Quick Read
- Finn Wolfhard ended his role as Mike Wheeler in ‘Stranger Things’ with the series finale in December 2025.
- Wolfhard remains connected to the ‘IT’ universe, with hints of future involvement beyond the ‘Welcome to Derry’ prequel.
- He released his debut solo album ‘Happy Birthday’ in June 2025 and is also making strides as a director.
When the final credits rolled on the fifth season of Stranger Things last December, fans around the world bid farewell to Mike Wheeler—a character who, for nearly a decade, embodied the heart and grit of Hawkins, Indiana. But for Finn Wolfhard, the actor behind Mike, the end of one story has marked the energetic beginning of several others.
Wolfhard’s career trajectory since closing the chapter on Stranger Things has been anything but predictable. The Canadian actor, now in his early twenties, is stretching his creative muscles in multiple directions—returning to familiar horror territory, making music that explores his own anxieties, and even stepping behind the camera.
Back to Derry: The ‘IT’ Universe Connection
Wolfhard’s relationship with the Stephen King universe remains a hot topic. In It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019), he brought Richie Tozier to life—a wisecracking, sharp-witted kid whose humor masked deeper fears. With HBO’s It: Welcome to Derry premiering in late 2025, many speculated about his return. The answer, for now, is nuanced.
The prequel, set in the 1960s before Richie’s birth, doesn’t feature Wolfhard on screen. However, his presence lingers: the season finale’s wanted poster with Richie’s likeness, and the reveal that Marge (Margaret Tozier) is Richie’s future mother, both point to his enduring connection. Wolfhard himself confirmed that directors Barbara and Andy Muschietti told him he is “involved” and “connected” to the project. In his own words: “I think there’s something else that will come up eventually that I’m excited for people to see.” This keeps fans guessing—will Richie’s story continue in future spin-offs, or will Wolfhard’s link deepen as the universe expands? For now, the ties are more symbolic than direct, but the door is clearly open (WION News, NewsBytes).
‘It: Welcome to Derry’—A Closer Look
The series itself digs into the origins of Pennywise and the unsettling history of Derry, Maine. Bill Skarsgård’s return as Pennywise brought chills and nostalgia, as the show’s eight episodes peeled back layers of horror and small-town secrets. While Wolfhard’s Richie is absent in flesh, his legacy is baked into the show’s DNA—a subtle nod that the story of Derry is far from over.
Beyond Acting: Wolfhard’s Music Journey
Wolfhard’s artistic reach goes well beyond film and television. His music career, which began with Calpurnia (where he was frontman and guitarist), took a new shape after the band’s 2019 split. With drummer Malcolm Craig, Wolfhard formed The Aubreys, releasing the EP Soda & Pie in 2020 and the LP Karaoke Alone in 2021. Their sound: raw, melodic indie rock that reflects the emotional turbulence of growing up.
In June 2025, Wolfhard unveiled his debut solo album, Happy Birthday. Produced by Kai Slater and released via AWAL, the album is an introspective journey through themes of identity, anxiety, and the awkward beauty of coming-of-age. Critics have noted how Wolfhard’s lyrics feel both deeply personal and universally relatable—a testament to his ability to channel his own experiences into authentic art.
Finding His Voice Behind the Camera
Wolfhard’s creative restlessness led him into directing. His short film Night Shifts (2020) earned him Best Director at Atlanta Shortsfest—a rare feat for someone still in his teens. In 2023, he co-directed and co-wrote Hell of a Summer, a feature that blends horror and comedy, further showcasing his willingness to experiment and take risks.
For Wolfhard, directing isn’t just another credit on his resume. It’s a way to shape narratives from the inside out, to see stories from fresh angles, and to collaborate in new ways. As he told interviewers, making films is “about capturing the feeling of being young and confused, but also excited.”
The Road Ahead
What’s next for Finn Wolfhard? The answer is, in some ways, whatever he wants. Freed from the constraints of a single franchise, he’s exploring new creative territories. Whether it’s a future role in the ever-expanding ‘IT’ universe, more music that wears its heart on its sleeve, or another directorial project, Wolfhard’s journey is just beginning.
- Wolfhard’s run on Stranger Things ended with the series finale in December 2025.
- He remains connected to the ‘IT’ universe, with hints of future involvement beyond the Welcome to Derry prequel.
- Wolfhard’s music career is thriving, with his solo album Happy Birthday released in June 2025.
- He’s expanding his artistic reach through directing, winning awards and acclaim for his short and feature films.
Wolfhard’s career is a study in creative evolution: from cult TV star to multifaceted artist, he’s navigating the shifting landscape of entertainment with curiosity and courage. His next move may be unknown, but his willingness to embrace new challenges—and remain connected to the stories that shaped him—signals a future worth watching.