Finn Wolfhard recently shared in an interview with Time magazine that he experienced a panic attack while filming “Stranger Things 4″. The pressure stemming from the show’s passionate fanbase has been described by him as “subconsciously terrifying.” Wolfhard, who portrays Mike Wheeler on the acclaimed Netflix series, is set for the fifth and final season debuting this November. He was merely 13 when the series launched and shot him to fame globally.
“Filmmaking can often be chaotic, and that’s just a part of the journey,” Wolfhard noted in the interview. “As a child in this industry, there’s a tendency to try and make things easy for everyone around you. Speaking up for yourself can be challenging. You don’t always know how to ask for a break… It was an extraordinary experience that felt a bit overwhelming to suddenly be recognized at 13.”
Throughout the production of “Stranger Things 4,” the challenges of newfound fame compounded with post-COVID protocols and typical teenage relationship dynamics. “During one scene, I began to hyperventilate. It felt like a fishbowl, especially with so many extras being fans around. It ultimately led to a panic attack,” he explained.
According to Time, his friends and co-stars Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo reassured him, sharing that they felt similar pressures.
As the cast prepares for “Stranger Things 5,” these pressures have only grown. The series finale is expected to face intense scrutiny, reminiscent of the discussion around finales of shows like “Lost” and “Game of Thrones,” where a controversial ending can overshadow the entire series legacy.
“Honestly, I think there was quite a bit of worry among us,” Wolfhard remarked to Time magazine. “After the backlash regarding the last season of ‘Game of Thrones,’ we all hoped we wouldn’t encounter that. Yet upon reading the scripts, we realized we were creating something truly unique.”
The Duffer Brothers, creators of “Stranger Things,” shared with Variety that they have had a clear vision for the series’ conclusion for a significant time and have consistently worked towards it, hoping to deliver a satisfying finale.
“We’ve had a rough outline for the final scene for many years — it wasn’t something that caused us stress to figure out,” Matt Duffer stated. “While there were certain elements we discussed extensively, the fundamental concept of the ending has been in place for quite a while.”
“Stranger Things 5” is set to premiere, with Volume 1 releasing on November 26.
