It’s been three months since the much-anticipated release of Stranger Things 2—and we’re all still in love with the adorable Hawkins’ Middle School AV Club, Eleven and their new ‘zoomer’, Max. If you’re anything like me, you’ve binged the series twice and are desperately awaiting a third installment. So, to curb the withdrawal, I’ve compiled a list of the most ‘bitchin’ things the kids have done outside of the world of demogorgons and 80’s Top Hits.
Finn Wolfhard Stands Up for What’s Right
Becoming famous seemingly overnight doesn’t come without its fair share of consequences. The cast has faced a lot of unfortunate objectification and sexualization across social media. Fans online have pushed for recognition that Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard have a romantic relationship outside of the show. Despite both Brown and Wolfhard denying it, fans continue to make art and Photoshop images promoting their relationship—unable to separate characters from reality. Shortly after the release of Stranger Things 2, a retired NBC executive took to Twitter to comment about Millie Bobby Brown’s ‘grown-up’ looks. A few days later, Ali Michael, a 27-year-old model, made sexually propositioning remarks on Instagram about Finn Wolfhard. Both of these events received major backlash for sexualizing minors.
Amongst these claims, Finn Wolfhard decided to voice his own opinion. He posted two tweets addressing the issue of harassment and inappropriate language. He regarded not only himself but his cast-members as well. Check out the Tweet here.
Not only does Wolfhard speak up directly on social media, but his actions match his beliefs as well. When Wolfhard’s agent, Tyler Grasham, was accused of alleged sexual misconduct by a former teen actor, Wolfhard immediately fired him. Many people praised Wolfhard for making the right decision as a 14-year-old and encouraged grown men to start following suit. You can’t make excuses when even a kid knows what’s right!
Gaten Matarazzo Raises Awareness for CCD
Part of Gaten Matarazzo’s charm is his precious smile. Matarazzo has a birth defect known as cleidocranial dysplasia which affects development of the teeth and bones. In 2016, Matarazzo started using his fame to benefit others. He created a non-profit organization called CCD Smiles that promotes awareness of his birth defect and aims to provide dental care to those affected by CCD as well as funding research. Upon creating CCD Smiles, Matarazzo invited 9 people affected by the disorder to a dinner party where he surprised them with the chance to receive free dental surgery. Needless to say, the recipients were overwhelmed by Matarazzo’s generosity.
Before the release of Stranger Things 2, Gaten Matarazzo also released his own exclusive T-shirt design. The shirts were available for 2 weeks and paid homage to Matarazzo’s character, Dustin, in the form of his signature hat and love for Ghostbusters. After years of being rejected for roles because of his condition, Matarazzo clearly holds a special place in his heart for Dustin, who shows kids that being different is not shameful.
Millie Bobby Brown Shows Serious Confidence
Millie Bobby Brown is exactly who I wish I could’ve been when I was 13—fearless and bad-ass. I spent most of my childhood hiding behind thick, long locks of hair. (including that ‘I don’t know how to wear my bangs’ phase we all go through. Yikes.) But, Millie Bobby Brown announced that the day she shaved her head was one of the most empowering days of her life. She even claims she misses her iconic bald look. The reason behind this? She knows her primary job is to inspire young girls. She has repeatedly made sure to let everyone know you don’t have to hide and you don’t need hair to be pretty. It’s refreshing to see someone so young know what it means to be a role-model.
Brown also proved her resiliency after speaking up about being entirely deaf in one ear. She acts and sings without letting this affect her confidence. She said that she doesn’t care if she sounds bad because she loves what she’s doing and if you enjoy it, you should never stop. This is an empowering message to girls everywhere who think they’re not good enough. I’m in my twenties and still being inspired by her.
Noah Schnapp Openly Discusses Sexuality
After the first season of Stranger Things, the internet was teeming with fan theories including one about the young character Will Byer’s sexuality. The question over whether Will is part of the LGBTQ+ community had been a hot topic within the fanbase and Noah Schnapp refused to ignore it. Schnapp took to Instagram to say that he believes fans are missing the point and that Stranger Things is simply meant to be a show about outsiders finding each other. He wants viewers to relate to the characters being different, but know that their differences are not what define them. That was a powerful message for someone who wasn’t even a teenager yet!
All of Them Acknowledged the Time’s Up Movement
It should come as no surprise that the cast stole the spotlight on the red carpet at the Golden Globes this year, but the best part about it was how they all addressed the Time’s Up movement by wearing pins along with black suits and dresses. Newcomer to the show and first-time Golden Globe attendee, Sadie Sink, was interviewed on the red carpet and made sure to acknowledge her excitement over everyone wearing black.
Finally, They’re ALL Incredibly Musically Talented
Caleb McLaughlin studied at the Harlem School for the Arts and got his first big break as young Simba in the Broadway performance of The Lion King. Sadie Sink and Gaten Matarazzo also began their careers on Broadway starring in Annie and Les Miserables respectively.
Finn Wolfhard has a promising music career ahead of him as the lead singer in the band, Calpurnia. Calpurnia just recently signed to Royal Mountain Records and has become to work on their first EP. The band has already covered songs by Mac Demarco, Weezer, Twin Peaks and, most recently, The Velvet Underground at a gig at Brooklyn’s Rough Trade.
Amongst those notable achievements, members of the cast have performed for the Emmys, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. If you can watch any of these videos without smiling, you might want to try life in the upside-down. The kids are downright adorable and it warms my heart to watch them perform.
The Upside Down Medley with James Corden
Millie Bobby Brown Raps Season 1 Recap
Fingers crossed that this cast keeps doing phenomenal things for me to write articles about! (and that my kids are this bitchin’)