‘Stranger Things’ star Joe Keery surprises fans with a candid confession about his animated childhood crushes, sparking a fresh wave of conversation as the series finale approaches and reminding everyone of the series’ cultural reach.
As ‘Stranger Things’ powers towards its much-anticipated final season, its stars are giving fans brand new reasons to fall in love with both the show and its cast. In a recent media whirlwind, Joe Keery—longtime fan favorite Steve Harrington—offered not just behind-the-scenes tales but a delightfully unexpected reveal: his animated on-screen crushes from childhood.
The confession came during a playful, buzzworthy conversation on Hits Radio, with fellow cast members Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Jamie Campbell Bower chiming in. The discussion, fueled by nostalgia and fandom curiosity, centered on the question: Did any of the cast have a crush on a fictional character growing up?
Without hesitation, Keery admitted admiration for two classic figures—Robin Hood and Maid Marian—from the 1973 animated film Robin Hood. “Both of them,” he laughed, referencing the charming foxes voiced by Brian Bedford and Monica Evans. Keery’s honest admission revealed both his relatability and the often-overlooked influence of animation on viewers, sparking immediate engagement across Stranger Things fan communities.
He didn’t stop there. Lola Bunny from Space Jam—another iconic animated crush—also earned a place in his heart. His remarks reminded longtime fans of animation’s powerful, formative role in pop culture, inviting a shared sense of nostalgia that cuts across generations.
Why Joe Keery’s Confession Resonates So Deeply
Keery’s candor signals a return to what makes Stranger Things more than just another series: its ability to connect personal stories and universal themes. With its roots set firmly in ‘80s nostalgia, the show frequently references pop culture icons, from Ghostbusters to Lord of the Rings. Hearing a star like Keery reveal that even he was influenced by classic animated movies makes the cast—and the show’s cultural homage—even more accessible for viewers.
- The Robin Hood reference is particularly poignant, as both the original Disney film and Stranger Things tap into timeless themes of heroism, friendship, and moral ambiguity, often through playful, adventurous storytelling.
- Lola Bunny of Space Jam stands as a generational icon—Keery’s shoutout highlights just how powerfully animation can leave a mark, even on those who become pop culture stars themselves.
This emotional accessibility comes precisely as Stranger Things prepares for its fifth and final season. Keery’s remarks re-invigorate the fanbase and set the tone for a series built on Easter eggs, meta references, and shared geek cred.
Cast Sharing Childhood Fandoms: The Ripple Effect
The Hits Radio interview didn’t just spotlight Keery: castmates offered their own fandom confessions. Jamie Campbell Bower grew up a huge fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Charlie Heaton recounted Natalia Dyer’s schoolgirl admiration for Yami Yugi from Yu-Gi-Oh!. These moments invite viewers to see their idols as fans themselves—deepening the bond with those invested in spread across the Internet’s most passionate communities.
Steve Harrington’s Journey and Fandom Culture
Since premiering in 2016, Stranger Things has minted Keery’s Steve Harrington as an unexpectedly iconic character—a one-time bully turned babysitter and fan favorite. The transformation echoed some of the best-loved character arcs in ‘80s and ‘90s pop culture, solidifying Steve’s popularity both in Hawkins and online.
Keery’s willingness to reflect honestly on his influences, right as the show ends, contributes to the show’s meta appeal. As fans create theories, memes, and tributes, the actors themselves become part of the conversation, keeping fandom alive well beyond the final credits.
Keery’s Favorite Filming Memory and the Series Legacy
In another Screen Rant Plus interview, Keery highlighted his favorite on-set memory with Maya Hawke and Natalia Dyer: a late-night shoot at 4:30 a.m. where exhaustion gave way to laughter and camaraderie in a trailer park set made up as the infamous Upside Down. The moment, he notes, was one where the cast recognized just how surreal—and exhilarating—the Stranger Things journey had become.
It’s these moments of authentic reflection that continue to fuel excitement and speculation in the community, especially as the cast gears up for a finale that promises to be both an end and a new beginning in the legacy of contemporary genre television.
Fan Reactions and What This Means for the ‘Stranger Things’ Finale
Social media was quick to react, with fans sharing their own animated crushes and memes riffing on Keery’s “both of them!” comment about Robin Hood and Maid Marian. The relatability factor—not just in characters but in the actors who play them—fuels discussion as the countdown to the show’s finale accelerates.
This lighthearted, genuine exchange comes at a crucial moment: as Hawkins faces its ultimate threat, real-world fans are reminded of the personal connections to fictional worlds that make good stories timeless. Keery’s nostalgia, and the response from his colleagues, illustrate why Stranger Things continues to matter beyond monster battles and 1980s references: it’s about the way stories, characters, and fandoms shape who we become.
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