Finn Wolfhard opens up about the emotional end of 'Stranger Things', calling it 'pretty depressing'

Finn Wolfhard says moving beyond the Netflix phenomenon has been emotional as he focuses on acting and music alike

Finn Wolfhard has reflected on the emotional impact of saying goodbye to Stranger Things, admitting the end of the hugely successful Netflix series left him feeling lost after spending almost a decade growing up alongside the cast.

Speaking to The Guardian, the 23 year old actor described the final months of filming as an unforgettable experience, explaining that the cast initially struggled to accept the show was really coming to an end. After years of returning to Atlanta to film each season together, the final episodes marked the close of a significant chapter in their lives.

"It was pretty depressing for everyone when it ended," Wolfhard said, adding that despite the sadness, it "feels absolutely right that we've ended at the time that we did."

The actor first appeared as Mike Wheeler in 2016 when he was just 13 years old. Stranger Things quickly became one of Netflix's biggest global successes, turning Wolfhard and his young co stars into household names almost overnight. The series eventually concluded in 2025 after delays caused by the pandemic extended its run far beyond its original schedule.

Wolfhard admitted the transition away from the series was not immediate. He explained that the production had become a constant in his life, comparing it to a school where he reunited with the same people every year. Once filming wrapped, he experienced what he described as a withdrawal period before realising the friendships formed throughout the show would continue beyond the cameras.

"At first I felt really lost, because that's your life for so long and so many of the crew and cast were so integral to the person that you are and to your identity," he said.

The Canadian star also reflected on the unusual experience of growing up in the public eye. He recalled returning to school after the first season aired and noticing classmates and teachers treating him differently as the show's popularity exploded. While he admitted fame initially felt overwhelming, he said he has tried not to become consumed by social media commentary or online speculation.

Wolfhard suggested today's younger generation faces even greater pressures because many teenagers now maintain public online profiles from an early age. Although he believes he was fortunate to enjoy part of his childhood before social media became so dominant, he acknowledged that constantly reading opinions about oneself is unlikely to be healthy during adolescence.

Away from acting, Wolfhard has increasingly focused on music, describing it as an important creative outlet that gives him greater control over his career. Unlike acting, where performances are shaped by directors and production schedules, he said writing and recording music allows him to make his own decisions.

His second solo album, Fire From the Hip, is due for release on July 10, followed by a tour across the United States. While he remains committed to acting and has another film project planned, Wolfhard explained he is happy to wait for roles that genuinely challenge expectations rather than chasing blockbuster success.