Multiple Stranger Things Stars Originally Auditioned For A Different Role

December 13, 2023

Stranger Things is set to wrap up its storyline with the release of its fifth season in 2025. The series’ cast has skyrocketed to stardom, thanks to their iconic characters. Interestingly, you will be surprised to learn that several actors initially auditioned for completely different roles.

The success of Stranger Things can be attributed to its outstanding cast, featuring Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, and Sadie Sink. As the series approaches its conclusion, it’s difficult to imagine these actors taking on roles other than the ones they’ve masterfully portrayed throughout the show.

Here are the actors who had auditioned for different roles but later ended up portraying their respective perfect roles.

Joe Keery:

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It’s quite a challenge to picture Joe Keery as anyone other than Steve Harrington, the high-school heartthrob with a surprisingly soft side for babysitting. Interestingly, Joe initially auditioned for the role of Jonathan Byers in Stranger Things. Luckily for him, he ultimately secured the part of Steve Harrington, a character that proved to be an ideal fit for his talents.

Sean Astin:

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Sean Astin, a truly remarkable actor, showcased his exceptional talent in Stranger Things in the role of Bob Newby. His endearing portrayal of Joyce Byers’ brave and selfless boyfriend left a lasting impression throughout the series. Interestingly, Astin initially aspired to play the intelligent and crafty investigator Murray Bauman. However, the creators were impressed by his audition and offered him a completely new role in season 2.

Eduardo Franco:

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Eduardo Franco made his debut during Stranger Things season 4. Taking on the role of Argyle, he emerged as a key character and the close friend of Jonathan Byers. Interestingly, prior to landing the part of the affable pizza delivery guy, Franco initially auditioned for the role of Eddie Munson, the charismatic leader of the Hellfire Club. Though in the end, we can say that each character found its ideal match.

Robert Englund:

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Horror legend Robert Englund played the role of Victor Creel, the wrongly imprisoned World War II veteran accused of committing a brutal murder against his own family. Surprisingly, Englund had initially auditioned for an undisclosed role in season 3, since he was fond of the show. Fate took an interesting turn, as the role he auditioned for in season 3 did not materialize, leading to his eventual casting as Creel in season 4.

Gaten Matarazzo:

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Among the main Stranger Things characters, Gaten Matarazzo stands out in the role of Dustin Henderson. His portrayal of the close friend to several other pivotal characters, coupled with Matarazzo’s charming performance, has significantly contributed to the show’s immense popularity.

Interestingly, Matarazzo didn’t originally audition for the role of Dustin; he was initially asked to audition for Mike. However, with Finn Wolfhard ultimately cast as Mike, Matarazzo then auditioned for Lucas but ended up securing the role of Dustin.

Noah Schnapp:

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Noah Schnapp, renowned for his portrayal of the iconic character Will Byers in Stranger Things, is inseparably linked to the role. It’s challenging to envision anyone else in his place. Interestingly, Schnapp originally auditioned for the role of Mike Wheeler in season 1. However, with the casting of Finn Wolfhard as Mike, Schnapp was then offered and accepted the role of Will Byers.

Although his screen time was limited in season 1, Schnapp’s character has evolved to become a significant part of the storyline. The final season of Stranger Things is also centered around the character of Will Byers.