Post-Hawkins Horizons: Stranger Things Stars Gear Up for Diverse New Roles

Lean Thomas

What's Next For the Stars of 'Stranger Things'? Learn More About The Cast's Upcoming Projects!
CREDITS: Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0

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What's Next For the Stars of 'Stranger Things'? Learn More About The Cast's Upcoming Projects!

Millie Bobby Brown’s Expanding Portfolio (Image Credits: Cdn01.justjared.com)

With the final season of Stranger Things wrapping up in December 2025, the ensemble cast that captivated audiences for nearly a decade now turns its attention to fresh opportunities across film, television, and beyond.

Millie Bobby Brown’s Expanding Portfolio

Millie Bobby Brown, who rose to fame as Eleven, has already lined up several high-profile projects that showcase her versatility. She wrapped Stranger Things season 5 last year and quickly shifted focus to other endeavors. Enola Holmes 3, the next installment in the mystery franchise, entered production in 2026 and promises more sleuthing adventures with Brown in the lead role.

Brown’s slate also includes the film Just Picture It, currently in filming stages, and Prism, which remains in development. Reports indicated she entered final negotiations for a role in Perfect around the same time. These projects highlight her transition from supernatural teen to multifaceted actress, blending action, drama, and potential romance elements.

Sadie Sink Tackles Superhero Territory

Sadie Sink, known for her portrayal of Max Mayfield, surprised fans with her involvement in major franchise expansions. She completed her Stranger Things commitments in late 2025 and soon after joined the cast of Spider-Man 4, set for release on July 31, 2026, under director Destin Daniel Cretton. This marks a significant leap into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where her role details remain under wraps but build on her growing reputation for intense performances.

Beyond superheroes, Sink starred in the Broadway production of John Proctor Is the Villain earlier in the year, earning praise for her stage presence. She also featured in the film Odessa, directed by Geremy Jasper, alongside Kelvin Harrison Jr. as her co-star. These diverse roles underscore Sink’s ability to navigate theater, independent cinema, and blockbuster fare with equal poise.

Ensemble Cast Ventures and Spinoff Buzz

The broader Stranger Things cast continues to diversify, with several members announcing projects that echo their Hawkins roots while venturing into new genres. Finn Wolfhard and Gaten Matarazzo, who played Mike and Dustin, have hinted at voice work in upcoming animated features, though specifics remain forthcoming. Noah Schnapp, Will Byers’ actor, expressed interest in advocacy-driven stories following the series’ end.

Excitement builds around potential spinoffs expanding the Stranger Things universe. Netflix confirmed an animated series, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, slated for spring 2026, set in the winter of 1985 with new monsters and mysteries. The voice cast includes talents like Odessa A’zion, tying into the original lore without relying on the full live-action ensemble. A separate live-action spinoff is in early development, with creators Matt and Ross Duffer keeping plot details secretive but confirming long-held ideas.

Duffer Brothers’ Broader Netflix Ambitions

The Duffer Brothers, architects of the Stranger Things phenomenon, showed no signs of slowing down after the finale. They announced multiple Netflix projects, including the animated Tales From ’85 and a dark comedy series titled The Boroughs. Another venture, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, explores eerie themes reminiscent of their signature style.

These endeavors aim to build on the franchise’s success while allowing the brothers to experiment. A behind-the-scenes documentary, One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5, released shortly after the season aired, offered fans a glimpse into the production’s challenges and triumphs. The Duffers emphasized their commitment to Netflix, signaling more interconnected storytelling in the near future.

  • Enola Holmes 3: Brown’s return as the clever detective, arriving in 2026.
  • Spider-Man 4: Sink’s MCU debut, hitting theaters mid-year.
  • Stranger Things: Tales From ’85: Animated expansion with fresh voices and Hawkins lore.
  • The Boroughs: Duffer Brothers’ new series blending horror and humor.
  • John Proctor Is the Villain: Sink’s acclaimed Broadway turn.

Key Takeaways

  • The Stranger Things cast leverages the show’s legacy for bold, varied roles in film and theater.
  • Spinoffs like Tales From ’85 ensure the universe endures beyond the original series.
  • Creators focus on quality expansions, prioritizing creative integrity over rushed sequels.

As the dust settles on Hawkins’ final battles, the Stranger Things alumni prove their talent extends far beyond the Upside Down, promising a wave of compelling stories for years to come. What upcoming project from the cast excites you most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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