casting

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.”

Former EastEnders star Liam Hatch has addressed the backlash he faced when he was cast as a schoolboy in the legendary BBC soap opera, despite nearing the age of 30

An EastEnders star has opened up about the backlash they faced over their controversial casting. Liam Hatch, 29, was cast as school bully Logan in the BBC soap opera last year, and fans were left quite bewildered.

Despite playing a Year 12 schoolboy, who intimidated Amy Mitchel and Denzel Danes, Liam’s character was ten years older than the typical Year 12 students in England, who are between 16 and 17 in the UK. Introduced by Kate Oates and Chris Clenshaw, Liam’s character appeared in just one episode and attracted a fair amount of criticism on social media.

Many viewers were shocked to discover his Instagram page, which boasts topless gym snaps and his annual birthday snap, which sees him posing nude as the camera takes a picture from behind. Now, the actor has spoken in depth about the backlash he faced.

“The grief I had from it, from Twitter – I sell mortgages, I’m 41, the oldest man alive,” he said. Liam joked: “I don’t look that old!” He went on to explain that he wasn’t 16 when he took on the role, saying: “I was 26.”

Speaking about the response he received from friends and family, the athlete and actor added on the Rokman Podcast: “All my friends and family were like ‘Are you okay? People are taking the p**s out of you. Your age, looks.’ I was like ‘Oh God, I’m not that bad. I’m sure I SPF every day. I look good.

“My dad was loving it, he was like ‘He’s on The Sun!’ I think I’m the only man to be on Page 3 of The Sun topless!” He continued: “I always say to everyone, if your name is coming out of other people’s mouths, you’ve done something, and it doesn’t matter how good or bad it is, it’s happening.”

At the time of Liam’s episode airing, fans were quick to share their thoughts on social media. One said: “Why is this 44-year-old man walking around in a school uniform and picking fights with the local kids?” A second penned: “Almost certain that this schoolboy sold me my mortgage.”

Shortly after the criticism, Liam explained that the comment about being 44 had stuck with him. Speaking to The Guardian, Liam said: “I was looking in the mirror, thinking ‘surely I can’t be looking 44 – that’s five years younger than my dad!'”

Liam, who works as a personal trainer when he’s not preparing for his latest HYROX challenge, said that some of his clients believed he was around the age of 23.

He added to the outlet: “A few of my friends asked if I was OK. But I’m in the performance and fitness industries, I know you’re going to get critics. As long as the performance is showing you are that character, that’s what’s important to an actor. You’re not looking at the appearance but the emotion.”

Liam also explained that while he played a younger character, times had completely changed since he was around the same age as a Year 12 student. He explained that he tried to modernise himself, including his posture and body language as the current generation of teens “have more suave” when they walk and talk.

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