Growing up under the spotlight can be magical—and a little heartbreaking. As Millie Bobby Brown and Noah Schnapp return to Hawkins, Indiana, to film the final season of “Stranger Things,” the two stars are reflecting on what it means to close such a defining chapter of their lives.
In an exclusive chat with Extra’s Terri Seymour, Millie and Noah spoke candidly about the emotional rollercoaster of saying goodbye to the show that made them global icons. “It feels incredibly bittersweet,” Millie admitted, smiling wistfully. “This project has shaped half of my life. I honestly can’t imagine who I’d be without it. Being here for the last season feels dreamlike—almost hard to believe.”
Noah shared her sentiment with a warm laugh. “Every moment has been pure joy,” he said. “Sharing the screen with this amazing girl has been one of the best experiences ever. Even though I’m excited about what’s next, saying goodbye hit harder than I expected.”
But then came a dose of nostalgia—and laughter. The interviewer surprised the duo with a throwback video from a Season 2 set visit in 2017. Millie burst out laughing, blurting, “What was that hairstyle?” When asked what advice she’d give her younger self, she joked, “Don’t stress, your hair will grow into a cute bob!” Noah was so touched by the clip that he joked about wanting to text the video to his younger self.
And here’s the part that fans might not realize: Millie isn’t just saying goodbye to her on-screen childhood—she’s stepping fully into a new phase of real life. Since the show began, she’s matured from a young teen actor into an adult with a family of her own. She recently married Jake Bongiovi, and the two have welcomed a baby girl.
Now, as the holidays approach, Millie beams about celebrating Christmas for the very first time as a family of three. “Santa’s coming,” she said with a grin. “I’m so excited about it.” Though their little one is too young to understand the festivities, Millie shared that she can’t wait to shower her daughter with “all the cuddles” this season.
But here’s a question worth asking: after growing up in the strange world of Hawkins, how will these young stars redefine themselves outside of it? Will the end of Stranger Things mark the closing of an era—or the start of something even bigger? Fans, what do you think—can there ever truly be life after the Upside Down?
