Stranger Things Cast Season 5: Full List & New Faces

Since premiering on Netflix in 2016, Stranger Things has spent nine years dodging interdimensional threats—and now its story is finally wrapping up. Season 5 marks the end of the road for the show that turned Millie Bobby Brown into a household name and gave Jamie Campbell Bower a villain role audiences won’t forget. As the Duffer Brothers prepare to close the book on this universe, the cast is a mix of familiar faces and one big new addition who should feel right at home to Terminator fans.

Returning Leads: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp · Key Veterans: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Gaten Matarazzo · Season Premiere: 2025 · Core Ensemble Size: 9 main stars · Production Status: Filming underway

Who is the new cast of Stranger Things season 5?

Guest stars and additions

The biggest name joining the ensemble is Linda Hamilton, a legend known for her portrayal of Sarah Connor in the Terminator franchise. According to Radio Times, she plays Dr. Kay, described as a highly intelligent government agent who oversees the military presence in Hawkins (Radio Times). Her character essentially takes over the scientific work previously led by Dr. Martin Brenner.

Alex Breaux appears as Lt. Robert Akers, a military officer serving as one of Dr. Kay’s assistants. What’s interesting is that Breaux previously portrayed a younger Dr. Brenner in the Broadway adaptation Stranger Things: The First Shadow (Radio Times). Sherman Augustus rounds out the military contingent as Lt Colonel Sullivan.

Confirmed new roles

Jake Connelly marks his first significant acting role as Derek Turnbow, a bully and spoiled child from a family known for real estate ventures in Hawkins. An episode titled “The Turnbow Trap” suggests this character plays a notable role in the final season’s events.

The Duffer Brothers have made a deliberate choice here: they’re resisting adding new characters to season 5 so they can focus on original characters whose arcs have been building since the series began in 2016.

Who’s Will in Stranger Things season 5?

Noah Schnapp as Will Byers

Noah Schnapp plays Will Byers, the character who was first captured in the Upside Down way back in season one. Will is described as the shyest member of the original group, a trait that has defined his journey through the series.

Will’s storyline arc

Recent reports indicate that Will Byers is set for a significant moment in season 5. Noah Schnapp has spoken about “Will’s Big Moment in Stranger Things 5,” suggesting the character will finally step fully into his own identity arc that has been quietly developing since season three.

Which actor is LGBTQ in Stranger Things?

Noah Schnapp details

Noah Schnapp, the actor who portrays Will Byers, publicly came out in 2023. In interviews, Schnapp has been direct about the experience of playing Will, noting that the character’s sexuality arc has been important representation for audiences.

Will Byers representation

Will Byers has been interpreted as queer since season three, and season 5 is expected to address this directly. The show’s approach to Will’s identity has made him a significant character for LGBTQ viewers, with the final season reportedly addressing this aspect of Will’s story head-on.

Who is the richest actor in Stranger Things?

Top earners ranking

Among the Stranger Things cast, Millie Bobby Brown has accumulated significant wealth through the series plus her film career including the Enola Holmes franchise. Winona Ryder, despite her earlier prominence in the 90s, has also built substantial career earnings across decades in Hollywood.

Winona Ryder vs Millie Bobby Brown

Comparing their situations reveals a generational wealth gap: Ryder built her fortune over decades starting in the 1980s, while Brown’s earnings are more concentrated but began when she was a teenager on Stranger Things. By estimated net worth, Brown likely has a higher current liquid fortune, though Ryder’s career longevity provides different kinds of financial security.

Returning core cast for Stranger Things season 5

Main ensemble

The core nine stars returning for season 5 are: Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, Noah Schnapp as Will Byers, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield, Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler, Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers, and Joe Keery as Steve Harrington.

David Harbour returns as Jim Hopper, the police chief whose arc from season one included imprisonment in Russia before being rescued in the season four finale. Winona Ryder is back as Joyce Byers, who worked alongside Murray to free Hopper.

Max Mayfield’s status in season 5 is notable: Sadie Sink’s character remains in a coma following the events of season four, where she became a target for Vecna. The character is alive but unresponsive, setting up a potential recovery arc tied to the final battle.

Supporting roles

The extended ensemble includes: Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley, Brett Gelman as Murray Bauman, Cara Buono as Karen Wheeler, Priah Ferguson as Erica Sinclair, Amybeth McNulty as Vickie, Joe Chrest as Ted Wheeler, and Matthew Modine returning as Dr. Martin Brenner.

Jamie Campbell Bower continues as Vecna, the primary antagonist revealed to be Henry Creel—the original subject of Dr. Brenner’s experiments at Hawkins National Laboratory. The villain’s connection to Eleven through their shared origins makes his role in season 5 central to the resolution.