As the world eagerly awaits the final season of Stranger Things, one of its breakout stars, Finn Wolfhard, is already stepping into a new and ambitious chapter of his career. The young actor and musician, best known for his roles in It, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and of course, Netflix’s global hit Stranger Things, has announced his next big project: a biopic centered around the iconic 1980s punk band, The Replacements.
This exciting film will adapt Bob Mehr’s acclaimed biography Trouble Boys: The True Story of The Replacements, widely considered the definitive account of the group’s rise, fall, and lasting cultural impact. Wolfhard won’t just star in or direct the project—he’s co-writing the screenplay alongside his father, Eric Wolfhard, with producer Rich Peete backing the film through his company, Neighborhood Watch.
Why The Replacements Matter
Formed in Minneapolis in 1979, The Replacements—Paul Westerberg, Bob Stinson, Tommy Stinson, and Chris Mars—were more than just another punk band. They became a cornerstone of the American alternative rock movement, influencing a generation of musicians including Nirvana, Green Day, and The Goo Goo Dolls. Known for their raw energy, unpredictable live performances, and a mix of self-destructive chaos with undeniable talent, they embodied both the spirit and downfall of punk’s rebellious streak.
Their music carved out a new lane in rock, blending punk aggression with melodic songwriting that laid the foundation for the grunge explosion of the early ’90s. However, their notorious behavior sometimes overshadowed their brilliance. A profanity-laden performance on Saturday Night Live in 1986, for instance, got them banned from ever returning to the show. Despite their turbulence, their influence only grew stronger over time.
Bob Mehr’s Trouble Boys—first published in 2016—captured these contradictions with honesty and depth. The book became a New York Times bestseller and won critical acclaim, with NPR and Rolling Stone hailing it as one of the year’s best music biographies.
Finn Wolfhard’s Creative Expansion
For Finn Wolfhard, this project is not just another role. It’s an artistic statement. Known to audiences as Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things, Wolfhard has spent his teenage years transitioning from child star to multi-talented creative. Beyond acting, he has a serious passion for music—having been the frontman for the indie rock band Calpurnia and now embarking on his first solo music tour tied to his debut album, Happy Birthday.
He has also ventured into filmmaking. In 2023, he co-directed and co-wrote Hell of a Summer, a horror-comedy that premiered under Neon. Taking on The Replacements biopic signals his deeper commitment to storytelling behind the camera, blending his two passions: film and music.
In a recent interview, Wolfhard explained how personal this project feels:
“I’ve been writing a lot of music and writing this movie with my dad, which has been really amazing. It’s about a band that I think weirdly I have a lot in common with.”
While he couldn’t reveal the band at the time due to rights negotiations, fans now know it was The Replacements.
The Team Behind the Project
The biopic is being produced by Rich Peete, who has worked with Wolfhard before on A24’s The Legend of Ochi. That film premiered at Sundance to strong buzz, cementing Wolfhard’s reputation as an actor unafraid of unconventional projects.
Eric Wolfhard, Finn’s father, will co-write the screenplay. The father-son collaboration reflects not only their shared love for music but also their creative synergy. Producer Rich Peete is currently prepping Jeremy Saulnier’s A24 horror feature October, but his partnership with Wolfhard suggests he sees enormous potential in Trouble Boys.
Bob Mehr, author of the source material, is also expected to play an advisory role. As a Grammy-winning essayist and seasoned music critic, his input will ensure the film maintains the authenticity that made his book a landmark in music journalism.
Timing and Cultural Context
The timing of this project couldn’t be better. With Stranger Things set to conclude on Netflix later this year (rolling out episodes from November 26 until New Year’s Eve), Wolfhard’s career will be at a crossroads. While audiences will say goodbye to Mike Wheeler, they’ll also witness Wolfhard’s transition from actor to full-fledged storyteller.
Meanwhile, punk and alternative rock are experiencing a resurgence in cultural relevance. Younger generations are rediscovering bands like The Replacements, thanks to streaming platforms and social media nostalgia cycles. A biopic could introduce the band to a whole new audience, much like Bohemian Rhapsody did for Queen and Rocketman for Elton John.
What to Expect from the Film
While official casting and release details remain under wraps, the involvement of Wolfhard and Peete already signals that this won’t be a sanitized, glossy retelling. Expect a gritty, unflinching look at the chaos, genius, and contradictions that defined The Replacements.
The screenplay will likely weave together their meteoric rise, infamous onstage meltdowns, personal struggles, and lasting legacy. With Wolfhard’s deep personal investment and music background, fans can expect a balance of authenticity and cinematic flair.
Final Thoughts
With Trouble Boys making its way to the big screen, Finn Wolfhard is stepping into one of the most ambitious projects of his career. This isn’t just a movie about a band—it’s about capturing the raw energy of a cultural movement, the fragility of talent, and the timeless impact of music.
As Wolfhard balances his final bow in Stranger Things, his solo music career, and now a biopic on one of punk’s most notorious bands, it’s clear he’s carving out a creative legacy that goes far beyond Hawkins, Indiana.