The Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, made a heartfelt choice for Season 5 by casting their high school drama teacher. This gesture served as a personal tribute to the person who first inspired them to pursue filmmaking and storytelling.
Matt and Ross Duffer revealed that including their former teacher was their way of acknowledging the profound influence he had on their artistic direction. The brothers shared that his encouragement during their teenage years shaped much of their creative confidence and vision.
“He was the first person who believed in us as storytellers,” the Duffers explained, noting that the decision carried great emotional significance.
As the final season of Stranger Things begins production, the brothers described this casting as a symbolic full-circle moment—returning to their roots before closing the chapter on one of Netflix’s biggest hits. Their teacher’s appearance adds a personal touch to the nostalgic tone of the series’ conclusion.
A touching tribute from the Duffer Brothers, who cast their former drama teacher in Stranger Things Season 5 to honor his lasting influence on their creative journey.