Millie Bobby Brown has made a striking transformation just in time for the final season of Stranger Things. The actor, known for her role as Eleven in the hit Netflix series, was spotted sporting brunette hair at the Miami Open on March 27, 2025, alongside her husband Jake Bongiovi. The couple, who tied the knot last May, appeared relaxed and affectionate as they enjoyed the tennis matches together.
Brown, who has been known for her blonde locks over the past few years, opted for a chic low bun at the event, complemented by red sunglasses, a striped shirt, and a white sweater draped elegantly around her shoulders. This change in her hairstyle coincides with the anticipation surrounding the release of the final season of Stranger Things, which has been a cultural phenomenon since its debut.
In addition to her new look, Brown shared a bikini photo on her Instagram, showcasing her brunette hair while promoting her coffee brand, Florence by Mills. The image featured her holding a can of iced coffee, captioned with a casual “sunset swims.”
Earlier this month, during an interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast with Alex Cooper, Brown revealed her willingness to shave her head again, similar to her character's initial appearance in Stranger Things. "I always tell Jake [Bongiovi], for my first baby, I want to shave my hair off," she said. "Maybe right before I’m about to give birth because I just think hair is such an ordeal anyway to deal with. I’m gonna nurture my child. Why deal with my hair? And I think it’s such a liberating experience.”
As fans eagerly await the final season, they are reminded of how Stranger Things played a pivotal role in Netflix's rise to prominence. The show first premiered in July 2016, quickly becoming a flagship series for the streaming giant. Following its initial success, Netflix greenlit a second season, which debuted only 16 months later. However, the time between subsequent seasons has gradually increased, with nearly three years between seasons three and four, and an anticipated three-year gap before season five.
Despite Netflix's rapid expansion and a plethora of original content, the long waits between seasons of Stranger Things have raised concerns among fans about maintaining excitement for the series. The show, which began as a nostalgic nod to 1980s sci-fi horror, has evolved into a global phenomenon, with increasingly ambitious storylines and production values.
The fourth season concluded on a dramatic cliffhanger, leaving Hawkins in chaos as monsters roamed the streets, and the boundary between the real world and the Upside Down blurred. As the series heads toward its conclusion, it faces the daunting task of resolving complex plotlines while keeping viewers engaged.
Critics note that while the show's growth is commendable, the extended gaps between seasons could diminish the audience's enthusiasm. The narrative has expanded beyond its original premise, with the characters now embroiled in global conflicts and supernatural battles. This shift raises questions about how the final season will balance the need for thrilling action with character development and satisfying resolutions.
Fans are left wondering how Stranger Things will navigate these challenges in its fifth season. With the stakes higher than ever, the show must deliver a conclusion that satisfies long-time viewers while addressing the fantastical elements that have become central to its identity. As the release date remains unannounced, anticipation continues to build, along with speculation about the fate of beloved characters.
Millie Bobby Brown's transformation and her candid remarks about her hair reflect her growth not only as an actress but also as a person. Her willingness to embrace change, whether in her appearance or her career choices, resonates with fans who have followed her journey since the beginning of Stranger Things.
As the final season approaches, both the show and its stars are under pressure to deliver a memorable conclusion. The evolution of Stranger Things has been a testament to the power of storytelling, and the upcoming season promises to be a culmination of years of character development and narrative complexity.
In a world where the entertainment landscape is constantly shifting, Stranger Things has managed to carve out a unique niche, captivating audiences with its blend of nostalgia, horror, and heartfelt moments. As Brown steps into this new chapter with her brunette locks, fans can only hope that the final season will honor the legacy of a show that has become synonymous with Netflix's success.