Sadie Sink and Winona Ryder carved distinct legacies through their roles in Stranger Things, with Sink’s Max Mayfield and Ryder’s Joyce Byers becoming fan favorites. Behind the scenes, their relationship transcended the screen, rooted in mutual respect and artistic kinship. Ryder once likened Sink’s talent to icons like Meryl Streep, cementing her belief that the younger actor was destined for greatness.

For Sink, working alongside Ryder was not just a career milestone, it was a full-circle moment with the woman she had idolized for years.

On Happy Sad Confused with Josh Horowitz podcast, Sadie Sink revealed that Winona Ryder held an almost mythic status in her life calling her "like a hero of mine". Horowitz shared that Ryder had reacted to news of his conversation with Sink using a lot of exclamation points and big hearts, a gesture Sink described as emblematic of Ryder’s warmth. The admiration was mutual. In a Time Magazine essay, Ryder recalled first noticing Sink’s “extraordinary” talent in The Americans, long before their Stranger Things collaboration. 

Sink admitted Ryder’s words felt “surreal,” especially since she did not realize Ryder had followed her career from such an early stage. Their connection deepened through an unexpected parallel: Sink’s Broadway debut in John Proctor Is the Villain, a play thematically linked to The Crucible, in which Ryder starred as Abigail Williams in 1996. Sink confessed she recently rewatched Ryder’s performance, calling her “so amazing in it.” Though the two had not yet discussed the shared theatrical thread, Sink expressed hope that Ryder would attend her play. 

"She's insane"- Sadie Sink Spills On Receiving 'Special Treatment' As Taylor Swift's Close Ally

From battling Demogorgons to belting rock anthems, Sadie Sink’s career is a masterclass in refusing to be typecast.

As Sadie Sink navigated her evolving dynamic with Winona Ryder, her career continued its meteoric rise. She has reportedly joined the cast of Spider-Man 4, slated for July 2026, though her role remained shrouded in mystery. Speculation swirled around her potentially playing Jean Grey, Mary Jane Watson, or even Mayday Parker in a multiverse storyline. Sink playfully addressed the Jean Grey rumors as “awesome” but offered no confirmation.

Beyond superhero realms, Sink embraced daring projects. Her Broadway debut in John Proctor Is the Villain (opening April 4, 2025) promises a searing exploration of gender dynamics and female empowerment. Earlier in 2025, she stunned at SXSW with Bold and Experimental, a rock opera film O'Dessa, blending Appalachian folk and electronic chaos. Directed by Geremy Jasper, the Hulu release delved into rebellion and self-discovery, cementing Sink’s reputation as a versatile, boundary-pushing actor.

"This is news to me..." – Sadie Sink Addresses Jean Grey Rumors Post-'Stranger Things' Finale

What do you think of Sadie Sink and Winona Ryder’s heartwarming bond? Share your thoughts in the comments below