The Stranger Things 5 world premiere transmission was, in a word, bitchin’. Your Hawkins favorites assembled at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on Nov. 6 — Stranger Things Day — for an epic celebration of the show’s fifth and final season, which premieres with Vol. 1 on Nov. 26. The live event was packed with an abundance of goodies for fans, including memorable cast interviews from the red carpet and a sneak peek at the first five minutes of the new season.
If you weren’t able to join the cast and creators in person or watch it all unfold on the livestream, there’s no need for a code red. We’ve got you covered with a roundup of the night’s biggest moments. Here’s what went down at the Stranger Things 5 world premiere.
Millie Bobby Brown reflects on Eleven’s legacy
In an interview with Josh Horowitz, one of the evening’s hosts, Brown opened up about how the beloved character Eleven has resonated with fans of the show.
“I’m very, very lucky that I’m able to meet these young people who are so deeply moved by Eleven, her story, her personal struggles,” Brown told Horowitz. “It’s been a wild ride. Her story has resonated with so many people…. She’s helped me grow in a lot of ways. So, as a young woman myself, I deeply am inspired by her.”
She also reflected on Season 5 journey, noting that it’s “going to be really satisfying to everyone.” Watch more in the video below.
Priah Ferguson’s favorite Erica comeback
Erica’s sharp one-liners aren’t just a favorite among fans. Priah Ferguson, who plays the sharp-tongued kid genius, also enjoys her character’s iconic verbal smackdowns. When asked about her favorite Erica comeback, Ferguson cited, “You bald bastard,” from the Season 3 finale, titled “The Battle of Starcourt.” As you recall, it’s what Erica calls Murray (Brett Gelman) after he dismisses her as a four-year-old.
“She’s not four. He was trying to play with her age. She’s 10,” Ferguson said of that memorable moment. “She’s in double digits.”
Fathers of the Year
“Ted Wheeler is out of the Laz-E-Boy. I repeat. Ted Wheeler is out of the Laz-E-Boy,” Stranger Things’ X account alerted fans early in the evening.
Message received, loud and clear!
As the stars streamed down the red carpet, two Stranger Things dads nearly stole the spotlight. Joe Chrest, who plays Ted Wheeler, arrived in what appeared to be a crushed-velvet suit, his silver mane perfectly coiffed. He later appeared on the livestream and stole the hearts of fans who weren’t used to seeing him outside the Wheeler family home.
“He’s been fine the whole time???” a fan remarked online. “Silver fox alert,” someone else swooned.
Meanwhile, Matthew Modine lived up to the nickname Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven gave him: “Papa.” Modine, who portrayed Dr. Brenner through Season 4, similarly felt the love on X, where comments ranged from “OHHHHH DADDYYYY” to “barking respectfully.”
Winona Ryder chokes up over her love for the kids
It was a nostalgic night for everyone, including Winona Ryder, who plays Joyce Byers, the fiercely protective mother of Will (Noah Schnapp) and Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton). The actor was overcome with emotions when speaking about her younger co-stars.
“I feel like this season I got to spend time with all of them, which was incredibly special,” she said. “They’re, they’re just… I’ll get emotional… They’re just… I will always love them forever,” singing a snippet of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.”
Wait, who’s cutting onions?!
The first five minutes!
Fans got a special sneak peek at the bone-chilling first five minutes of the Stranger Things 5 season opener, titled “The Crawl.” The episode begins somewhere deep inside the Upside Down’s forest and finds Will alone, terrified, and huddled inside his makeshift fort, Castle Byers.
But don’t worry if you missed it! You can still catch a glimpse of those first five minutes here.
Don’t forget to revisit Seasons 1-4 of Stranger Things, which are streaming on Netflix. Stranger Things 5 premieres with the first four episodes on Nov. 26, followed by three episodes on Christmas, and the finale episode on New Year’s Eve. Find out when new episodes arrive in your part of the world here.
