The highly anticipated second volume of Stranger Things Season 5 premiered on Netflix this Friday, pushing the beloved sci-fi saga closer to its grand conclusion. This new drop consists of three gripping episodes, yet the final chapter of the series is still to come, with the finale volume scheduled for release very soon.
Life After Hawkins: The Cast's New Horizons
As the iconic Netflix show approaches its end after nearly a decade, fans are eager to know what's next for the talented ensemble. The young stars, who grew up on screen, are now embarking on diverse and exciting career paths beyond the Upside Down.
Millie Bobby Brown, who was just 11 when she first portrayed Eleven, has transformed into a global entrepreneur and a family woman. She launched her beauty brand, Florence by Mills, in 2019 and has secured major collaborations. In 2024, she married Jake Bongiovi and later announced they adopted a daughter. Professionally, she has Enola Holmes 3 and a romantic comedy titled Just Picture It in development.
From Hawkins to Hollywood and Music
Finn Wolfhard, beloved as Mike Wheeler, balances acting with a deep passion for music. After his band Calpurnia disbanded, he formed The Aubreys. He made a solo debut with the album Happy Birthday in July and co-directed the horror-comedy Hell of a Summer. His next big move is set for 2026, where he will host the premiere episode of Saturday Night Live.
Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair) has honed his skills as a voice artist for animations like Summer Camp Island. His next venture is the upcoming animated feature Goat.
Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson) has successfully ventured into production with Netflix's Prank Encounters and shined on Broadway in Sweeney Todd. He continues voice work in animated films.
Continuing the Journey in Film and Beyond
Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), a New York University alum, has roles in films like All Fun and Games and lent her voice to the documentary Reality Winner. She remains in the public eye, partly due to her long-term relationship with co-star Charlie Heaton.
Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), though not detailed in the initial brief, is part of the core cast whose future projects are also keenly awaited by the fandom as the series wraps up.
The release of Volume 2 marks a bittersweet moment for fans worldwide. While the story of Hawkins is drawing to a close, the careers of its stellar cast are clearly just beginning to soar to new heights across film, music, theatre, and business.
