How Old the Stranger Things Cast and Characters Are in Season 5
Stranger Things has held its place in pop culture for nearly a decade, but the story’s setting only spans four years. Season 5 picks up in 1986, even though nine real-world years have passed since the series began. Most of the teen characters are in high school, while their actors have moved into their twenties and beyond. The difference between character and actor ages is clearer than ever, especially as the final season unfolds.
Millie Bobby Brown – 21
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Written as a 17-year-old in season 5, Eleven remains locked in the show’s teenage timeframes even as Millie Bobby Brown has grown into adulthood. Brown filmed most of the season at age 20 and turned 21 before the premiere. She originally joined the series at 12 and matched her character’s age at the time, but long gaps between seasons stretched that alignment.
Caleb McLaughlin – 24
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At 24, Caleb McLaughlin is the oldest actor among the original core kids. His character, Lucas Sinclair, hasn’t aged past 17. When the show began, McLaughlin had just come off a Broadway run as young Simba in The Lion King. Today, he’s more than eight years older than Lucas. Even so, the show hasn’t altered Lucas’s storyline or setting, which continues to portray him as a high school student, despite the actor’s adult career.
Gaten Matarazzo – 23
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Dustin Henderson, still portrayed as 17 in season 5, remains the group’s comic anchor and problem-solver. His character has remained the same age since earlier seasons, but Gaten Matarazzo, now 23, has moved well past high school age. Before joining the show, he had already appeared in Broadway productions, which brought valuable experience to the role from the outset.
Noah Schnapp – 21
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Will Byers is one of the rare cases where the actor’s age lines up fairly closely with the character. Noah Schnapp is 21, while Will is written as 17. Schnapp started acting young, with early roles that included voicing Charlie Brown and appearing in Bridge of Spies. As Stranger Things progressed, Will’s storyline became more emotionally demanding, and Schnapp’s performance has matured along with it.
Natalia Dyer – 30
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Portraying 19-year-old Nancy Wheeler in season 5, Natalia Dyer continues a role she began nearly a decade ago. Currently standing at 30, she’s more than ten years older than her character. Initially, the age difference was minimal and barely noticeable. However, the show’s script hasn’t progressed much, which has kept Nancy stuck in her late teens.
Sadie Sink – 23
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For those keeping track of character timelines, Max Mayfield is 17 in season 5. Sadie Sink, who plays her, is now 23. The seven-year discrepancy between real and scripted age has become more noticeable over time, especially as Max remains in a coma throughout most of the season. Although her screen time is limited, Max’s condition continues to influence the group’s dynamic.
Joe Keery – 33
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One of the largest age gaps in the cast belongs to Joe Keery, who plays 20-year-old Steve Harrington at age 33. He began as a side character but became a core part of the group as the series evolved. While his increased maturity fits the role’s arc, the show hasn’t adjusted his age accordingly.
Charlie Heaton – 31
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Portrayed as a 20-year-old in season 5, Jonathan Byers has been in the same phase within the show’s timeline. Charlie Heaton, who is 31, was in his early twenties when cast. His character remains largely unchanged as he navigates life as a young adult. Though the gap has widened, Heaton’s portrayal stays consistent with the tone set in earlier seasons.
Maya Hawke – 27
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Joining Stranger Things in season 3 as Robin Buckley, Maya Hawke plays a character who is 19 in the current timeframe. The actor is 27 and was 26 during filming. The age gap is modest compared to others in the cast, and it doesn’t draw much attention. Robin brings a blend of intelligence and sarcasm that perfectly complements the leading group.
Finn Wolfhard – 22
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Mike Wheeler remains 17 in season 5, holding onto the same teenage role he began with in season 1. Finn Wolfhard, who plays him, is currently 22 and filmed the season at 21. Outside of acting, Wolfhard has directed his first feature, Hell of a Summer, and stayed active in music. Onscreen, though, Mike is still firmly stuck in high school.