As the highly anticipated final season of Stranger Things approaches, star Finn Wolfhard is giving fans a reason to be excited—and emotional—about the show’s conclusion. In a recent interview, the actor, who has played Mike Wheeler since the show’s debut in 2016, opened up about the bittersweet experience of wrapping up the beloved Netflix series and what viewers can expect from the epic finale.
A Fitting End to an Era
Wolfhard, now 21, has grown up alongside his character over the past eight years, evolving from a wide-eyed kid leading the Party to a young adult facing the most dangerous threats Hawkins has ever seen. Reflecting on the final season, he shared that the cast and crew poured their hearts into making sure the ending does justice to the show’s legacy.
“We’re all unbelievably happy with the finished product,” Wolfhard revealed. “It was emotional filming those last scenes, but I think fans will feel like it’s the perfect way to close this chapter. The Duffer Brothers have really outdone themselves.”
While plot details remain tightly under wraps, Wolfhard teased that Season 5 will be the most intense yet, with higher stakes, deeper character arcs, and plenty of callbacks to earlier seasons.
Bigger Stakes, Bigger Emotions
The final season is expected to pick up after the explosive events of Season 4, which left Hawkins in ruins and Vecna’s influence stronger than ever. Wolfhard hinted that Mike and the rest of the Party will face their toughest battle yet—not just against supernatural forces, but also against the personal struggles that come with growing up.
“Mike has been through so much, but this season really tests him in new ways,” he said. “There’s a lot of pressure on him—as a leader, as a friend, and in his relationships. It’s not just about fighting monsters anymore; it’s about figuring out who he is when the world feels like it’s ending.”
One relationship fans are especially invested in is Mike and Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown). After their emotional reunion in Season 4, Wolfhard confirmed that their bond will remain central to the story.
“Their connection has always been the heart of the show,” he said. “This season explores what that really means when everything around them is falling apart.”
Saying Goodbye to the Party
Filming the final season was an emotional experience for the cast, many of whom have been working together since they were kids. Wolfhard admitted that saying goodbye to his on-screen family—including co-stars Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas), and Noah Schnapp (Will)—was harder than expected.
“We grew up together on this show,” he said. “There were definitely tears on the last day. But we’re all so proud of what we’ve made. It feels like the right time to let these characters go.”
He also praised the Duffer Brothers for crafting an ending that honors the show’s roots while delivering a satisfying conclusion.
“They’ve always known where the story was heading, and you can feel that in these final episodes,” Wolfhard shared. “It’s nostalgic, but it also pushes everything forward in a way that feels really exciting.”
What’s Next for Finn Wolfhard?
With Stranger Things wrapping up, Wolfhard is looking ahead to new projects—both in front of and behind the camera. He recently directed his first feature film, Hell of a Summer (co-directed with Billy Bryk), and has several acting roles lined up, including the upcoming Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
Still, he acknowledges that Stranger Things will always hold a special place in his heart.
“This show changed my life,” he said. “I’ll always be grateful for it. And I hope fans love the ending as much as we do.”
Final Thoughts
As production on Stranger Things Season 5 nears completion, anticipation is at an all-time high. With Wolfhard’s promising tease and the Duffer Brothers’ track record, the final season is shaping up to be an unforgettable farewell to Hawkins and its beloved characters.
Are you ready for the end? The final season of Stranger Things is expected to premiere in 2025.