A Bittersweet Farewell
Last Day on Set
As the cast of ‘Stranger Things’ gathered for their final day on set, Finn Wolfhard embraced the moment despite the sadness around him. On December 20, while filming the series finale at Netflix’s Atlanta studio, he noticed a large crowd, including Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. Among the familiar faces were his co-stars Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, and Maya Hawke, who had come back to support the occasion. Wolfhard reminisced, saying, “I turned around from the monitors, and it was hundreds of people just hanging out for the first time in the same room after 10 years of working. And they were just watching. So if that wasn’t enough of a mindfuck there, it was also like, ‘Wait, that means it’s ending.’”
A Glimpse of What’s to Come
When directors Matt and Ross Duffer called “action” for the last time, the atmosphere was charged with nostalgia and excitement. Though details remain under wraps due to the show’s immense popularity, Wolfhard revealed he shares the finale with “some” of his fellow cast members, including Millie Bobby Brown and Gaten Matarazzo. He described the day as emotionally overwhelming, recalling, “When I walked out from doing the scene, it was just one of the greatest moments in my entire life. I didn’t process at the time because it was just so emotional. There was a lot of Champagne.’”
Looking Forward
Transitioning from Mike Wheeler
Now at 22, Wolfhard is stepping away from portraying Mike Wheeler, a character he has embodied since he was a young teen. Reflecting on the evolution of his character, he noted, “You see Mike become that leader again that he was in Season 1, but a more mature, confident version.” The show has been a defining part of his youth, but Wolfhard is eager to explore new horizons.
What’s Next for Wolfhard?
With ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 set to debut in three volumes—Volume 1 on November 26, Volume 2 on Christmas, and the finale on New Year’s Eve—Wolfhard is aware that the series’ end could mark a new beginning. Already, he has built an impressive resume, starring in 17 films that grossed over $1.8 billion. His most notable works include the ‘It’ series and ‘Ghostbusters’ films, and he even co-directed the horror-comedy ‘Hell of a Summer,’ showcasing his diverse talents.
Personal Growth and Activism
Finding Balance
As he navigates his burgeoning career, Wolfhard is also focused on his personal development. He started acting at a young age but remained grounded, attending a Catholic school instead of opting for homeschooling. He now describes himself as “pretty agnostic,” while still valuing his upbringing. With a keen sense of social justice, he’s vocal about issues such as Ukraine’s plight and Indigenous land rights.
Personal Struggles
Wolfhard has also confronted his mental health challenges. Diagnosed with anxiety, he continues to see a therapist to manage it. He shared, “I can either try to bury that stuff and just do project after project, not think about it, or be able to ask myself these questions.”
The Future of ‘Stranger Things’
Speculation on Spin-offs
As the series concludes, thoughts about potential spin-offs linger. Wolfhard has ideas for a project set within the same universe, hinting at the need for labs beyond Hawkins. “I think the coolest way… there has to be labs everywhere,” he speculated, leaving fans intrigued.
Final Reflections
Working continually since his breakout role, Wolfhard has yet to take a significant break. He acknowledged being single and focused on his career. He stated, “I feel like it’s been kind of … maybe it’s been subconsciously—what’s the word?—deliberate?—to not have a committed partner.”
As the series prepares for its finale, the camaraderie among cast members is palpable. Wolfhard and his colleagues discussed group tattoos to symbolize their shared experience—possibly a flashlight or their premiere date. However, differing perspectives make it hard to settle on a design.
In closing, Wolfhard reflects on the impact of ‘Stranger Things’ as it approaches its conclusion. Acknowledging the bittersweet nature of bidding farewell to Mike Wheeler, he stated, “The way for me to sort of advance in my life and my career is not to try to replace the show. It’s to try to really embrace it, because to fight it would be the wrong thing to do.” With exciting opportunities on the horizon, Finn Wolfhard is ready to embrace the future.
