‘It Was Pretty Depressing When Stranger Things Ended’: Finn Wolfhard On Growing Up On TV – And His New Life In Music

Finn Wolfhard has openly expressed that ending Stranger Things was ‘pretty depressing,’ marking a significant emotional moment in his life as he transitions from childhood stardom to adulthood. The actor, now 23, reflected on his feelings about the show’s conclusion and how growing up in the spotlight has shaped his experience.

Wolfhard, who gained fame as a teenager playing Mike Wheeler in the hit Netflix series, shared that the end of Stranger Things left him feeling ‘pretty depressed,’ highlighting the emotional impact of concluding a project that defined much of his youth. He described the challenges of navigating fame from a young age, including the attention from fans and media, and the difficulty of growing up in the public eye.

In an interview in London, Wolfhard discussed how his childhood was marked by sudden fame after the show’s debut in 2016, when he was just 13. He recounted the strange experience of being recognized and approached by fans at school and in public, noting that the transition from child actor to adult has come with its own set of complexities. Despite the challenges, Wolfhard emphasized that he has tried to maintain a sense of normalcy and focus on his career development.

He also reflected on the online environment that surrounds young celebrities, mentioning the intense scrutiny and fan culture, including fan fiction, merchandise, and social media commentary. Wolfhard acknowledged that while he is fortunate to have some distance from the worst aspects of fame, he is aware of how it has affected his peers, particularly Millie Bobby Brown and Noah Schnapp, who have faced their own challenges.

Emotional Impact of Ending a Major Childhood Role

Wolfhard’s comments shed light on the emotional toll that ending a long-running, iconic series can have on young actors. His openness about feeling ‘depressed’ highlights the often-overlooked psychological effects of growing up in the spotlight. This matters because it humanizes actors who are frequently idolized and scrutinized, and underscores the importance of mental health support for young celebrities transitioning to adult roles.

Growing Up in the Public Eye Since 2016

Finn Wolfhard first gained widespread fame in 2016 when Stranger Things premiered, making him a household name overnight. Over the subsequent years, he and his co-stars navigated the challenges of adolescence under intense media scrutiny, with fans and online communities obsessively following their personal growth. The series’ conclusion in late 2024 marked the end of an era, forcing Wolfhard and others to confront the realities of leaving a childhood identity behind. The show’s success and its cultural impact have made Wolfhard a symbol of a generation of young actors growing up in the digital age.

“It was pretty depressing when Stranger Things ended.”

— Finn Wolfhard

Unclear Future Projects and Emotional Recovery

It is not yet confirmed what specific projects Wolfhard will pursue next or how he plans to cope emotionally after the series’ end. His future acting roles and personal development remain in development, and his long-term mental health strategies are not publicly detailed.

Upcoming Career Moves and Personal Growth

Wolfhard is expected to focus on new acting roles, possibly in film or theatre, as he continues to establish himself as an adult actor. He has expressed a desire to find more diverse projects that challenge him creatively. Additionally, he may participate in mental health advocacy or public discussions about the pressures faced by young celebrities, as he has shown awareness of these issues.

Key Questions

Will Finn Wolfhard return to acting after Stranger Things?

While he has not announced specific projects, Wolfhard is actively pursuing new acting opportunities and has expressed interest in expanding his career beyond Stranger Things.

How has Wolfhard coped with the end of Stranger Things?

Wolfhard has spoken about feeling depressed but is focusing on his personal growth and future projects. He emphasizes staying grounded and maintaining normalcy.

What challenges do young actors like Wolfhard face in growing up in the spotlight?

They often deal with intense media scrutiny, fan obsession, and the pressure to maintain a public persona, which can impact their mental health and personal development.

Does Wolfhard plan to speak publicly about mental health?

He has hinted at awareness of these issues and may become involved in mental health advocacy, but no specific plans have been announced.

Source: Guardian Life