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‘Stranger Things’ Then & Now: See How Millie Bobby Brown & More Have Grown Up Since Season 1

By:
July 1, 2022 2:15PM EDT

The final chapters of ‘Stranger Things’ are here! While we’re sobbing, take a look at how far the kids have come since the 2016 premiere in our gallery here.

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Stranger Things: Then & Now

Stranger Things: Then & Now
Netflix

Then end is here. When Netflix debuted ‘Stranger Things’ in the summer of 2016, no one would’ve guessed just how massive the show would become. However, almost overnight, the 80s era sci-fi horror series became a sensation and made superstars out of the young and completely unknown cast of actors. Some of the kids were as young as 9 and 10 years old when they first auditioned for the Duffer Brothers, the masterminds behind Netflix’s biggest franchise.

Now they’re full-blown teenagers (and some are even technically adults!) With the series finally ending, see how youngsters Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, and the other kids of Hawkins have grown up on the screen. Oh, and we’ve thrown in your favorite ‘big kids’ too. (We see you Steve Harrington and your ever-evolving hair!) 

June 25, 2019, 5:04PM
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Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown
Netflix/Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

Millie Bobby Brown is one of the youngest stars of the hit Netflix series, and perhaps the most recognizable. Her character, the superpowered Eleven, has made the biggest transformation since season 1. While she started out with a bald head in hand-me-down clothes, now Eleven embarks on creating her own identity as a teen with access to a mall and longer hair. Hand this girl a scrunchie!

Right, you can see Millie Bobby Brown during the New York premiere of ‘Stranger Things 4’ in May 14, 2022. Her long blonde hair made it clear she was worlds away from season 1’s Eleven!

May 26, 2022, 5:00PM
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Finn Wolfhard

Finn Wolfhard
Netflix/Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

Finn Wolfhard had such a baby face when he started filming ‘Stranger Things’. But just as his character, Mike Wheeler, has grown up, so has Finn, and we do mean up! The kid is TALL.

Right, Finn Wolfhard appears at the New York premiere of ‘Stranger Things 4’ on May 14, 2022. What a handsome gentleman!

May 26, 2022, 5:03PM
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Noah Schnapp

Noah Schnapp
Netflix/Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

Noah Schnapp is the youngest of the Hawkins gang, having joined the show when he was just 9 years old. Now 17, he’s clearly gone through one of the more obvious transformations on-screen. Just as Noah has grown up, so has his character Will Byers, who has spent years battling literal demons from the Upside Down, both in the spooky alternative universe and in his own body. So, puberty will be a piece of cake, right? 

Right, Noah Schnapp appears at the New York premiere of ‘Stranger Things 4’ on May 14, 2022. His bright smile was contagious.

May 26, 2022, 5:05PM
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Gaten Matarazzo

Gaten Matarazzo
Netflix/Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

Gaten Matarazzo was already a vet of the biz before he joined ‘Stranger Things,’ having been a young Broadway star in shows like ‘Les Mis’. But Dustin Henderson was truly his breakout role, and the character continues to be a true fan favorite, especially when he joins forces with Steve Harrington.

Right, Gaten Matarazzo appears at the New York premiere of ‘Stranger Things 4’ on May 14, 2022. He proved his style was all grown up in a snazzy suit.

May 26, 2022, 5:07PM
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Caleb McLaughlin

Caleb McLaughlin
Netflix/Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Caleb McLaughlin is the oldest of the Hawkins crew, though his character, Lucas, is the same age Mike, Will, and Dustin. Now 20, Caleb has definitely changed a lot since the first season when Lucas was fearful of trusting Eleven to save their friend Will. But while he may look older, Lucas is still very wise and knows how to put his friends first. Good man. 

Right, Caleb McLaughlin arrives at the Vanity Fair Future of Hollywood event, at Mother Wolf in Los Angeles on Mar. 24, 2022.

May 26, 2022, 5:10PM
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Sadie Sink

Sadie Sink
Netflix/Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

Sadie Sink came in at season 2, but even still, she’s grown up a ton since the boys met Mad Max in the arcade. Plus, now Max and El are best friends. When she’s not filming ‘Stranger Things,’ Sadie continues her Netflix reign in the ‘Fear Street’ movies!

Left, Sadie Sink is glowing and grown-up at the ‘Stranger Things 4’ premiere on May 14, 2022. Stunning

May 26, 2022, 5:12PM
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Charlie Heaton

Charlie Heaton
Netflix/Oscar Gonzalez/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Jonathan Byers hasn’t changed much since season 1. He’s still fiercely loyal, a great big brother, and seriously in love with Nancy Wheeler. But Charlie Heaton has seen some changes to his character’s look, especially when it comes to his hair. 

Right, Charlie Heatons appears at the Madrid premiere of ‘Stranger Things 4’ on May 18, 2022. He was suited up and ready to go.

May 26, 2022, 5:14PM
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Natalia Dyer

Natalia Dyer
Netflix/Oscar Gonzalez/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Natalia Dyer’s character Nancy has grown up, not just in appearance, but also in maturity since the first season. I guess that’s what happens when your best friend is murdered by a terrifying monster from another dimension. As the years go by, Nancy and Natalia stay stylish AF. 

Natalie Dyer has certainly matured. She’s seen stunning at the Madrid premiere of ‘Stranger Things’ on May 18, 2022 on the right.

May 26, 2022, 5:15PM
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Joe Keery

Joe Keery
Netflix/Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

We could sit here all day and talk about how Joe Keery’s character Steve Harrington went from the cliched, jerk boyfriend to heroic babysitter/mom, but the transformation we’re more interested in his hair. Now that’s an upgrade!

May 27, 2022, 10:13AM
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Priah Ferguson

Priah Ferguson
Netflix/Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

Priah Ferguson joined the show as Lucas’ little sister Erica Sinclair. In season 3, she became an instant ‘Stranger Things’ icon. She was just 11 when season 2 came out. Now she’s 15!

Priah Ferguson is glam and gorgeous during the New York premiere of ‘Stranger Thigns 4’ on May 14, 2022, on the right.
 

May 26, 2022, 5:19PM
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Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder
Netflix/Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

Actual 80s icon Winona Ryder joined the cast of ‘Stranger Things’ after a long hiatus from the biz. Her character has clearly evolved from a frantic, harebrained mom, to a strong-willed, courageous fighter against the evils of the Upside Down. And her wardrobe has improved as well! Winona forever!

Right, Winona Ryder is chic at the ‘Stranger Things 4’ premiere in New York on May 14, 2022. She wore a pin with her own character’s face on it.

May 26, 2022, 5:21PM
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David Harbour

David Harbour
Netflix/David Fisher/Shutterstock

David Harbour’s lovable yet gruff Chief Jim Hopper hasn’t changed much over 3 seasons… physically. Unless you count that sexy new ‘stache, which you should. But while he might look relatively the same, his life is so much more than coffee and contemplation as he’s now the father of a supercharged teenager. In reality, David had undergone a major transformation to prepare for ‘Stranger Things’ season 4. Get ready for buff Hopper!

David Harbour, left, appears at The Olivier Awards in London on Apr. 10, 2022. Looking good!

May 26, 2022, 5:23PM