The wildly successful and globally revered science fiction-horror spectacle, Stranger Things, has recently become the subject of critical attention. This critique has primarily focused on the perceptible age difference between the cast members and the characters they portray on the small screen.
Since its premiere in 2016, Stranger Things has managed to engross audiences far and wide, with a narrative that nostalgically harkens back to the 1980s, revolving around a group of spirited and intrepid youngsters from the imaginary town of Hawkins, Indiana.
The time frame of the series is set between 1983 and 1986. But as the old adage goes, time waits for no man. The years that have rolled on since the series’ debut have led to a noticeable maturation in the appearances of the original cast members. This unavoidable aging process has sparked online discussions, with viewers pointing out that the actors seem visibly older than their respective characters, especially as we gear up for the imminent fifth and final season.
Nevertheless, the series’ writers are not standing idle in the face of these age-focused critiques. In an assertive response to these observations, the show’s official writers’ room Twitter handle, humorously named “stranger writers,” took to social media to share a retro video clip. This footage features high school students from 1989, with an accompanying caption that reads, “to everyone who says our actors look too old to play high schoolers.”
The writers’ intention behind this post was to underscore that the distinctive hairstyles and fashion trends of the 80s often lent a more mature look to teenagers of the era. They suggest that the cast of Stranger Things wouldn’t appear incongruous among such a crowd.
On the flip side, the much-anticipated fifth season of Stranger Things has encountered unexpected delays. The current, ongoing strikes by writers and actors have brought a temporary halt to the entertainment industry. This interruption in production has postponed the show’s initial June kickoff, with performers demanding improved pay in Hollywood. Despite the ambiguity surrounding the resolution of these strikes, it’s certain that the series’ production is now earmarked for the following year.
The Stranger Things Age Conundrum and the Show’s Creative Approach
Amid the ongoing chaos and age-related criticisms, there is a glimmer of hope as the series is nearing its narrative conclusion, potentially avoiding further age-related disputes. The series’ writers have hinted at the introduction of a time jump in the forthcoming and final season, a narrative technique that may address and rectify the apparent age discrepancies between the actors and their characters.
To illustrate, during the filming of the fourth season in 2020, the younger characters of the show, including Eleven and Mike, were depicted to be roughly 14 or 15 years old. However, the actors behind these characters, namely Noah Schnapp and Caleb McLaughlin, were between 16 and 19. The older teens in the series, such as Nancy and Steve, exhibit an even more glaring age gap compared to their actual counterparts. For instance, while Maya Hawke was 22 in 2020, her fellow cast member Joe Keery was 28.
As the narrative for the upcoming season remains under wraps, with actors like Keery now in their 30s, it invites speculation about the feasibility of them convincingly portraying high school students. However, with the approaching finale of the series and the potential time jump, viewers may anticipate a satisfactory conclusion, free from the specter of age-related criticisms.
In conclusion, despite the challenges the series has faced, Stranger Things has consistently delivered high-quality, compelling content that captivates audiences. The age discrepancy issues are merely minor hiccups in its otherwise illustrious journey. With the series’ creative approach and the talent of its cast, there’s every reason to believe the final season will be as engrossing and memorable as its predecessors. The anticipation for the last chapter of this nostalgic homage to the 80s remains high, and we can only hope that the resolution will be well worth the wait.
