Finn Wolfhard Reflects on Overnight Fame and Future Challenges

Los Angeles, CA – In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Finn Wolfhard, the star of Netflix‘s hit series “Stranger Things,” opened up about the rapid rise to fame he experienced at just 13 years old when the show debuted in 2016.

Reflecting on his career, Wolfhard, now 22, explained that while he doesn’t dwell on the past with regret, there are aspects he might handle differently regarding his fame. “I don’t think I’d ever go back and do something over, but maybe I would go back to when the show first came out and blew up,” he said. “But it was so crazy and overnight, that there was not really any time to think about that.”

Wolfhard, who began his acting journey with minor roles on shows such as “The 100” and “Supernatural,” rapidly gained recognition as Mike Wheeler in “Stranger Things.” The series follows a group of kids in the 1980s who confront supernatural occurrences in their small Indiana town. Netflix has announced that season five of the series is expected to premiere sometime later in 2025.

“Despite everything, I think childhood and life in general is about trial and error,” Wolfhard reflected. He maintained a positive outlook regarding the mistakes he made along the way, emphasizing, “I would end up probably making a mistake in a different way anyways.”

As he braces for the release of the new season, Wolfhard has experienced the pressures of adolescence in the spotlight. He shared his struggles in a previous interview about feeling overwhelmed by sudden attention and expectations. “Everyone was like, ‘Look at him, he’s fine. He’s having the best time,’” he recalled. “But in reality, things were happening in my brain, and anxieties were forming.”

In addition to his work on “Stranger Things,” Wolfhard recently enjoyed success with his directorial debut, “Hell of a Summer,” which is in theaters now. He spoke candidly about the challenges he faced during production, revealing that he often felt underestimated due to his age. “It was a long process. I started writing this movie at 16… I don’t know how we got through it,” he admitted.

Despite initial doubts, he believes his youth played a positive role in the filmmaking process. “Being a teenager and having a door shut in your face over and over again, you just had this blind optimism or blind confidence,” he said. This tenacity helped him persevere through the challenges of bringing his vision to the screen.

Wolfhard expressed excitement about collaborating with talented individuals who believed in their project. He acknowledged that while he has gained experience, he remains cautious of first impressions in the industry. “Even though I’ve made a film, I’m expecting to still be treated like I’m a younger person that doesn’t know what they’re doing. But I’m at peace with proving it to people however many times,” he shared.

As he continues to navigate his evolving career, Wolfhard’s works serve as a testament to his passion for storytelling and resilience in a competitive environment.

As fans await further details on “Stranger Things” season five’s plot, which will likely see the characters battling the villain Vecna, Wolfhard remains focused on his upcoming projects and personal growth as a creator in the entertainment industry.