Netflix’s acclaimed series Stranger Things has been the launchpad for numerous actors’ careers, giving them platforms to explore their artistic and personal passions. Recent updates surrounding the cast reveal exciting new directions for several key players, as they embrace opportunities beyond the small screen.
Joe Keery, who won hearts as the lovable Steve Harrington, is stepping beyond his role as an actor to rediscover his musical roots. The 32-year-old Chicago native, who has been releasing music under the moniker Djo, is celebrating his musical heritage. Following two successful albums with the band Post Animal, Keery is preparing for the release of his third album, The Crux, on April 4, 2025. He recently paid homage to fellow musicians Haim by performing their song 'Gasoline' on the Australian talk show Triple J. Keery expressed his admiration by stating, "I love the Haim sisters and what they represent musically," showing his desire to blend his personal life and career.
This cover was well-received by fans, many of whom have begun petitioning for him to perform at NPR's Tiny Desk concert series, showcasing the growing appreciation for his music within the community. His latest track, 'Basic Being Basic,' features his sisters, which highlights the significance of family ties and musical collaboration.
Meanwhile, Matthew Modine, who plays Dr. Martin Brenner, took on yet another meaningful role recently: officiant at Millie Bobby Brown's wedding to Jake Bongiovi. Modine revealed to Page Six his reasoning behind not gifting the newlyweds anything, saying, "She doesn’t need anything" and emphasizing the notion of happiness being more about connections than material possessions. This perspective resonates deeply, particularly as Hollywood continues to shift toward valuing personal values over material wealth.
Modine’s act of officiation was one filled with pride and joy. He described the experience as immensely meaningful and later shared with dinner companion Nobu Matsuhisa how much fun he had during the ceremony. He fondly reflects on his relationships with his younger co-stars, sharing insights to help guide them through the ups and downs of their careers.
Another Stranger Things star, Maya Hawke, is also making her voice heard beyond acting. Known for her roles both on-screen and off, Hawke recently addressed the pressures of social media within Hollywood. During her appearance on the podcast Happy, Sad, Confused, she revealed how producers often evaluate actors based on their social media followings. "If you have over this many followers you can get the movie funded," she noted, emphasizing how integral social media presence has become for actors today.
Hawke expressed concerns over the expectations placed on actors to maintain strong online personas, illustrating how this changed dynamic can influence casting decisions. Despite the challenges surrounding social media, she demonstrated her wit and determination to continue her career, stating, "I’m considering deleting my Instagram, but I know the repercussions it may have on my work."
Each of these Stranger Things cast members showcases the diverse and unique paths they are pursuing as they transition from their iconic roles. While they enjoy widespread acclaim and recognition, they are also working to channel their talents and experiences beyond the confines of their characters.
Fans can look forward to Keery’s upcoming music release, Modine’s new projects including the series Zero Day, and Hawke’s continuing exploration of her acting career as they all navigate the exciting yet demanding world of entertainment. Stranger Things may be coming to its conclusion with the fifth season on the way, but the cast's evolution continues to resonate with audiences, illustrating the impact of their work both on and off the screen.