It will not be long before the gates to Hawkins’ infamous Upside Down, which opened a wild decade ago, finally close for good with Stranger Things season 5. With all eyes glued to filming updates and Ross Duffer's cryptic teasers—like marbles slowly dropping into a jar to mark progress, what has kept fans hooked is the steady chorus from the cast, promising that season 5 will tie everything together in a mind-blowing, full-circle finale. Gaten Matarazzo recently spilled some juicy tidbits, fully embracing the hype while reflecting on his Stranger Things journey—from child star to full-blown adult.

While fans have been front-row spectators to his meteoric rise, his own reflection held more weight than any other.

Gaten Matarazzo recently popped by In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast on Spotify to reminisce about his journey, from a 13-year-old rising star on Stranger Things to now, at 22. Back then, it was all about waking up, hanging with his friends on set, and having a blast without having to worry about career longevity or financial stability. His parents were the ones doing the worrying while wondering if this acting gig would be the right path for him.

Reflecting on his transition from a theater kid to a Stranger Things sensation, Matarazzo now appreciates how much his parents had mapped out the potential impact of the show on his life. But as an adult, with the end of Stranger Things looming, the realization hits harder as he now moves on to newer projects. The show had been his safety net for years, and with the final goodbye on the horizon, the anxiety of moving on is personal but also collective for the whole cast.

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As the finale draws near, it is making both fans and actors reflect on things they never gave a second thought to as kids. And speaking of the finale, Gaten Matarazzo gave the ultimate teaser, opening up just enough to fuel the hype before the big send-off.

From creative masterminds like Ross Duffer to fan-favorite stars like Noah Schnapp and Millie Bobby Brown, the Stranger Things squad has been serving up non-stop teasers about the grand finale. But none have spilled the beans on the final episode… until now! Gaten Matarazzo recently dropped by In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast on Spotify to reveal he knows exactly how the show ends, having read the final script on his birthday, which the host dubbed an "incredible full-circle moment."

The host started a bit hesitant, knowing well the tightrope actors walk before their projects air. But when curiosity got the best, Gaten admitted he was uncertain if he wanted the script on his birthday, especially since his crew had already tugged at his heartstrings with a cake like the one Hagrid gifted Harry Potter. But, he quickly added that the moment was so intense, he could not let anything stand between him and that script and ultimately, he was glad to be part of such a beautiful, unforgettable moment.

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What do you think of Gaten Matarazzo's reflection on his Stranger Things' journey? Let us know in the comments below!