The Stranger Things gang aren't kids any more!
Though the WGA strike has been resolved, the SAG-AFTRA strike is ongoing, which means it's still impossible for currently in-production film and TV projects to resume filming.
One major streaming series that's been greatly impacted is Netflix's Stranger Things, which was in the midst of shooting its fifth and final season when the strikes forced a pause in filming back in May.
During an interview with Variety, executive producer/director Shawn Levy was asked about the delay and whether the show's cast noticeably ageing is a concern.
"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," he responded. "This passage of time is definitely not helping. That being said, our hair and makeup and wardrobe department are pretty exceptional, using costumes and wigs and makeup. The ’80s are also our friends in returning these young adult actors to their iconic Hawkins characters. So we’re going to use all of the tools available to us. And I know our cast is as eager to get back to work as the rest of us."
Since the events of the show play out over a much shorter time period than the seven years (can you believe it?) it's been on the air, the actors have been playing younger than they actually are for a while at this stage. However, it did become more noticeable for certain characters during the most recent season.
Levy went on to reiterate how eager everyone involved with the series is to get back to work.
"I can say with confidence I think every actor, director, producer, writer and crew member want to get back to work. I think that “Stranger Things” is a true flag-bearing franchise for Netflix’s brand, and everyone there is also hungry to make the next season. However, none of that can happen unless there is a fair and equitable deal made. I’m saying a small prayer that I will already be back at work once this piece runs."
Well, that didn't happen - but negotiations are expected to resume at some point this week, so let's hope a satisfactory outcome is reached this time.
In the season 4 finale, Eleven and her friends managed to defeat the evil entity known as Vecna, but at great cost. Eddie is killed, and Max is left blind, broken and in a coma.
Vecna - who was ultimately revealed to be the deranged Henry Creel - was vanquished, but It was only a temporary victory, as the concluding moments of the episode confirmed that dark forces in the Upside-down are amassing for what will almost certainly be a massive final battle.
Are you up to date with Stranger Things? If so, what do you hope to see from this final season? No premiere date has been set, but we should learn more shortly after the SAG-AFTRA strike come to an end.