Finn Wolfhard, known for his role as Mike Wheeler in the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things,” recently shared his mixed emotions about the show’s ending in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. The 22-year-old actor expressed that he felt “happy” with his character’s conclusion but also admitted to feeling “very confused” and “sad” about it. As the final season of the beloved sci-fi series is set to stream sometime this year, Wolfhard reflected on the bittersweet experience of wrapping up the show that first premiered in July 2016.
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In the interview, Wolfhard described completing the series as “definitely a lot,” and shared his surreal experience of it feeling like a dream. He expressed a mix of emotions, finding satisfaction and confusion in his character’s ending. Despite the rollercoaster of feelings, Wolfhard appreciated the ending, highlighting how perfect it felt to him. His portrayal of Mike Wheeler alongside a talented ensemble cast has captivated audiences globally, leading to immense popularity for the show and its young stars.
The storyline of “Stranger Things” follows a group of friends navigating supernatural occurrences and government conspiracies in a small Indiana town during the 1980s. Alongside Wolfhard, the series features a stellar cast including Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, and others. As fans eagerly anticipate the release of the final season, rumoured to focus on the Hawkins kids battling the villainous Vecna, the emotional journey of bidding farewell to beloved characters is evident in Wolfhard’s reflections.
Recalling his last scene for the show’s final season, Wolfhard shared his disbelief and emotional hangover after wrapping filming. He praised the camaraderie among the cast, emphasizing the bond they shared during their time working together. Reflecting on how his life rapidly changed following the success of “Stranger Things,” Wolfhard acknowledged the challenges of sudden fame and expressed a desire to have sought therapy earlier to cope with the overnight transition.
Despite the whirlwind nature of his rise to stardom, Wolfhard remains grounded and embraces the idea of learning from mistakes as part of personal growth. With his upcoming projects including the film “Hell of a Summer” and the feature “The Legend of Ochi,” Wolfhard looks ahead to new opportunities while cherishing the memories and lessons learnt from his time on the iconic series. As he navigates the complexities of being a young actor in the spotlight, Wolfhard’s introspective outlook serves as a reminder of the human experience and the resilience needed in the entertainment industry.
Fans of “Stranger Things” can expect the highly-anticipated season 5 to premiere on Netflix sometime in 2025. As Wolfhard bids farewell to a significant chapter of his career, his journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the lasting impact of memorable characters on both audiences and performers alike.