Stranger Things Cast Now and Then, The changes the cast underwent over the years
Since premiering in 2016, Stranger Things has grown into one of Netflix’s biggest global franchises. The young cast members—many of them preteens at the start—have essentially grown up on screen, while the adult cast has also seen massive career boosts and renewed attention.
Set in the 1980s, the series centers on the residents of the fictional small town of Hawkins, Indiana, after a young girl with psychokinetic abilities opens a gateway between Earth and a hostile alternate dimension known as the Upside Down at a nearby human experimentation facility.
Below is a complete “then vs. now” comparison of the main cast: their ages when the show first premiered (2016) versus their ages as of 2025.
Main Kids Cast: Then vs. Now
Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven)
- Age in 2016: 12
- Age in 2025: 21
- Birthday: February 19, 2004
Millie became a global superstar after the first season of Stranger Things. She went on to star in films like Godzilla and Enola Holmes and even launched her own beauty brand, Florence by Mills. Fans watched her go from a child actor with shaved hair to an international style icon. She is now married to Jake Bongiovi and recently announced that they had adopted their first child together.
Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler)
- Age in 2016: 13
- Age in 2025: 22
- Birthday: December 23, 2002
Finn grew from the awkward, talkative leader of the group into one of Hollywood’s busiest actors, starring in Ghostbusters, forming a band, and directing. He has evolved from being a shy teen to a multi-talented artist.
Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson)
- Age in 2016: 13
- Age in 2025: 23
- Birthday: September 8, 2002
Gaten began as a Broadway actor to a Hollywood actor. His charm and comedic nature made Dustin one of the most loved characters on Stranger Things.
Besides battling the Upside Down, Gatez has voiced numerous films such as The Angry Birds Movie 2, My Father’s Dragon, and Animal Farm.
He began dating actress Elizabeth Yu in 2018.
Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair)
- Age in 2016: 14
- Age in 2025: 24
- Birthday: October 13, 2001
Caleb transitioned smoothly from a child actor to a rising Hollywood actor and model. He gained international recognition playing Lucas Sinclair. Besides Stranger Things, Caleb has starred in Concrete Cowboy, Shooting Stars, and The Book of Clarence, among others.
Noah Schnapp (Will Byers)
- Age in 2016: 11
- Age in 2025: 21
- Birthday: October 3, 2004
Noah went from the quiet boy lost in the Upside Down to one of the show’s outstanding characters. Outside the show, he has starred in We Only Know So Much, Hubie Halloween, and The Tutor, among others.
Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield)
- Age in 2017 (Season 2 debut): 15
- Age in 2025: 23
- Birthday: April 16, 2002
Sadie joined Stranger Things in Season 2 and was ready to blend into the already successful cast. She has also appeared in American Odyssey, A Sacrifice, and The Whale, among others. She will appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set to be released in 2026.
Priah Ferguson (Erica Sinclair)
- Age in 2017 (Season 2 debut): 10
- Age in 2025: 19
- Birthday: October 1, 2007
Priah went from a minor character to a fan-favorite scene-stealer. Her comedic scenes give Erica an unforgettable presence.
Teen & Young Adult Cast: Then vs. Now
Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler)
- Age in 2016: 19
- Age in 2025: 30
- Birthday: January 13, 1995
Natalia’s character evolved from the shy bookish teen to a fierce investigator. She has been dating fellow co-star Charlie Heaton since 2016.
Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers)
- Age in 2016: 22
- Age in 2025: 31
- Birthday: February 6, 1994
Charlie’s quiet, artistic portrayal of Jonathan connected deeply with the Stranger Things fans.
Joe Keery (Steve Harrington)
- Age in 2016: 24
- Age in 2025: 33
- Birthday: April 24, 1992
Joe began as a series regular to a main cast member in season 2. His goofy and clumsy character as Steve made him a fan favourite. Joe’s music career under the name Djo further strengthened his cult following.
Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley)
- Age in 2019 (Season 3 debut): 21
- Age in 2025: 27
- Birthday: July 8, 1998
Maya joined the cast of Stranger Things in Season 3. Her witty, sarcastic personality fits perfectly with the show’s tone, making Robin a fan-loved addition.
Adult Cast: Then vs. Now
Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers)
- Age in 2016: 44
- Age in 2025: 54
- Birthday: October 29, 1971
Winona’s joining the young cast of Stranger Things introduced her to a new generation. Her frantic, emotional fight for her son became one of the strongest elements of Season 1.
David Harbour (Jim Hopper)
- Age in 2016: 41
- Age in 2025: 50
- Birthday: April 10, 1975
Harbour evolved from a supporting cast as Sheriff Hopper to a saviour in the following seasons.
Cara Buono (Karen Wheeler)
- Age in 2016: 45
- Age in 2025: 54
- Birthday: March 1, 1971
Cara’s 80s-style suburban mom role became iconic among fans. Karen is mostly unaware of her children’s activities, but she showed her motherly prowess when she defended her daughter, Holly, against the monsters.
Matthew Modine (Dr. Brenner)
- Age in 2016: 57
- Age in 2025: 66
- Birthday: March 22, 1959
Matthew plays the cold, mysterious, and manipulative Papa, looking for Eleven in Season 1 but helping her by Season
Supporting Cast
Dacre Montgomery (Billy Hargrove)
- Age in 2017 (Season 2 debut): 22
- Age in 2025: 31
- Birthday: November 22, 1994
Dacre plays the violent, unpredictable, and abusive older stepbrother of Max. His Season 3 scenes remain one of the show’s most emotional.
Jamie Campbell Bower (Vecna / Henry Creel)
- Age in 2022 (Season 4 debut): 33
- Age in 2025: 37
- Birthday: November 22, 1988
Overview:
Jamie’s portrayal as Vecna cemented him as one of TV’s best villains in recent years. Not showing his face almost throughout the show, and showing up as the powerful monster, also made him a fan favorite.
