When “Stranger Things” first hit Netflix a year ago, the entire world was immediately hooked. This October Netflix finally released the second season of the show and there’s only one word that can sum it all up: “bitchin’.”
As if the first season didn’t do a good enough job of making us all wish we were middle schoolers in the ’80s, “Stranger Things” is back and better than ever. Before VALLEY takes this any further, don’t worry about any spoilers up ahead.
For those insane few of you who didn’t binge watch it all on the first night it hit Netflix, you’re in the clear. We’re here to talk about the real reason why this show is so unstoppable: the cast. These kids, at barely 15, are not only insanely talented actors, but genuinely cool kids. Honestly if any kid’s were taking the world by storm, we’d want it to be them.
Finn Wolfhard
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Landing the role as leader of the pack, aka Mike, Finn Wolfhard at only 14 is as level-headed and down-to-earth as he is talented. In an interview with i-D, Wolfhard comments on both world problems today and what his fame can do about it: “Racism, stereotypes, sexism, homophobia. All these problems are still going to be there, but what’s cool about having three million followers on Twitter is that you have the power to tell people that there are problems in the world and how to help. Go on a march, sign petitions. Having that power is really cool.”
Gaten Matarazzo
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As soon as Netflix was graced with that adorable smile, there wasn’t a “Stranger Things” fan who didn’t love Dustin. Good news: Gaten Matarazzo at 15 is just as lovable off-screen as he is on. Matarazzo has used his latest role to bring awareness to that smile: a rare genetic bone and teeth disorder called cleidocranial dysplasia, that both he and his character Dustin have. On The Jonathan Ross Show, Matarazzo commented on CCD, “A lot of people have it worse than I do. I just wanted to raise awareness for it and let people know it’s not something they should be afraid of showing.”
Noah Schnapp
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Lost somewhere in the Upside Down for most of the first season, 13 year old Noah Schnapp came though with a wildly convincing performance in “Stranger Things” second season. Schnapp’s portrayal of Will Byers’ being trapped in between two dimensions only proved just how talented this boy is. Schnapp told Vanity Fair, “I’ve never been stuck in the Upside Down, and no one else I know has, so it was kind of something new to just create.” I’m sure VALLEY speaks for anyone who’s watched this season when we say that he nailed it.
Sadie Sink
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In this second season, 15-year-old Sadie Sink plays Hawkins’ newest cool girl, Max … or as VALLEY likes to call her, the newest character we never knew we always needed. Yet another crazily talented actress, Sink is just as cool in real life as her character is, telling W Magazine, “I don’t really give a crap what you say about me, and Max doesn’t either.” Mic dropped.
Caleb McLaughlin
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16-year-old Caleb McLaughlin, who plays Logan, has real talent and it shows. And outside of acting, this kid gets real. In an interview with The New Potato, McLaughlin says, “So many people ask me about my journey. I always tell people you have to be your biggest fan when no one believes in you – you have to believe in yourself.” McLaughlin’s even started his own movement, #EmbraceYourFace, to encourage kids everywhere to love the skin they’re in.
Millie Bobby Brown
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“I’ve never seen that in a child actor.” The most commonly used phrase by almost anyone who Millie Bobby Brown has worked with so far. We’ll admit with no shame that at only 13, Millie Bobby Brown is more successful and well put together than the majority of us. A fashion icon, an unbelievably professional award winning actress and a killer rapper (yes, rapper)? Overall: this girl is thriving.
The main takeaway from all of this? These kids are truly a blessing to the future of show business (and Hollywood, if you hurt them, you’ve got a big storm coming). VALLEY can’t wait to see what’s to come from them in the future and how much stranger season 3 can get!
