Shawn Levy Spills the Beans
“We’ve already watched the cast of our show grow up in the public eye, and between 12 and 22, every human being changes profoundly,” Stranger Things director and executive producer Shawn Levy explained in a recent interview with Variety. This candid admission came on the heels of massive delays due to the WGA writers’ and SAG-AFTRA actors’ strikes. But Levy is not fretting—especially when it comes to the ticking clock on his cast’s ability to pass for high schoolers.
“Our hair and makeup and wardrobe department are pretty exceptional,” Levy said, detailing the tools at their disposal to combat the aging issue. “The ’80s are also our friends in returning these young adult actors to their iconic Hawkins characters. So we’re going to use all the tools available to us.”
A Recurring Challenge
Stranger Things isn’t a newbie in the aging arena. Since its debut in 2016, the series has constantly juggled the challenge of its young actors hitting growth spurts faster than Hawkins hits supernatural phenomena. Will Byers, portrayed by Noah Schnapp, had a noticeable transformation; he now towers over his on-screen mom, Joyce (Winona Ryder), in the recently released fourth season.
Strikes and Delays: Another Wrinkle in the Plot
The aging of the Stranger Things cast has gained new urgency due to unexpected hiatuses. First, the COVID-19 pandemic stretched the gap between the third and fourth seasons, making those growth spurts impossible to ignore. Now, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes have thrown another wrench into the production timeline. Although the writers’ strike is officially over, the actors’ strike continues, keeping the Stranger Things set empty for now. The series, however, is a top priority for Netflix, pushing the production of season 5 as soon as possible.
Time Jumps and Makeup Magic
In anticipation of this, the Duffer brothers had always planned a significant time jump for Stranger Things season 5. This narrative device should make the cast’s real-life aging less jarring for the audience. What can’t be smoothed over by a chronological leap will be the domain of the “exceptional” makeup and wardrobe departments, who will be working their magic to maintain the series’ continuity.
“I know our cast is as eager to get back to work as the rest of us,” Levy said, optimistic about resuming filming once the ongoing strikes conclude.
Navigating Through the Strikes
The strikes have posed a significant challenge, not only for Stranger Things but for the broader industry. Yet, it seems like the production is more concerned with how to utilize the delays effectively rather than worrying about rewriting the entire season. “We’re going to use all the tools available to us,” Levy reiterated.
The ’80s to the Rescue
Ah, the ’80s—when shoulder pads, mullets, and neon were all the rage. But for Stranger Things, the decade serves as more than just an aesthetic; it’s a tool for maintaining the visual youthfulness of its now-adult actors. Expect wigs, wardrobe changes, and maybe even a few laughs as the show tries to dial back the clock.
What’s Next for Stranger Things Season 5?
The world waits eagerly for Stranger Things to resume its regular programming, especially as it gears up for its grand finale. With time jumps and “exceptional” departments working their magic, the show aims to send off its beloved characters in a manner as seamless and extraordinary as the world they live in. As Levy suggests, all hands are on deck and ready to return to Hawkins.
