Stranger Things star Caleb McLaughlin has shared his thoughts on season 5 being the show's last. In February 2022, ahead of its season 4 premiere, Netflix renewed its ratings behemoth for a final season which is due to release no earlier than 2024. Since it first hit screens in 2016, Stranger Things has gone on to become the flagship show on Netflix, with its seamless blend of horror, science fiction, comedy, and action, and helped launch (or relaunch) the careers of many of its stars.
McLaughlin, who has played the role of Lucas Sinclair since season 1, sat down for an interview with Collider, where he spoke about the story coming to a close and how it felt growing up with Stranger Things. In an emotional look back at his time on the show, the 21-year-old discussed his feelings of excitement at being involved in such a landmark TV series. Check out his comments below:
I’m looking forward to just, of course, seeing the cast again and getting back together. I grew up on the show, and when I see them, I feel like I’m my 13-year-old self again, having fun on set, being naive, and just living in this fun world. And then, the thing that I’m dreading is that this will be the last one. Stranger Things has been a big part of my life. Even if I hated being on the show, I would miss it because I was such a kid, when I first came onto the show, and I grew up on the show through my adolescent years. I’m an adult now. I’m 21. So, it was a big part of my life. I grew up on the show, so it’s gonna be sad when it’s all over.
Stranger Things Season 5 Is the End of an Era
The Stranger Things season 5 finale has Game of Thrones-esque stature, but it seems unlikely it will be as divisive as the final season of HBO's hit fantasy series. Following the climactic conclusion to season 4, the final season of Stranger Things is set to be an epic and unforgettable journey of friendship, coming-of-age, and triumph over evil. As McLaughlin mentioned, the show has been a big part of his life, as well as an inescapable part of popular culture for the past seven years. For the young cast, who have grown up both on and off-screen, the show's conclusion will be sad, but many of them have forged successful careers from their roles in the series.
One thing is certain, season 5's ending will be a watershed moment for Netflix, as well as a great way to say goodbye to the characters and stories that have enjoyed such success over the past few years. Following the epic conclusion to season 4's battle with Vecna, which left Max in a coma, there is a very real possibility there could be some shocking Stranger Things season 5 character deaths before the dust settles. While not too much is known about story details, it seems clear Vecna will return as the villain, with the core crew of Lucas, Eleven, Mike, and their friends set to face off against him for the last time.
There is no question that Stranger Things has had a huge impact on modern television, and, in particular, streaming platforms, and Netflix will be hopeful it can be replaced by a show that becomes equally popular and important. For McLaughlin (and his co-stars), life after Stranger Things will be an exciting but nerve-wracking experience, but with two movies currently in post-production and a wealth of experience from the show, it won't be the last time audiences see the actor.
Source: Collider