The fifth and final season of the iconic Netflix series Stranger Things has officially wrapped, eliciting emotionally charged farewells from the cast, particularly the show's standout star, Millie Bobby Brown. The production completed filming just this week, marking the end of what has been over eight years of adventure for the beloved characters and the incredible actors who portray them.
Millie Bobby Brown, who has played the extremely popular character Eleven since the show's debut, shared her heartfelt goodbye on Instagram with a touching video. “Isn’t graduation supposed to bring relief, like you’re glad to leave behind the teachers and classmates? Not me,” she expressed through tears. “I am nowhere near ready to leave you guys. I love each and every one of you, and I’ll forever carry the memories and bonds we’ve created together as a family. I love you. Thank you.” This poignant moment encapsulated her deep affection for her co-stars and the production team.
Brown, who began her role at just 12 years old, has grown up alongside her character and the series itself. Her emotional speech at the wrap was filled with nostalgia as she reflected on the lasting relationships formed on set. Along with her message, she included throwback photos from her time working on the show, showcasing behind-the-scenes moments throughout the seasons, demonstrating how integral Stranger Things has been to her life.
Other cast members also took to social media to share their sentiments. Noah Schnapp, known for his role as Will Byers, posted about his final moments on set, stating, “Two days ago, I wrapped my final scene as Will Byers, and I’m feeling very emotional. I can’t help but be forever grateful for the incredible people I’ve met and valuable life lessons I learned through this decade-long adventure.” His gratitude highlighted the significance of the experiences shared among the cast.
Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike Wheeler, expressed his disbelief at concluding the series after spending so much time developing the story. He remarked, “We just wrapped Stranger Things Season 5. I’m still in shock. We shot it for a year and I’ll miss all of my friends and our characters terribly.” His nostalgic view captured the essence of their collective experience, emphasizing how it felt like they were just starting out.
Sadie Sink, who joined the series as Max Mayfield, also shared her emotional farewell. Describing the show as formative, she wrote, “That’s a series wrap on Stranger Things. This show, character, and every person involved made me who I am.” Her statement about the friendships formed and the impact of the show on her life reflects the sentiment echoed by her fellow cast members.
After confirming the end of production via social media, Netflix stated the final season is set to premiere sometime in 2025. Despite the wait, anticipation is palpable among fans who have followed the saga of Hawkins, Indiana, and its quirky residents over the years. The emotional leaves cast and crew leave behind is echoed through fan tributes, highlighting how much Stranger Things means to so many.
To celebrate the gracious farewells and memories, numerous fans flooded social media with their own nostalgic posts about the show, sharing their love for the characters and the storyline. “We’re not ready to say goodbye,” one fan commented on Brown’s post, looping back to the emotional ties many have developed with the series.
With the anticipation building for the last installment, it seems the producers have crafted something special. Robotic episodes have taken considerable time and effort to create with each one feeling like “a long movie,” according to Maya Hawke, who plays Robin Buckley, pointing to the dedication put forth by everyone involved. “We are making, basically, eight movies,” she shared on her podcast.
This final season will feature eight long episodes, promising fans not just closure but also the delightful storytelling they’ve come to love. The Duffer Brothers, creators of the show, had previously indicated they envisioned the series running four to five seasons originally, but the story expanded beyond their expectations.
With the series phasing out and the transition for Brown and her co-stars continuing, the wrap of Stranger Things marks not only the end of the show but the closing of a significant chapter in the young actors' lives. For viewers, it signifies the end of an era filled with nostalgia, supernatural adventures, and unforgettable characters.
Praising the Duffer Brothers for their faith and trust, Schnapp spoke passionately about how the show was more than just work for him. “Stranger Things was more than a job; it was a lifelong dream. A dream made reality thanks to the Duffers,” he concluded.
With 2025 on the horizon, fans can revisit every chilling moment from past seasons, ensuring the memories and excitement remain alive as they await the closure of this legendary series. Indeed, the ride with Eleven and her friends may be ending, but the impact of Stranger Things will linger long after the final credits roll.
