What the Stranger Things Cast Does Beyond the Upside Down: Careers, Music, Business, and Life After Netflix
What the Stranger Things Cast Does Beyond the Upside Down: Careers, Music, Business, and Life After Netflix
As Stranger Things nears the end of one of Netflix’s most popular seasons, its youthful ensemble has already demonstrated that life outside of Hawkins is just as hectic and ambitious. From music and Broadway to entrepreneurship and Hollywood blockbusters, performers such as Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Joe Keery, and others have established successful careers outside of the sci-fi smash series.
Finn Wolfhard focuses on music, film, and creative storytelling.
Finn Wolfhard, better known as Mike Wheeler, has increasingly broadened his artistic reach beyond acting. Early in Stranger Things, he split his time between acting and fronting the rock band Calpurnia. Wolfhard founded The Aubreys after the band broke up in 2019, releasing music that appeared in several of his cinematic projects.
Wolfhard’s debut solo album,ñi
Happy Birthday, released in 2025, showcased his development as a musician and collaborator. He also co-wrote, directed, and starred in the horror flick Hell of a Summer, displaying his enthusiasm for filmmaking and storytelling. Wolfhard continues to erase the distinctions between music, cinema, and artistic exploration.
Millie Bobby Brown, Hollywood Star and Entrepreneur
Millie Bobby Brown has established herself as one of Netflix’s most bankable stars, headlining movies such as Enola Holmes and Damsel. In addition to performing, she founded Florence by Mills, a Gen Z cosmetics and fashion business that collaborates with large worldwide companies.
Brown married Jake Bongiovi in 2024, and they adopted a daughter in 2025. Brown, who now lives on a farm in Georgia, has freely expressed her enthusiasm for farm life, emphasizing the importance of hard labor and authenticity above beauty. She rebranded professionally as Millie Bonnie Bongiovi and now combines family life with continuous artistic achievement.
Gaten Matarazzo: From Netflix to Broadway.
Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin Henderson, had his first big break behind the camera by executive producing Netflix’s prank show Prank Encounters. Despite early criticism, the show aired for two seasons.
Matarazzo has recently returned to his theatrical roots, appearing in Broadway shows such as Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, and Dear Evan Hansen. His career demonstrates his flexibility in television, stage, and production.
Caleb McLaughlin is known for his work in film, voice acting, and advocacy.
Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair) has established a broad career with films such as Concrete Cowboy and The Book of Clarence. He has also become a popular voice actor, contributing his skills to animated programs.
McLaughlin has been open about his experiences with racism early in his professional career.
Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton: Indie Film and Creative Partnership.
Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler) has taken on relevant and offbeat projects, such as narrating a documentary on whistleblower Reality Winner and appearing in independent horror and dark humor films. Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers) moved from music to prominent film and television roles, such as Marvel’s The New Mutants and HBO’s Industry.
The real-life pair has publicly discussed the advantages of sharing professional struggles and personal growth while working in the same field.
Noah Schnapp: Acting and Entrepreneurship
Noah Schnapp (Will Byers) has shifted his concentration to business, co-founding the sustainable snack firm To Be Honest (TBH) and working with large food brands. He enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School to study entrepreneurship and innovation.
Schnapp has highlighted the value of education and personal growth, indicating a mindful transition as Stranger Things and his college years draw to a conclusion.
Joe Keery: Music Under the Name Djo.
Joe Keery (Steve Harrington) is an actor who also has a successful music career. He was once a member of the psychedelic rock band Post Animal before launching his solo project Djo, which has released albums and headlined global tours. Post Animal opened for Djo on his 2025 global tour, bringing everything full circle.
Sadie Sink, Maya Hawke, and Priah Ferguson are rising stars.
Sadie Sink received tremendous accolades for her performance in The Whale and is expected to feature in Marvel’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Maya Hawke continues to excel in important films by filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino and Wes Anderson. Meanwhile, Priah Ferguson has voiced animated characters and aspires to study cosmetic science with the goal of starting her own skincare line.
Life after Hawkins
As Stranger Things comes to a close, its cast members boldly embark on new creative ventures. Whether in music, business, Broadway, or blockbuster movies, these performers are demonstrating that the Upside Down was only the beginning.
