Noah Schnapp on ‘Stranger Things’ Finale, Friendship with Millie Bobby Brown, and Life Beyond Hawkins

Noah Schnapp Faces the End of an Era with ‘Stranger Things’

Noah Schnapp was just 11 years old when he first stepped into the otherworldly town of Hawkins, Indiana—a place where monsters lurked and friendships were forged in the face of chaos. Now, nearly a decade later, the 21-year-old actor is preparing to say goodbye to the series that defined his childhood and early adulthood. As the final season of Stranger Things approaches its dramatic conclusion, Schnapp finds himself reflecting on the journey, the friendships, and the legacy of a show that became a cultural phenomenon.

Shared Journeys: Schnapp and Brown’s Enduring Bond

Few relationships in Hollywood have captured the public’s imagination quite like the real-life friendship between Noah Schnapp and Millie Bobby Brown. Their connection, built on years of working side by side, has transcended the screen. This year, that bond reached a new milestone: Schnapp was named the godfather of Brown’s baby girl, a role he describes as “such an honor.” Speaking to People, Schnapp recalled, “When we were little kids, she was like, ‘When I have a kid, you’re definitely going to be the godfather to my kid.’ Then we grew up, she had a kid, and now I am.”

Brown, who welcomed her daughter with husband Jake Bongiovi via adoption in August, has kept much of her family life private, but has spoken warmly about Schnapp’s place in her child’s life. “Sadie is very, very maternal but Noah’s her godfather,” Brown told Entertainment Tonight, describing how her friends become “gooey, soft versions of themselves” around the baby. For Schnapp, watching Brown step into motherhood has been an emotional experience: “It’s actually crazy to me to see her grow from such a wide-eyed, innocent young, silly girl, and now she’s a mom and married. And I’m just so proud of her.”

The Final Farewell: An Emotional Cast Reunion

With the last episodes of Stranger Things set to premiere on Netflix and in select theaters on December 31, the anticipation is palpable—not just among fans, but also within the cast. On Good Morning America, Schnapp revealed the cast’s heartfelt plan: they will watch the finale together for the very first time, sharing the experience as a family. “Once you watch that, it’s done. That’s the last episode we’re ever gonna watch together,” Schnapp said, acknowledging the emotional weight of the moment. “It’s so emotional, like reading it, I can’t even fathom what it’s gonna be like to watch.”

The finale, clocking in at around two hours, promises to answer questions that have lingered since season one—about the true nature of the Upside Down and why Will Byers, Schnapp’s character, was taken in the first place. According to series co-creator Matt Duffer, “So much of the season was built around the idea of coming full circle, answering many of the questions that were posed all the way back in season 1.” The stakes have never been higher, and the sense of closure is bittersweet.

For Schnapp and his co-stars—Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, and of course, Brown—the final watch party isn’t just a professional milestone. It’s a personal rite of passage. “I’m gonna miss like, our family of Stranger Things,” Schnapp told GMA. “Not just the cast, though, the crew, and everyone at Netflix who’s worked on it. It’s all kind of just family. We’ve grown up with each other, and it’s going to be hard to not have that.”

Looking Back—and Forward: The Impact of Growing Up in Hawkins

The end of Stranger Things represents more than just the close of a television show; for Schnapp, it’s the closing of a formative chapter in his life. He has spent his adolescence and early adulthood on set, navigating both the pressures of fame and the unique camaraderie of a cast that grew up together in the public eye. “You can’t sum it with one word, but it’s been my whole life. It’s everything,” Schnapp admitted on Good Morning America when asked to describe his experience.

The final season is packed with high stakes and emotional moments. Will Byers, now revealed to have powers of his own, is burdened by guilt over his inability to save his friends from Vecna’s attacks. The sneak peek at the last episodes teases desperate alliances and the promise that many questions will finally be answered. The ensemble’s journey has not just been about battling monsters—it’s been about confronting growing pains, loyalty, and change, both on and off screen.

As the series finale approaches, Schnapp is also bracing for what comes next. He’s spoken about his plans to watch the finale in theaters with his family, “probably going to have to put a mask on or something,” he joked, aware of the passionate fandom that follows him. Yet, as he looks to the future, Schnapp is carrying forward not only the lessons learned from Hawkins, but also the deep friendships and sense of family that the show fostered.

Legacy, Loss, and the Promise of New Beginnings

With the curtain closing on Stranger Things, Schnapp and his castmates find themselves standing at a crossroads—one foot in the world that made them famous, the other stepping into adulthood and new creative challenges. While the series may be ending, the bonds it created endure. Schnapp’s role as godfather to Brown’s daughter is a testament to the lasting impact of these years.

The show’s legacy is not just in its monsters or mysteries, but in its ability to bring people together, both on screen and off. As fans prepare to say goodbye, Schnapp and the rest of the cast are doing the same, cherishing the memories and looking ahead to the stories yet to be told.

In the end, Noah Schnapp’s journey with ‘Stranger Things’ is more than just a Hollywood coming-of-age tale—it’s a reminder of how art can shape lives, forge enduring bonds, and give rise to new chapters, long after the credits roll.