men's most horror-centric characters Selene, whose mutant abilities of mental life force absorption classify her as a "psychic vampire."

David Harbour (Beast)

You know, I cannot say I am a fan of 2019's failed Hellboy reboot, but I still believe, as the titular demon with a heart of gold, David Harbour gave his best performances since playing Hopper on Stranger Things shot him to the A-list. To give him the chance to bring another kindhearted "beast" to life on the big screen, I think casting him as middle-aged Hank McCoy would be an inspired choice.

It almost sounds too meta, but could still be greatly satisfying, for the MCU to bring in the Stranger Things cast to play the bulk of their X-Men characters. If not, a future in the DC movies is not out of the question.

Once upon a time, movie release dates were pretty firm, and you could expect them to happen when announced. But in the era of COVID-19, things are far from being set in stone. So as their film prepares to get a new trailer, Ryan Reynolds and the cast of the upcoming comedy, Free Guy, seem to be trying to get one step ahead of the game with their pitch-perfect response to the movie's delay.

Ryan Reynolds, being the constant jokester that he is, has developed a keen skill in turning tragedy into comedy. Considering he’s a producer on Free Guy, I can’t help but wonder if he had a hand in developing this latest video announcing the new trailer for the movie. All in all, it's the perfect response to the situation. Check it out:

Not only does all the mayhem in Free Guy look vaguely familiar, but it’s that last line about arriving in theaters December 11 that hits the hardest. All too often, movie trailers have been using vague language to announce their release dates because they likely expect those dates to change. So the Free Guy cast acknowledging that rather than ignoring it makes any further delay a bit easier to swallow.

Although theaters have reopened (with Tenet being the main draw for moviegoers), the lack of major films paired with a lower guest attendance rate is making it difficult for theater chains to thrive. Now, with Daniel Craig’s No Time to Die and Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman 1984 being delayed to 2021, one company is actually planning to close locations until the new year.

While it’s yet to be determined what destiny awaits Free Guy, it sounds like it has a special place in Ryan Reynolds' heart. He said late last year that Free Guy is his favorite movie he’s ever made, placing it even above Deadpool, one of his most well-known and beloved films to date. With sentiments like that, you’d have to believe he’d fight to have it released in theaters.

Making Free Guy also sounds like it had a big impact on both director Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds' working relationship, as the two will be teaming up yet again for a Netflix project. But rather than putting Ryan Reynolds in a video game, they’ll be making a time-travel movie based on a script called Our Name Is Adam.

Like Grand Theft Auto meets Wreck-It Ralph, Free Guy is about a non-player character (NPC) in a video game named Guy (Ryan Reynolds), who's unaware of the fact that he’s in a video game, until he puts on a special pair of glasses. This average joe eventually seeks to become a hero in his own right, with comedic results, and aims to save his game before developers can shut it down.

Free Guy is expected to release on December 11, 2020 but, as the cast jokes, be on the lookout for changes. At the very least, you can expect a trailer for the movie tomorrow. For more movie news, stay tuned to CinemaBlend.

By now, you're familiar with the cast of Stranger Things. The Netflix series is one of the most popular programs on TV — on their service or otherwise — and it has propelled the careers of pretty much everyone involved, most notably including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and David Harbour. 

Through the continued pop culture staying power of the streaming series, the Stranger Things cast members have branched off into their own individual film and TV projects, many of which show the expansive talents of the ensemble through dynamic performances. Some of these movies were big crowdpleasers, while others were smaller movies that might've slipped past the public. Whether blockbusters or indie joints, the cast members continue to prove their talents in several noteworthy projects. With that said, we'll take this time to highlight some of these finest film performances for fans looking for something to watch before Season 4 drops.

Millie Bobby Brown - Godzilla: King of the Monsters (HBO Max)

Though it didn't exactly meet critical expectations, particularly following the roaring success of 2014's Godzilla, Godzilla: King of the Monsters was a huge step forward for Millie Bobby Brown as an actress. Gaining a great deal of recognition for her great performance in Stranger Things, including an Emmy nomination, King of the Monsters was Brown's first starring vehicle, serving as the bright young eyes exploring the wondrous creatures roaming the city and skies in the wake of Godzilla's earth-shaking arrival. 

While the movie itself doesn't give its human performers enough time to shine in this lumbering, overcrowded blockbuster affair, Brown's lead performance is earnestly motivated, showcasing a bright up-and-coming actress with bright star power. In a film where the raging otherworldly monsters ultimately take the spotlight, Brown brings some gentle humanity to this hulking enterprise.

Stream It On HBO Max here.

Finn Wolfhard - IT (Amazon Prime)

Admittedly, if there's one movie on this list you've probably seen by now, it's 2017's IT. Based on Stephen King's tome of a novel, it's no secret that the source material played a huge role in shaping Stranger Things, which makes the irony of the movie being influenced by the show's success a bit startling. To blur the lines even further, Finn Wolfhard plays Richie Tozier, providing an enjoyably scene-stealing role as the clown of the group (besides, you know, the killing supernatural one that's terrorizing them and threatening their lives). 

While it's hard to live up to King's prolific work, this big-budget adaptation is appealing in its focus on the neighborhood kids fostering their friendships while also battling the unknowable terror that lurks in the shadows. While Wolfhard takes many strides to win over the spotlight, it's fitting for the character.

Rent It On Amazon here.

David Harbour - Frankenstein's Monster's Monster, Frankenstein (Netflix)

While it's hard to call it a "movie" as it only clocks in at 32 minutes, this streamable special serves as an enjoyably slim showcase for David Harbour's thespian talents as a veteran actor, while also providing a fun, loose platform to provide a nostalgically loving tribute to both staged theater and unpolished TV productions of decades prior. 

While it can occasionally be amusing than outright funny, the jokes remain consistently inspired, and Harbour's enthusiasm for this off-kilter premise fuels the mockumentary special's goofy sensibilities in endearing, rewarding ways. Plus, the period redesigns are — similar in Stranger Things — pointed and reverent in their approach. While Harbour is great on Stranger Things, he hasn't found much success away from it, notably with the ill-fated Hellboy reboot. This likably wacky production, therefore, is a fine vehicle for his immense talents.

Stream It On Netflix here.

Winona Ryder - Beetlejuice (Peacock)

Before she became Joyce Byers, concerned mother of Will and Jonathan, Winona Ryder was a teen star herself, notably making a splash in movies like Heathers, Edward Scissorhands, The Age of Innocence, Little Women (1994), and more. But the role that really helped propel her career in stardom was Tim Burton's Beetlejuice. As Lydia Deetz, the goth teenager who Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) believes is his way back into the land of the living, Ryder made a great impression in this entertaining spooky dark comedy, showcasing her talents for dry comedy and bringing pulpy life to reserved characters. 

While she certainly wasn't the star of the show, Ryder shined bright and stole the show in this supporting turn, launching a great '90s filmography. Though Ryder's career unfortunately stalled in the 2000s, Stranger Things' massive success brought the actress back into the limelight.

Stream It On Peacock here.

Noah Schnapp - The Peanuts Movie (Disney+)

It's nearly impossible to recapture the simplistic charm of Charles Schultz consistently-beloved Peanuts comic strip, notably outside of its hand-drawn animation style. Nevertheless, The Peanuts Movies serves as a warm, lovely, sweet-natured, and fitting tribute to the classic cartoon series, elevated by incredible 3D animation made in a 2D style and commendable vocal performances from its young cast. 

In the lead role of the perpetually downtrodden but persistently hopeful Charlie Brown, Noah Schnapp brings a rich, wholesome sincerity to the title role, providing a keener sense of kindness and compassion to the often glum character. It helped to bring out the child protagonist's youthful side, appropriately enough, allowing the child actor to ingrain an impressionable good nature to the character's various cinematic misadventures, giving everything his best shot (or his best kick) — even when facing countless suburban-set odds.

Stream It On Disney+ here.

Caleb McLaughlin - High Flying Bird (Netflix)

In Steven Soderbergh's iPhone-filmed Netflix sports drama, High Flying Bird, we're given an inside look at a sports agent (Andre Holland) who has 72 hours to pull off a controversial strategic plan. It's a zippy, quick-rolling feature, relying on the well-suited actors to fast talk about sports figures, basketball players, and some whizzy professional lingo throughout its dialogue-driven narrative. 

While that might not sound like the most exhilarating sports movie, it's livened by its pinpoint camerawork, Soderbergh's intensive direction, and the strong ensemble of actors, which also includes Zazie Beetz, Kyle MacLachlan, a great Bill Duke, and Caleb McLaughlin. While the Stranger Things actor doesn't get as much screen time as his co-stars, McLaughlin is aided by the fine support of his talented co-stars, which allows the rising star to step up his game and provide a sharply-crafted supporting performance.

Stream It On Netflix here.

Charlie Heaton - As You Are (Amazon Rental)

Channeling Charlie Heaton's moody, sullen intensity into the right character isn't easy. The British actor can capably play a darkly brewing character, though outside of Stranger Things, he hasn't found too much success in bringing out those seething impulses to the right project. This past weekend's long-delayed The New Mutants is a perfect, notable example. While he's a talented actor, Heaton needs to find the right roles to prove those talents, showing the full extent of his unsettling captivation. 

Thankfully, 2017's indie As You Are is that type of drama. From director Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, who was only 23, this cold, commanding debut gives Heaton one of his most haunting performances, properly allowing him to play into his strength as a beguiling if sometimes unreadable actor. Not many films found the right role for Heaton. As You Are is an exception.

Rent It On Amazon here.

Natalia Dyer - Yes, God, Yes (Amazon Rental)

Sadly, Natalia Dyer hasn't gotten enough time to shine on Stranger Things. She's a clear talent, though she can be overlooked in the popular Netflix series. Whenever she gets a chance to prove herself, Dyer is an exceptional talent, as was the case with Karen Maine's appealing directorial debut, Yes, God, Yes, from earlier this year. The personal, reflective indie from the Obvious Child co-writer is meticulous in its period recreation, recapturing the look and feel of its time. 

A young, sheltered early 2000s Christian teen comes to terms with her budding sexuality in a strict, ultra-conservative environment. Dyer's bright eyes, inquisitive facial features, and intentionally demurred body language do wonders to reveal the insecurity and introspection of its inquiring, soul-searching protagonist. It's a charming, winning star vehicle for this undervalued actress.

Rent It On Amazon here. Also Currently Available On Virtual Cinemas.

Joe Keery - Spree (Amazon Rental)

Exploring the extreme, overzealous lengths that young wannabe influencers will go to discover internet stardom is ripe territory in our current age, though only a handful of movies have done it effectively. Be it the entertainingly silly Nerve or the thrilling character study Ingrid Goes West, social media dependency is a compelling place for movies to take unstable characters and their darkly obsessive interests in an environment that feeds on inherent cynicism and narcissism. 

While Spree doesn't dive too far below its shiny surface, this found footage dark comedy-horror is an entertaining descent into madness with an excellent lead performance from Joe Keery. Game for anything the film throws in his way, Keery indulges in Spree's fixations with wicked glee and fervent menace, allowing any narrative bumps and hang-ups to generally be absolved thanks to his unhinged dedication to this lurid spectacle.

Rent It On Amazon here.

Sean Astin - The Goonies (Amazon Rental)

Stranger Things is inspired by many products of the 1980s, not the least of which is Richard Donner's 1985 film, The Goonies. The Steven Spielberg-produced adventure-comedy follows a band of kids who attempt to save their homes from foreclosure by discovering an old treasure map leading to a lost-long treasure fortune. It's exactly the sort of charmingly goofy kid-centric plot that makes for exhilarating entertainment for young audiences, and its several cast members have found fame in its wake, including Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, and Sean Astin.

Before Lord of the Rings and Rudy, The Goonies was (and still is) Astin's calling card, and the actor's endearing child performance made him a natural fit for Stranger Things. The Netflix show's mix of high-stakes adventure and buddy camaraderie was heavily influenced by the rousing amusement found throughout this rewatchable movie's runtime.

Rent It On Amazon here.

Do you have any additional film recommendations for anyone who loves Stranger Things? Be sure to let us know in the comment section below!

Stranger Things was one of the many shows to be affected by the global health crisis, as production on Season 4 was forced to halt production in Atlanta back in March. As a result, its release date is currently in flux. This development has left some of its stars, like Finn Woflhard, disappointed, but Joe Keery is trying to remain optimistic. The actor, who plays everyone’s favorite “Mom” Steve Harrington, isn’t sure how the season will ultimately be affected by the delay, but he thinks the situation does give the show’s creators more time to polish the new set of episodes:

Joe Keery does make a good point, especially when you consider just how much time creators Matt and Ross Duffer have had to talk things over with the writers. As a matter of fact, a change in script distribution has already been alluded to for the new season. However, with all of the scripts for Season 4 apparently completed, the siblings and their collaborators may not be aiming to change too much.

Despite this extended wait, Stranger Things Season 4 is shaping up to be something special and, during his interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Keery gave his spoiler-free thoughts on it:

Joe Keery isn’t the only Stranger Things star to tease some exciting things for the new season. Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers on the show, has seen scripts and he’s had nothing but good things to say about them. David Harbour has also teased an epic season that includes plenty of scares and shares similarities Indiana Jones. In addition, the actor has hinted at some major changes for his lovable and grizzled Jim Hopper, who will be “coming back from the dead” this season.

Most would agree when I say that the wait for Stranger Things (and plenty of other returning TV shows) hasn’t been the easiest. But the show has always been able to up the ante with each season, meaning that Season 4 should be well worth the wait. Let’s just hope we get it before the younger actors are in college.

Until the new season arrives, you can stream the first three seasons of Stranger Things on Netflix now.