How Stranger Things Casting Works
Stranger Things is a Netflix original series created by the Duffer Brothers. The show is produced by Monkey Massacre Productions and 21 Laps Entertainment. Netflix serves as the distributor and primary financier for the series. Casting is managed by the show's producers and affiliated talent agencies. The Duffer Brothers and casting directors review actors through submissions, auditions, and talent referrals.
Netflix reported that Stranger Things became one of the most-watched English-language series on the platform within weeks of its debut. The series has received multiple Emmy nominations and wins for acting, writing, and production design. The show's casting process emphasizes chemistry, age-appropriate roles, and regional availability in and around Atlanta, Georgia, where production is based. The series is filmed at Pinewood Atlanta Studios and on location across Georgia.
Main Roles and Character Breakdown
Lead and Ensemble Characters
The core cast includes characters such as Eleven, Mike Wheeler, Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair, Will Byers, Max Mayfield, and the Wheeler family. Each role is defined by age range, backstory, and specific skills required for the script. Eleven is a central character with supernatural abilities, while other roles require strong dramatic and group ensemble performance. The show features recurring and guest characters tied to the Upside Down, government agencies, and small-town settings.
Character breakdowns are published by casting teams during active production cycles. Actors are selected based on auditions, screen tests, and fit with established characters. The series uses both child actors and adult actors for different timelines and storylines. The Duffer Brothers have stated that casting focuses on authenticity, emotional range, and ability to perform complex dialogue and physical scenes.
How to Audition and Get Noticed
Submission Pathways
Actors can submit through licensed talent agencies and casting platforms connected to Netflix projects. Open calls are occasionally announced by production companies and official partners. The series typically does not accept unsolicited direct submissions from individuals without representation. Actors under 18 must comply with child labor laws and work permit requirements in Georgia.
Professional training, prior credits, and demo reels increase visibility during casting reviews. Casting directors for Stranger Things have worked with agencies in New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. The show's production team posts official casting notices through verified entertainment industry channels and partner platforms. Aspiring actors should monitor official Netflix and production company announcements for open casting calls.