- Stranger Things season 5 wrapped this week
- It is the show’s last ever season
- Netflix and the cast paid their tributes
It only took almost a decade, but Stranger Things is officially over. Stranger Things Season 5 wrapped filming this week. Netflix took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news. The Stranger Things cast also paid tribute to the show.
In a photo slideshow of behind-the-scenes moments, Netflix’s Instagram account bid farewell to the Hawkins gang.
Netflix wrote: “That’s a wrap on STRANGER THINGS. See you in 2025.”
In the photo slideshow, there are heartwarming photos of the cast cuddling, smiling, and laughing as the show comes to an end.
Since its debut in July 2016, Stranger Things has become one of Netflix’s longest-running original shows. Almost instantly, it rose to prominence as one of the streaming service’s most popular hits. The Stranger Things cast also were instantly catapulted to mainstream fame.
The series follows a group of 1980s middle schoolers uncovering supernatural events, exposing government secrets, and battling terrifying monsters in their small town.
In 2016, Variety reported that ratings for season 1 made it the third most-watched show to debut that year. The increase in viewers continued all the way through to season 4. Additionally in June 2022, Stranger Things season 4 became the most-watched English-language series ever on Netflix.
Now we might’ve had two years between the season 4 premiere and season 5 finishing but it’s safe to say that we are all sad.
Read more: Stranger Things Final Ever Episode Gets Title
However, those who are sadder than us are the cast of Stranger Things. What has the cast said about the filming ending? Let’s break it down.
What did the Stranger Things cast say about season 5 wrapping?
Since filming just wrapped, not everyone has spoken out, although some of our faves have. Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike Wheeler in the series, took to Instagram to share his thoughts.
Wolfhard posted two behind-the-scenes photos and an old group photo from the early seasons.
He wrote: “We just wrapped Stranger Things Season 5. I’m still in shock. We shot it for a year and I’ll miss all of my friends and our characters terribly.”
He also reflected on the early seasons showing appreciation to his fellow cast mates. When season 1 premiered, Wolfhard would have only just become a teenager. His fellow cast mates Millie Bobby Brown, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, and Noah Schnapp were also children when the show premiered.
He continued. I’m lucky to still stand beside them today. I hope you’ll love this season as much as I do. See you all next year.”
On his post, Joe Keery who played Steve Harrington joked by asking Wolfhard: “Who you calling goofy?”
Shannon Purser who played Barb Holland in seasons 1 to 3 reacted with a heart on the post, as did Grace Van Dien who joined season 4 as Chrissy.
How else did the cast react?
Schnapp, a.k.a Mike’s bestie Will also commented. He praised Wolfhard saying he was “so proud of him this year”. The 20-year-old also expressed his gratitude at knowing Wolfhard. Aww.
Brown, our beloved Eleven, had a simpler tribute. In a slideshow of moments of her character Eleven over the years she wrote on Instagram: “With love, El.”
In the last slide, Brown delivers an emotional speech to the Stranger Things cast and crew after filming wrapped.
During her heartfelt message, she shared, “I am nowhere near ready to leave you guys. I love each and every one of you. I’ll forever carry the memories and bonds we have created together as a family. I love you, thank you.”
In addition to reacting to Wolfhard’s post, Schnapp shared a heartfelt tribute to his character Will Byers on Instagram.
He began by thanking the incredible people he had met in the cast and crew. Then he shared his top ten lessons he learned while starring in Stranger Things.
Highlights include learning from the Duffer Brothers (the show’s creators) that “the creative process takes time and it’s okay to be meticulous about creating perfect moments”. And the things that each co-star taught him. Like Matarazzo teaching him that “it’s cool to be a nerd”. Who is cutting onions?
At the time of writing, Matarazzo, McLaughlin, and Sadie Sink (Max) haven’t yet shared any tributes on their social media. However, we did get a tribute from Lucas’ little sister Erica (Priah Ferguson). She wrote on Instagram: “That’s a wrap on Stranger Things see you in 2025.”
Now, did anyone else say anything?
Has anyone else spoken out?
Since the cast is huge and just wrapped, it’s hard to keep track of who has said what.
However, most of our core cast (the kids) have already spoken out. On the other hand, we theorize that some of the other important cast members haven’t shared their thoughts for a few reasons. First, they may not be as active on social media. Second, the feelings and emotions surrounding the finale are probably too fresh. For now, speculation is all we have to rely on.
In the meantime, we will continue to keep you updated if anyone else releases any statements. Until then, we can’t wait for season 5 of Stranger Things!
