At Lucca Comics & Games 2025, the minds behind *Stranger Things* along with several cast members graced the stage for a Q&A session in the historic Teatro del Giglio, just before the season 5 Netflix premiere. This marks a return of *Stranger Things* to Lucca, yet it’s the inaugural instance of having any cast members present, and the fortified city was filled with fans eager to catch a glimpse of the team.

Festival director Emanuele Vietina, a devoted fan of *Stranger Things*, moderated the panel for the Italian audience. The lineup featured *Stranger Things* creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, alongside the primary four boys: Gaten Matarazzo, portraying Dustin, Finn Wolfhard as Mike, Caleb McLaughlin appearing as Lucas, and Noah Schnapp in the role of Will. While attendees may have been hoping for tantalizing insights into the final season of *Stranger Things*, the panel resembled a reunion of colleagues who have spent years together, reminiscing with a mix of nostalgia and slight melancholy.

These young actors have genuinely grown up on the set of *Stranger Things* over the past ten years, transitioning from young teens to their 20s. Many anecdotes shared focused on how the show influenced their lives while growing up. Noah Schnapp reflected, “I believe everything made an impact on me in various ways,” and proceeded to narrate a touching story about his co-star and former child actor, Winona Ryder, who guided him as he faced challenges with emotional scenes on set:

“The first occasion I did it, I distinctly recall being extremely anxious, and there was immense pressure to deliver tears and perfection. I remember messaging Winona, saying, ‘Hi, I understand you were a child actor, and if you could assist me in figuring this out, I don’t wish to bother you.’ I was scrolling through our texts recently, and she was incredibly kind and supportive.

“The scene that holds the most significance, oddly enough, is the initial scene we shot, which is the boys engaged in Dungeons & Dragons in the basement…”

She sent a lengthy response, ‘Don’t worry, sweetie, we can excuse you from school, or we can sit together for 15 minutes. Come into my trailer; we’ll ensure it’s comfortable.’ She was consistently generous and attentive, ensuring that we, as kids, felt at ease. It wasn’t just about me, but all of us.

And I vividly remember that initial scene. She offered advice, shared how she uses her hands, where she allows herself to be open and vulnerable, and how she listens to music. I just followed her lead, and it felt so natural and easy to connect with her. Since that moment, she has been an absolute pleasure to collaborate with and has become like a second mother to me.”

Caleb McLaughlin also expressed his feelings on stage, revealing how he grew alongside his *Stranger Things* character, Lucas, and how their journeys intertwined, permitting him to infuse his own life experiences into his role. “In season four, I noticed how Lucas’s storyline reflected my own life. Watching the seasons, I thought, ‘Were Matt and Ross observing my life?’ It felt as though they were capturing my experience during a formative time when I was seeking to understand myself.

He elaborated on how his role facilitated his growth beyond *Stranger Things*, stating, “I thought, ‘Perhaps I should pursue something different and explore new avenues.’ I believe many can identify with that. For me as an actor, that season was instrumental in my personal development and performance. It significantly aided my decision-making process.”

Even the Duffer Brothers engaged with the emotional core, discussing how crafting the show required them to invest a part of themselves into the narrative. Ross Duffer articulated, “When we conceived the show, much of it stemmed from our experiences… However, for us, it was about encapsulating the sensations we felt as children, which involved friends and the challenges of growing up.”

Ross continued, highlighting that *Stranger Things* was inspired not solely by their childhood but also by elements that shaped them, “Furthermore, it encompassed the narratives we were exposed to as we grew up. While recounting our childhood experiences, we also needed to incorporate…