Millie Bobby Brown has opened her heart to her fans in a poignant gesture following the release of Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1 on Netflix. Since the show debuted in 2016, Brown has grown up alongside her beloved character, Eleven, and in interviews with Vogue, she reflected on the emotional experience of filming the final episodes. "It was incredibly emotional. Saying goodbye to my favorite people; the crew, the other cast members, the directors," she said, her voice filled with emotion. Her parents, who were present throughout filming, shared in her tearful farewell, especially since she started the role at just 11 years old.
Brown's co-star Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers, described the final days on set as filled with "embarrassingly loud sobbing" and overwhelming sadness, reflecting on the deep investment the cast has made in the series over the years.
Hours before the premiere, the British actress shared a touching message on Instagram alongside throwback and recent photos with the Duffer Brothers, who created the hit sci-fi series. "This show has given me so much. But most importantly, the most meaningful story to tell is El's," Brown wrote. "Thank you to the Duffers for taking a chance on everything you shouldn't have wanted: a British girl with a huge family, a lot of energy, a strong point of view, but a heart that would work tirelessly for the character you built. Enjoy Volume 1, folks. See you on the right side up."
Stranger Things Season 5 promises high stakes and thrilling adventures as Eleven faces new challenges in Hawkins and the Upside Down. The premiere picks up a year and a half after the events of Season 4, with the town under U.S. military quarantine while Eleven and her friends hunt the elusive villain Vecna. The star-studded cast returns, including Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, Brett Gelman, Cara Buono, and Jamie Campbell Bower.
As Eleven and her friends face terrifying monsters and high-stakes battles, the series continues to explore themes of friendship, courage, and growth that have resonated with viewers and helped make Eleven one of the most beloved characters in recent television history. For Brown, Season 5 is not just the end of a story; it's a personal journey that has left an indelible mark on her early career. Her Instagram tribute and candid interviews showcase the emotional weight of saying goodbye to a role that defined her early years.
