Dacre Montgomery’s Powerful Legacy as Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things

If there’s one character in Netflix’s Stranger Things who left viewers rattled, haunted, and ultimately moved, it’s Billy Hargrove—brought to life with fierce intensity by Dacre Montgomery. From his introduction in Season 2, Montgomery took on the challenge of crafting a villain whose aggression and cruelty were as palpable as his pain. Billy wasn’t just a bully; he was a complicated figure, shadowed by his own history and the choices that would define him.

Billy’s arrival in Hawkins set the stage for a dynamic shift in the group’s chemistry. As the stepbrother of Max Mayfield, Billy’s tempestuous nature and volatile actions immediately drew attention. He clashed with fan favorites like Steve Harrington, but it wasn’t just bravado. Over time, Montgomery’s nuanced performance revealed layers beneath the surface—trauma from childhood, the scars of his father’s abuse, and a deep-seated rage that masked vulnerability.

In Season 3, the stakes for Billy soared. The Mind Flayer chose him as its host, transforming his character from antagonist to pawn of a malevolent force. Yet, even as he became a vessel for evil, the humanity Montgomery injected into Billy didn’t disappear. Instead, it simmered beneath the surface, waiting for its moment. That moment arrived in a scene many fans will never forget: Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, reached into Billy’s memories, pulling forth an image of a life before anger—before the Mind Flayer, before the abuse. It was a rare, fragile glimpse of hope, and it broke through the monster’s grip. Billy’s decision to sacrifice himself, to shield Eleven and the others from the creature, marked the climax of his redemptive arc.

This sacrifice wasn’t just a plot twist—it was a testament to the show’s ability to tackle themes of trauma, choice, and forgiveness. As Interaksyon highlights, the final battle wasn’t only about defeating the Upside Down; it was about finding light in darkness, redemption in despair. Montgomery’s work resonated far beyond the screen, becoming one of Stranger Things’ most discussed and analyzed performances.

With Stranger Things concluding in three parts, ending on December 31, 2025, or January 1, 2026 depending on where you watched, fans and critics alike have reflected on Montgomery’s impact. The actor himself has spoken about how the role transformed his career, offering both challenge and opportunity. The series finale saw the cast and crew celebrating not just the closing of a chapter, but the legacy left behind by characters like Billy—messy, painful, and ultimately, unforgettable.

In interviews and social media posts, Montgomery expressed gratitude for the journey. He acknowledged the complexities of playing Billy, and how those challenges helped him grow both professionally and personally. As Lokmat Times and DT Next reported, the final season’s release was marked by cast reunions and reflection, underscoring the sense of closure that came with Stranger Things’ end.

For viewers, Billy’s story is a reminder that even the most troubled characters can find redemption. It’s a narrative thread that runs through the show—one that Dacre Montgomery wove with care, depth, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. The pain, the anger, the sacrifice: it’s all part of the legacy he leaves behind, both on screen and in the hearts of fans.

Montgomery’s arc as Billy Hargrove is a masterclass in character transformation. His journey from tormentor to self-sacrificing hero encapsulates the core of Stranger Things: beneath the supernatural chaos, it’s a story about what it means to choose compassion over anger, and how even the most broken souls can shape the fate of many.