Millie Bobby Brown, renowned for her role as Eleven on "Stranger Things," has made headlines recently for her dramatic transformation following the debut of her platinum blonde hair. After releasing her new look earlier this month, public opinions became polarized as fans debated whether her new hairstyle made her appear older than her 21 years.
The discourse intensified after Brown made her appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of her latest film, "The Electric State," on February 24. Sporting a glamorous metallic embroidered gown paired with her newly styled blonde hair, the actress drew mixed reactions on social media. While many praised her mature appearance, others expressed concerns, commenting on posts, “Why this makeup and this blonde hair? You're so cute in your natural version!” and more pointedly, “She looks 45 pretending to be 22.”
On February 27, Brown took to Instagram to address the backlash. She posted a screenshot of a British Vogue opinion piece titled, “No One Cares How Old You Think Millie Bobby Brown Looks,” to which she responded with the succinct, “thank you.” This somewhat humorous take on the criticism showcased her ability to engage with her audience. Brown's husband, Jake Bongiovi, stood by her side during the event, adding supportive presence amid the social media storm.
Brown's transformative hair color was first revealed on February 1, shortly after wrapping up filming for the final season of "Stranger Things." This hair change is not just about aesthetics; it's tied to her departure from toddler roles toward more mature portrayals. Fans initially reacted to her platinum locks with excitement, but as Brown stepped onto multiple red carpets sporting the new hair, the public's enthusiasm began to shift toward concern about her perceived aging.
Critics highlighted how the new hairstyle and makeup were reminiscent of the early 1990s, evoking comparisons to late icons like Pamela Anderson. Comments began to surface on X, previously known as Twitter, where users expressed opinions both forward and against her updated look, with sentiments varying from admiration for her sophisticated appearance to worry about the pressures of Hollywood beauty standards.
Her stylist Pete Burkill explained the thought process behind the color choice. Burkill noted, “Millie has been blonde before, but this time we really wanted to lean onto those iconic Nineties blondes for her.” His comments point to the trend of high-maintenance hairstyles making their comeback, indicating Brown's transformation aligns with current style narratives.
Brown's style evolution was prominently displayed at various events, showcasing her adapting wardrobe, which has shifted to embrace warmer color palettes since her transition to blonde. At the Screen Actors Guild Awards on February 23, she donned a custom Louis Vuitton peach dress, and during her appearance at the Madrid premiere of "The Electric State," she wore a sheer vintage Giorgio Armani piece previously worn by Gwyneth Paltrow.
The conversation around her appearance isn't just about hair and makeup; it dives deep, touching on issues of ageism particularly prevalent in Hollywood. After the SAG Awards, one post prompted speculation about her age—someone commented about having to check if she turned 21 “the other day and not 40.”
Despite the metrics of aging, Brown has shown resilience through the discourse. She has consistently defended her style choices and continues to draw attention through her modern take on classic beauty. Showing maturity both on and off-screen, Brown has used the busy promotional tour to also touch upon her connection with her husband, who publicly addressed the media's mishandling of their relationship. A notable moment occurred at the premiere when she corrected a photographer referring to Bongiovi as her “boyfriend,” with grace, stating, “he’s not my boyfriend.”
Further bolstering her commitment to diversity and representation, Brown, resting upon her background of empowered roles, voiced her openness to future projects—including the potential portrayal of pop icon Britney Spears. Discussing her admiration for Spears, Brown stated, “I would love nothing more than to be part of her story. But, that's her story, and I am fully supportive of her bringing her story to life how she wants to.”
The backlash surrounding her hair and public persona highlights broader social issues, particularly surrounding youth and femininity. Brown's response, paired with the support she’s received, reflects her growing confidence as she navigates her early twenties. This transformation isn't just skin-deep; it's representative of young women asserting their autonomy against the rigid standards of appearance placed by society.
With all eyes set on her upcoming projects and continued stylish choices, Millie Bobby Brown stands poised to redefine her path, merging nostalgia with modernity. The public may have voiced its opinions, but Brown's image continues to evolve as she maintains ownership of her narrative and appearance—reminding us all of the importance of embracing oneself irrespective of societal expectations.