What’s next for ‘Stranger Things’ cast? One is MCU-bound, while others are stepping behind the camera
With the Upside Down's destruction in the finale of 'Stranger Things', the fictional city of Hawkins has finally broken free from the clutches of Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). While the final episode beautifully shows how the characters move forward after the nightmare, fans are still left wondering what lies ahead for the starcast. So, without further ado, let's take a look at which Hawkins hero is stepping into the MCU, and who is taking on directing and producing roles in their upcoming projects.
1. Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler)
Finn Wolfhard has several exciting projects lined up, spanning film, directing, and music. He will star in and produce 'Crash Land', a comedy about amateur stunt performers, marking the feature directorial debut of Dempsey Bryk. Wolfhard is also set to co-write and possibly co-direct a reimagining of the cult horror classic 'Idle Hands' for Sony Pictures, according to a 2024 Variety report. Additionally, an October 2025 Variety report revealed he is developing a film adaptation of 'Trouble Boys: The True Story of the Replacements' alongside his father, Eric Wolfhard, and producer Rich Peete. Beyond films, Wolfhard is expected to focus on touring and new music releases in 2026, as confirmed by his manager, Nick Stern.
2. Millie Bonnie Bongiovi (Eleven/Jane Hopper)
Millie Bonnie Bongiovi is all set to star and produce the upcoming romantic comedy, 'Just Picture It.' Directed by Lee Toland Krieger, the film follows two college students, Bonnie Bongiovi and Gabriel LaBelle, whose phones mysteriously show images from 10 years in the future, revealing them as a happily married couple with children. Bonnie Bongiovi has two major projects on the way, including Netflix's thriller series 'Prism,' which is based on Nick Shafir's short story. She plays the character of Cassie, who can communicate with apparitions and is drawn into a global supernatural mystery. She will also reprise her role as the brilliant young detective in 'Enola Holmes 3', tackling a new case set in Malta.
3. Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield)
Sadie Sink has two high-profile projects lined up after 'Stranger Things', including 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day', which will be her entry into the Marvel franchise. She is also set to make her West End debut in 2026, starring as Juliet in a new 'Romeo & Juliet' production opposite Noah Jupe. The production will be directed by Robert Icke, and the play is scheduled to run at the Harold Pinter Theatre from March 16 to June 6, 2026, as per West End Theatre. Sink is also set to appear in the MCU film 'Avengers: Secret Wars', reprising her mysterious role from 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' according to Deadline. The film is scheduled to release in theaters on December 17, 2027.
4. Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson)
Gaten Matarazzo's upcoming projects include an untitled Hulu college comedy from BriTANicK, in which he stars and serves as an executive producer. Reportedly, the film follows two college students whose simple pizza run turns into a surreal, life-changing misadventure. He is also part of the voice cast for Andy Serkis' animated adaptation of 'Animal Farm', which is based on George Orwell's novel, alongside Seth Rogen and Glenn Close, with a release date set for May 1, 2026.
5. Jamie Campbell Bower (Henry Creel/Vecna)
After his standout turn as Vecna on 'Stranger Things', Jamie Campbell Bower is set to join Prime Video's 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 3 as a series regular, though details about his character have not yet been revealed.
6. Joe Keery (Steve Harrington)
After 'Stranger Things,' Joe Keery will star in the sci-fi horror-comedy 'Cold Storage' alongside Liam Neeson and Georgina Campbell. The film, directed by Jonny Campbell, follows two storage-facility employees fighting a deadly parasitic fungus and is set for a U.S. release on February 13, 2026. As per Music Business Worldwide, beyond acting, Keery will also focus on music in 2026, with plans for Lollapalooza South America appearances, touring, and developing new music.
