It has been nearly a decade since Stranger Things first opened the gates to the eerie world of the Upside Down in Hawkins, Indiana. But within a year or so, those gates will close for good. For most of the cast and crew, saying goodbye means parting with something that has been a significant part of their lives, making the farewell more emotional than it may seem. However, as the final season approaches, Winona Ryder omitted a name from the list of young actors she has grown close to on the show, sparking fan theories about some underlying tension with Millie Bobby Brown.

Stranger Things has primarily focused on adolescent defenders, and just like Millie Bobby Brown and her crew, Winona Ryder has been a mainstay from the get-go. However, during a recent interview with Esquire Magazine when the conversation turned to the Upside Down, Ryder reflected on how the show has revolved around the breakout young stars who are now in their twenties. She expressed her affection for those she holds dear, saying, "I love the boys, and I love Sadie [Sink] and Maya [Hawke]." 

Yet, it was the absence of one name—Millie Bobby Brown's—that caught everyone’s attention. Although Ryder did not openly express any tensions, she did touch on her frustrations in a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times. Having transitioned from being the youngest to one of the oldest on set, she mentioned her disappointment when there remains a lack of curiosity about acting and cinema among her younger colleagues. 

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While she did not mention Brown by name, fans quickly connected the dots, recalling a viral interview earlier this year where Brown admitted she rarely watches movies because the first thing she thinks about is how long she will have to sit there. This has only fueled speculation among fans, reinforcing their theories.

Like her co-stars, saying goodbye to Stranger Things after 10 years will be a bittersweet moment for Winona Ryder. However, her deliberate or accidental omission of Millie Bobby Brown’s name has only given a hint of bitterness, leading many fans to speculate about strained relationships despite playing a mother figure to Brown. Some believe that Brown’s embracement of her role as a businesswoman may have contributed to Ryder’s frustration. 

Others suggest taking a more measured approach, arguing that leaving out her name does not necessarily imply any animosity.

While most fans urged others to keep Ryder out of the speculative drama, some argued that the rumors are not entirely baseless. Others, finding themselves caught in the middle of the debate, called for more clarity on the situation. However, since neither star has openly addressed any issues, it seems extreme to assume there is a serious rift between them, especially given how both of their roles are crucial to completing the story of the Upside Down.

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What do you think of Stranger Things fans speculating on the sourness between Winona Ryder and Millie Bobby Brown? Let us know in the comments below!