As a fan who has been hooked on Stranger Things since its inception, I can’t help but marvel at the twists of fate that have shaped this beloved series. Each cast member brings their unique charm and talent to the screen, making the Hawkins gang feel like old friends.
Stranger Things is currently the most popular series streaming on Netflix. Set in the ’80s, this captivating sci-fi tale unfolds in the fictional small town of Hawkins, Indiana. The story primarily revolves around a group of endearing kids, with the main protagonists being a remarkable girl gifted with telekinetic powers. However, their peaceful life is disrupted when the enigmatic Upside Down, an ominous parallel dimension adjacent to our Earth, infiltrates Hawkins. After almost three years, fans eagerly await the release of the fifth and concluding season of this beloved series, slated for 2025.
Over time, the Netflix series “Stranger Things” has catapulted several of its actors into stardom, including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, David Harbour, and Joe Keery. It’s challenging to envision these talented individuals portraying different characters within the show, but that was almost the case. Intriguingly, many “Stranger Things” cast members initially auditioned for roles other than what they eventually secured.
Initially, the roles they aspired for were turned down, yet these six actors attracted the attention of producers who eventually invited them to join the cast of their show. In retrospect, it seems fitting that they landed these specific roles on Stranger Things as we can hardly envision anyone else playing those characters now.
6
Eduardo Franco
Auditioned for Eddie Munson
Eduardo Franco has been featured in various movies and TV shows before landing the role in “Stranger Things”. Notably, he was part of the successful comedy film “Booksmart” and lends his voice to DJ Catnip in the popular kids’ series “Gabby’s Dollhouse”. In an interesting twist, Franco attempted to secure the role of Eddie Munson for “Stranger Things” season 4. Fortunately, Joseph Quinn ended up with the part, delivering a captivating performance that made Eddie a beloved character among fans.
As a movie critic, I found myself pleasantly surprised when Franco was cast as Argyle, the laid-back pothead sidekick to Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton) in season 4 of “Stranger Things.” Argyle’s introduction brought a fresh and humorous twist to a series that was slowly veering towards the darker side. However, Franco has openly shared that he hasn’t received an invitation to rejoin the cast for the final season. If you’re feeling nostalgic about Eduardo Franco in the grand finale of “Stranger Things,” don’t worry! You can catch him in the horror-comedy “Y2K,” which hit theaters earlier this year.
5
Robert Englund
Auditioned for Mayor Larry Kline
As a die-hard horror enthusiast, I can’t help but admire Robert Englund for his chilling portrayal of Freddy Krueger, the terrifying antagonist who haunts the Nightmare on Elm Street series. Interestingly enough, this iconic actor put his acting skills to the test when he auditioned for a role in Stranger Things, specifically as Hawkins’ mayor Larry Kline in season 3. However, fate had other plans and the part ultimately went to Cary Elwes.
In a surprising turn of events, Englund was invited to try out for a part in season 4 – and he landed it. He portrays Victor Creel, the father of Henry Creel, better known as One, also recognized as Vecna, the primary antagonist in Stranger Things.
4
Sean Astin
Auditioned for Murray Bauman
In the first two seasons of “Stranger Things,” Sean Astin portrayed Bob Newby, a charming character who pursued Joyce (Winona Ryder). Bob’s heartbreaking, selfless demise still resonates with viewers. Interestingly, Astin almost played another role in the series – Murray Bauman, the private investigator and conspiracy theorist who forms an unusual alliance with Hopper and Joyce.
1) Luckily, it didn’t work out. We just can’t envision Astin portraying any character other than Bob. Similarly, we can’t conceive of anyone other than Brett Gelman embodying the quirky and aggressive Bauman, who will reappear in the series during its last season.
3
Noah Schnapp
Auditioned for Mike Wheeler
Mike Wheeler is likely the central character within the team of children in Stranger Things; he serves as their unofficial leader and romantic interest towards Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown). Consequently, it’s not surprising that various young actors from the Stranger Things ensemble initially tried out for the part of Mike. Among these hopefuls was Noah Schnapp. However, the role eventually went to Finn Wolfhard. Instead, Schnapp was chosen to portray Mike’s best friend, Will Byers.
Although Will wasn’t a main character in season 1, his mysterious disappearance kicks off the show’s central plot. Schnapp was promoted to series regular in season 2 and has been a main character on Stranger Things ever since. There are some wild fan theories out there regarding Will’s role in season 5, with some fans theorizing that he will betray his friends and become a villain.
2
Gaten Matarazzo
Auditioned for Mike Wheeler
Besides Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo also tried out for the role of Mike Wheeler, but just like Schnapp, he didn’t get the part initially – it went to Wolfhard. However, Matarazzo stood out due to his charm and authenticity during the audition process, causing producers to immediately choose him for the role of Dustin Henderson after watching a single tape. Once cast, the character of Dustin was adapted to have cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) on the show, which is a condition that Matarazzo himself has in reality.
In essence, it’s hard to envision any actor other than Matarazzo embodying Dustin so perfectly. His absence would significantly alter the character, likely resulting in one without CCD. The charm and humor that initially secured Matarazzo the role have made Dustin a beloved figure among Stranger Things fans. Without Matarazzo’s portrayal of the curly-haired, hat-wearing Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast, Hawkins, and possibly the world, would be incomplete. Matarazzo hinted that Dustin will experience deep mourning in season 5, following Eddie’s tragic demise.
1
Joe Keery
Auditioned for Jonathan Byers
Joe Keery is another actor who’s come to be closely associated with his “Stranger Things” character, yet he initially tried out for a different role. Originally, Keery auditioned for the part of Jonathan Byers, Will’s older brother and Nancy Wheeler’s (played by Natalia Dyer) love interest. Instead, he was presented with the role of Steve Harrington, who was originally Nancy’s season 1 romantic interest and the popular high school jock. The role of Jonathan was instead given to Charlie Heaton. Initially, Steve Harrington appeared to be a typical, shallow high school bully, but his character has developed significantly over time and has been given more depth as the series progressed.
In the show Stranger Things, Harrington’s arc transformed him into a beloved character, particularly when paired with Dustin. This led to Keery being promoted as a main cast member in season 2. Just like Dustin, it’s hard to imagine anyone else but Keery and his distinctive hairstyle portraying Steve Harrington. Keery is coming back for the “bittersweet” final season of Stranger Things.
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2024-12-21 23:31