Caleb McLaughlin, known to millions as Lucas Sinclair from Netflix’s blockbuster series Stranger Things, has stepped into a new chapter—one marked by animated storytelling, bittersweet farewells, and the weighty expectations of fans eager for more diverse heroes. On February 6, 2026, McLaughlin was the center of attention on both ABC’s The View and NBC’s TODAY show, where he opened up about his latest project, the animated film Goat, and reflected on the ambiguous, hotly debated finale of Stranger Things.
When Alyssa Farah Griffin of The View pressed McLaughlin for his take on the fate of Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, the actor didn’t mince words. "Don’t break my heart," Griffin pleaded, echoing the collective anxiety of fans everywhere. McLaughlin’s reply was as direct as it was somber: "I think she’s…gone," he said, before adding, "I think rest in peace, Eleven." The studio audience gasped, and cohost Ana Navarro tried to lighten the moment, joking, "Gone? To the supermarket?" But McLaughlin stood firm. "I think rest in peace Eleven," he repeated, bringing a sense of finality to a question that’s haunted viewers since the show’s December 31, 2025 finale.
The final episode of Stranger Things left audiences with an image of Eleven making a sacrificial stand in the collapsing Upside Down, allowing her friends to escape. A coda, set 18 months later, showed the surviving characters clinging to hope that Eleven had somehow survived. But as McLaughlin explained on The View, while his character Lucas may believe in that possibility, he himself does not. "Nah, she’s gone," he concluded, confirming that the series truly ended with Season 5.
McLaughlin isn’t alone in this interpretation. According to Deadline, Sadie Sink, who portrayed Max Mayfield, told Jimmy Fallon in January 2026 that she too believes Eleven is dead, and that the characters’ hopeful speculation was "just a coping thing." The show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, have long been known for leaving doors slightly ajar, and McLaughlin acknowledged this, saying they intended to "leave a level of optimism that show always had." Still, his own view is clear: Eleven’s story has reached its end.
But if the end of Stranger Things marks a closing door, it also signals new beginnings for McLaughlin. On TODAY, he spoke with Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones about his first foray into voice acting with Goat, an animated film inspired by the life and career of NBA superstar Steph Curry. The project, directed by Tyree Dillihay and featuring an ensemble cast including Gabrielle Union, represents a significant creative pivot. "It’s a whole new world," McLaughlin said, describing the unique challenges of conveying emotion and character without the aid of physical presence. "You have to bring all the energy just through your voice. It’s different, but really exciting."
During his whirlwind media day, McLaughlin also shared a humorous moment involving his co-star Gabrielle Union. As he recounted on The View, after a couple of weeks apart, Union’s first words to him weren’t a typical greeting. Instead, she cut straight to the chase: "Is Eleven dead or not?" The anecdote drew laughter from the hosts and audience, highlighting just how deeply the show’s mysteries have seeped into pop culture—and even the lives of its stars.
Reflecting on his time with Stranger Things, McLaughlin expressed a mix of gratitude and nostalgia. "It’s bittersweet," he told TODAY. "That show gave me so much, but it’s time to say goodbye to Lucas and see what else is out there." The sentiment resonated with fans, many of whom have watched the young actor grow up on screen. For McLaughlin, the transition from live-action to animation isn’t just about a change in medium; it’s about expanding his range and avoiding the pitfalls of typecasting. As he shared with El-Balad, "You don’t want to get stuck playing the same kind of character forever. Voice acting lets me try something totally different."
That willingness to take risks is also fueling speculation about McLaughlin’s future in another iconic franchise. In recent months, social media campaigns have sprung up urging Marvel to cast him as Miles Morales, the beloved Spider-Man of Afro-Latino descent. When asked about the possibility, McLaughlin was measured but clearly appreciative. "It means a lot to see that kind of support," he said on TODAY. "People want to see themselves represented in these stories. I’d love to be a part of that if it happens."
The fan-driven push for McLaughlin to don the Spider-Man suit isn’t just idle chatter—it reflects a broader movement within Hollywood. As El-Balad pointed out, the entertainment industry is undergoing a shift toward more inclusive storytelling, particularly in genres like superhero films that shape cultural narratives for younger generations. Studios in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia are increasingly attuned to the demand for diverse characters and authentic representation. For McLaughlin, landing a role like Miles Morales would be both a personal milestone and a signal of progress in the industry at large.
Meanwhile, excitement is building for Goat. With marketing efforts ramping up and a release date on the horizon, the film stands to introduce McLaughlin to new audiences while cementing his reputation as a versatile performer. Industry observers expect the movie to resonate with younger viewers, particularly those who see themselves reflected in the film’s celebration of perseverance and individuality. As digital platforms invest more heavily in animated projects that champion diversity, McLaughlin’s career trajectory seems well-aligned with the entertainment world’s evolving priorities.
Looking ahead, the coming weeks promise more than just box office numbers. There’s talk of major studios making announcements about diversity-themed superhero films, and the buzz around McLaughlin’s potential casting as Miles Morales shows no signs of slowing. For fans, the anticipation is palpable—not only for Goat, but for whatever comes next in the young actor’s journey.
As McLaughlin navigates these transitions, he’s doing more than just moving from one project to another. He’s helping to reshape the landscape of Hollywood, proving that endings can be as powerful as beginnings—and sometimes, a single voice can open doors for many.