Stranger Things kids' parents teamed up to negotiate major pay raises

Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin Henderson on Stranger Things, recently revealed that the parents of the show's young cast members banded together to negotiate better pay deals as the Netflix series skyrocketed in popularity.

In Michael Rosenbaum‘s “Inside of You” podcast, Matarazzo shared that the cast collectively advocated for specific improvements, but it was ultimately their parents who took the lead in negotiations due to the actors being underage at the time.

The collaborative effort of the parents proved successful, with The Hollywood Reporter revealing substantial raises for the cast in season 3. While Matarazzo admitted he still doesn't fully grasp the intricacies of salary negotiations, he expressed gratitude for his parents' proactive approach.

Matarazzo also reflected on the financial impact of Stranger Things, acknowledging the financial security it brought his family while acknowledging the unique challenges of becoming a breadwinner at a young age.

Despite the show's immense success, Matarazzo remains grounded and content with the possibility that Stranger Things might be the biggest highlight of his career. He prioritises happiness, security, and continued work over maintaining relevance.

The story of the Stranger Things parents' negotiation tactics highlights the importance of collective bargaining and parental support in safeguarding the interests of young actors in the entertainment industry.