At a Glance
- The final season of “Stranger Things” was celebrated at The Paley Museum on Dec. 18.
- Cast members chose their favorite and least favorite looks across five seasons.
- Creators Matt and Ross Duffer highlighted Eleven’s iconic pink dress and buzz cut.
- Why it matters: Fans gain insight into the show’s evolving visual style.
The long-running Netflix hit “Stranger Things” reached its climactic finale after ten years and five seasons, and a recent gathering at The Paley Museum in Manhattan gave the cast a chance to reflect on their characters’ visual journeys. The event also served as a preview of the two-hour finale that will air on New Year’s Eve.
Cast Reactions to Their Looks
During the celebration, NBC New York displayed photographs of each character from every season and asked the actors to choose their favorite and least favorite looks.
Caleb McLaughlin said:
> “Whoa, that’s sad. Favorite is five. Least favorite, maybe three…He was just an awkward teenager, and the shorts were killing me. It was hot. The shorts were so stank.”
Maya Hawke said:
> “It’s complicated. Three is most iconic. Five is most me…like I like how I look here the most. And then four is awesome and I think my favorite season, maybe. I don’t know. So, I can’t even answer!”
Maya Hawke added:
> “I just gotta go five. I mean look at him, he’s just gorgeous. What can you say? Headphones on, shirt on. Look at that face. Five! Right? He’s just getting better, aging like a fine wine. Like a pair of old Levi’s.”
The cast’s reactions highlighted how the series’ visual style evolved over time, with some actors favoring the early seasons and others appreciating the more mature, polished looks of the final season.
Creator Insights on Eleven’s Style
Matt and Ross Duffer, the creators of the show, were also asked to share their thoughts on Eleven’s most memorable appearance.
Ross Duffer said:
> “You gotta go with the iconic pink dress and the jacket. She looks so bad a– there.”
Matt Duffer added:
> “Yeah, I love the buzz cut.”
The creators agreed that Eleven’s Season 1 pink dress and buzz cut remain the most iconic elements of her character’s aesthetic.
Vecna’s Transformations
Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays the enigmatic villain Vecna, was noted for his dramatic transformations across the series.
Jamie Campbell Bower said:
> “This one.”
He humorously pointed to the look he preferred, underscoring the character’s visual impact.
Finale Event Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 18 | Screening and behind-the-scenes conversation at The Paley Museum |
| New Year’s Eve | Release of the two-hour series finale |
The table below outlines the key dates associated with the finale’s celebration and release.
Other Main Cast Appearances
The main cast, including Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Sadie Sink, David Harbour, and Winona Ryder, all appeared in the series across its five seasons.
- Gaten Matarazzo – Dustin Henderson
- Finn Wolfhard – Mike Wheeler
- Noah Schnapp – Will Byers
- Natalia Dyer – Nancy Wheeler
- Charlie Heaton – Jonathan Byers
- Sadie Sink – Max Mayfield
- David Harbour – Jim Hopper
- Winona Ryder – Joyce Byers
Their consistent presence helped anchor the show’s narrative and visual continuity over a decade.
Key Takeaways
- Fans witnessed the cast’s favorite and least favorite looks across five seasons.
- Creators highlighted Eleven’s pink dress and buzz cut as iconic.
- The finale’s release date is set for New Year’s Eve, following the Dec. 18 celebration.
The Paley Museum event offered fans a nostalgic look back at the evolution of the show’s beloved characters, while the upcoming finale promises to bring those stories to a close.
As the series reaches its end, viewers can reflect on how the characters’ appearances mirrored their growth and the shifting tone of the show.
The final chapter will air on New Year’s Eve, marking a significant moment for fans and the series alike.
With the finale’s release imminent, anticipation remains high as the world waits to see how the story concludes.
