Matthew Modine Remembers First Meeting Millie Bobby Brown in 2015

NEW YORK, NY – Actor Matthew Modine fondly recalls meeting his co-star Millie Bobby Brown while filming the first season of the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things, in 2015. Modine shared his memories during the opening night of a new Broadway show at the Marquis Theatre on April 22, 2025.

“The first day that I met Millie… she was 11 years old,” said Modine, now 66. “She was sitting in the little cell [for her character], and everyone was so excited about her, and they were so excited to introduce me to work with her. And she was just so magical and professional and mature and a child. You know that thing they always say, ‘She’s got it’?”

Modine expressed his admiration for Brown, saying, “When she was 11 years old, I went, ‘Wow, this little girl’s got it.’” Brown, now 21, is renowned for her role as Eleven on the series, while Modine portrayed Dr. Martin Brenner, her enigmatic surrogate father figure, in seasons one and four.

At a separate event in October, Modine elaborated on their friendship, saying, “It begins and ends with Millie. I fell in love with that innocent 11-year-old child.” He praised her determination and intelligence, adding that their bond is a lasting one. “It is a friendship I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” he stated.

In addition to their on-screen relationship, Modine officiated Brown’s wedding to Jake Bongiovi in May 2024, showcasing the depth of their friendship. He humorously commented on a recent Instagram post from Bongiovi, referring to himself as “the old guy with a beard.”

While discussing the new stage adaptation, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Modine expressed excitement about its thrilling nature. “From everything that I’ve been told, it’s bigger, more frightening, and has a lot of jump scares,” he said.

Despite the play featuring a younger version of Dr. Brenner, Modine mentioned that Alex Breaux, the actor taking on the role, did not seek his advice. “Because he’s before me,” Modine explained. “Asking me how to play me in the future — that would be like predicting the future.”

Stranger Things: The First Shadow, written by Kate Trefry and directed by Stephen Daldry, is set to offer an exciting new perspective on the series. The fifth and final season of Stranger Things is scheduled to premiere on Netflix later this year.