As Stranger Things approaches its grand finale, co-creator Matt Duffer reveals the touching mentorship dynamics that shaped the iconic series—from Finn Wolfhard’s ‘puppy dog’ admiration for Joe Keery to a new generation of young actors now looking up to Wolfhard himself.
The emotional core of Stranger Things has always extended far beyond its supernatural horrors and 80s nostalgia. During a recent Paley Center celebration of the show’s fifth and final season, co-creator Matt Duffer unveiled one of the series’ most touching behind-the-scenes secrets: Finn Wolfhard’s early “puppy dog” admiration for costar Joe Keery.
“That’s exactly how Finn was with Joe back in the day,” Duffer revealed at the December 18 event. “I mean, Finn followed Joe around like a little puppy dog. It was so cute.” This revelation comes as the show experiences what Duffer calls a “full-circle” moment, with new child actors now looking up to Wolfhard in the same way.
The Evolution of a Television Family
What began as a nostalgic thriller about missing children has evolved into one of television’s most authentic portrayals of found family. The Duffer brothers’ casting choices created a unique environment where real-life relationships mirrored on-screen dynamics.
Keery’s character Steve Harrington underwent one of the series’ most dramatic transformations—from popular high school bully to beloved babysitter and protector of the younger characters. This arc paralleled the actor’s own journey with his younger castmates.
Wolfhard himself acknowledged the profound impact of these relationships during the Paley Center panel. “I mean, I wouldn’t know anything without these guys. My life is spent with these people, and I learned about what I wanted to do in my life, and I got to experience it all with these people,” the 22-year-old actor shared.
This mentorship culture became particularly evident during filming of the final season. Duffer noted that one young actor was “following Finn around like a puppy dog. He thought Finn was the coolest.” Wolfhard embraced this protective role, describing it as “weirdly doing what these guys did in the first season.”
From Protege to Protector
Wolfhard’s transition from wide-eyed newcomer to established mentor represents one of Hollywood’s most organic coming-of-age stories. The actor joined Stranger Things at just 13 years old, while Keery was already 24 during the first season filming.
The age gap created natural mentorship dynamics that extended beyond the camera. Wolfhard reflected on this evolution, noting that in the final season, “It almost felt like I was protecting like a younger version of myself or that we were, this season, protecting versions of our younger selves.”
This protective instinct extends to the entire cast’s approach to the new generation of child actors. Wolfhard expressed particular amusement at the generational differences, noting the young actors are “all Gen Alpha, and I don’t know any…”—leaving the thought unfinished but implying the cultural divide that now exists between him and the newest cast members.
The Emotional Weight of Goodbye
As Stranger Things prepares to conclude with its final episodes releasing December 25 and December 31, the cast’s emotional reflections reveal just how deeply these relationships run. Wolfhard previously told People about experiencing “an emotional hangover” after filming his last scene.
“I was so happy with my character’s ending,” Wolfhard shared in April. “I was satisfied, but I was also very confused and sad, but also very happy. I felt like I was in a dream or something. None of it felt real.”
The entire cast’s decision to stay for each other’s final filming days speaks volumes about the bonds formed over eight years of production. “The cast all stayed for the last day, we were all there together,” Wolfhard recalled. “It was really great to be around each other.”
A Legacy Beyond the Upside Down
The Stranger Things phenomenon extends far beyond its streaming numbers and cultural impact. The series created an environment where young actors could grow up surrounded by mentorship and support—a rarity in an industry known for chewing up child stars.
Duffer’s revelation about Wolfhard and Keery provides insight into why the show resonated so deeply with audiences. The authentic relationships translated to screen, creating character dynamics that felt genuinely protective and caring.
As Netflix prepares to bid farewell to Hawkins, Indiana, the show’s true legacy may be the blueprint it created for nurturing young talent in high-pressure productions. The “puppy dog” admiration that Wolfhard once felt for Keery has now been passed to a new generation, ensuring that the show’s heart will continue beating long after the final credits roll.
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