Netflix’s mega-hit Stranger Things first hit our screens back in 2016 and now, its fifth and final season is underway with the last ever episode dropping on December 31
Stranger Things’ final season is well underway, a decade after the residents of Hawkins first hit our screens and became a global phenomenon. The Netflix series begins in the small fictional Indiana town in November of 1983, with a cast of beloved characters played by talented actors at varying levels of their careers – and one casting choice has been lauded by fans.
The children at the front of the show were complete unknowns when they first donned 80s gear, accessories and dialogue, hooking viewers with nostalgia and intrigue back in 2016. They were joined by screen icons though, with Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers drawing in many viewers.
Ryder’s performance as the perpetually stressed, chain-smoking mother who refuses to listen to authorities when her son, Will, goes missing in the very first episode added a sense of heart and strength to the show.
The actor’s star power also helped attract viewers to the first season. Ryder shot to fame in a string of quirky, misfit-type roles in the 80s and early 90s, before taking on more dramatic and period roles too.
She’s been critically acclaimed for her acting prowess and has even bagged two Academy Award nominations.
Stranger Things fans have praised the casting choice, with one taking to Reddit to declare: “Winona Ryder being cast as Joyce Byers is one of the greatest casting decisions of all time. I couldn’t picture anybody else in this role.”
In the comments section, people were keen to share their thoughts. One Reddit user said: “I just rewatched season 1 a couple weeks ago and I was just blown away. I think her acting in that season is amazing!
“You see things differently during a re-watch and her acting really struck me and I don’t think I fully appreciated the first time around.”
Another asked: “Where is her Emmy for this role?!”
A third shared: “Winona is my favourite actress. People forget she was HUGE in the late 80s and 90s. I had been hoping for her to have a comeback for years and years and she is wonderful as Joyce Byers.”
A fourth said: “It was so smart to cast her because I didn’t know anything about the show. Just that this new show was coming out on Netflix and Winona Ryder was gonna be in it and I will watch anything with Winona and then it became one of my favourite shows ever.”
Someone else said: “Such a great comeback role for her.”
Another said: “I’ve always been a huge fan.”
One fan shared: “IMO [in my opinion] Season 1 NO ONE could top her acting. Millie was #2 for me…”
Reflecting on other casting choices, another said: “They also did great with casting her boys. They genuinely look like they could be related to her.”
And another added: “The casting of the whole show is brilliant and also is the yardstick for child actors as far as I’m concerned.
“A lot of movies or shows prioritise looks over the actual acting talent of the kids, but these kids can act.”