Caleb McLaughlin wraps his decade-long run as Lucas Sinclair in Stranger Things Season 5, while his on-screen sister Priah Ferguson graduates high school and both actors reveal their next big moves in Hollywood.
Key Takeaways
- Caleb McLaughlin, 23, films his final scenes as Lucas Sinclair in Stranger Things Season 5, which premieres November 26, 2025, with the finale on New Year’s Eve
- Priah Ferguson, 19, graduates high school in 2025 and returns as Erica Sinclair for the show’s final season after missing the first two episodes
- LeBron James biopic is Caleb’s next major role—he’s currently shooting the Sony animated film GOAT, produced by Stephen Curry
- Sibling bond remains strong: Caleb and Priah share a close off-screen relationship, with Caleb calling her “like a real sister” after nearly a decade together
- Stranger Things spin-offs confirmed by the Duffer Brothers, but Caleb and Priah’s involvement remains unconfirmed
Background: Growing Up on Stranger Things
Caleb McLaughlin was just 13 years old when he landed the role of Lucas Sinclair in Netflix’s Stranger Things in 2016. Over nearly a decade, fans watched him grow from a skeptical kid battling Demogorgons to a confident young man leading the fight against Vecna.
Priah Ferguson joined the cast in Season 2 as Erica Sinclair, Lucas’s sharp-witted younger sister, quickly becoming a fan favorite with her iconic line: “You can’t spell America without Erica.” What started as a minor role expanded as Priah’s natural comedic timing and old-soul charm stole scenes.
Timeline of Their Stranger Things Journey
Quotes & Reaction: Emotional Goodbyes
Caleb on the Final Day of Filming
“The last day of filming was super intense and emotional. We’ve been working on this series for nearly a decade. There were many tears—so many tears.”
Caleb McLaughlin shared that the cast spent an entire year filming Season 5, producing over 650 hours of footage—equivalent to eight blockbuster films.
Priah on Missing Early Episodes & Her Return
Fans panicked when Erica didn’t appear in the first two episodes of Season 5. Priah addressed this directly:
“Thankfully, Erica did finally make an appearance in the new season’s third episode. She is once again enlisted by her older brother and his friends to help defeat Vecna.”
She praised Caleb’s improvised “Erica, help!” scene from Season 4, calling it “beautiful” and “perfectly executed.”
Duffer Brothers on the Spin-Off Future
Matt Duffer confirmed that Stranger Things won’t end with Season 5:
“There are more ‘Stranger Things’ narratives to explore, and we are actively developing them. It’s still early to discuss specifics, but we are heavily involved in all of them.”
However, he clarified that spin-offs would feature “misfits who are a bit older”—hinting that Caleb McLaughlin and Priah’s characters may not return.
Impact: Breaking Barriers
Caleb McLaughlin and Priah represent a new wave of actors changing Hollywood culture. Caleb McLaughlin has been vocal about wanting to play a superhero, specifically naming Miles Morales or Static Shock as dream roles.
Caleb’s Activism & Influence:
- Launched #EmbraceYourFace campaign promoting self-love
- Boasts 11 million Instagram followers, using his platform for positivity
- Said fame “has not altered him” according to co-stars
Priah’s Rising Star:
- Graduated high school in May 2025 while filming the final season
- Working on a podcast series and Jean-Michel Basquiat film
- At just 19, she’s already a 9-year veteran of the entertainment industry
Analysis: What’s Next After Stranger Things?
Caleb’s Next Moves
GOAT Movie (2025)
Caleb McLaughlin is starring in Sony’s animated film GOAT, produced by NBA superstar Stephen Curry. He describes it as “changing the game” and his first major post-Stranger Things project.
Superhero Dreams
In a recent interview, Caleb McLaughlin explicitly stated his desire for athletic, heroic roles:
“I’d love to be a superhero. Miles Morales or Static Shock… I grew up watching Spider-Man. It was the first superhero I ever fell in love with.”
Music Career
Caleb McLaughlin independently released “Soul Travel” in 2022 and continues producing music, calling it his “calling” alongside acting.
Priah’s Next Chapter
Education & Acting Balance
Priah graduated high school in Class of 2025 while managing a grueling filming schedule. She received a “meaningful gift” from the Duffer Brothers but took no physical memorabilia, wanting to “embrace her next adventure.”
Future Projects
- Podcast series (details undisclosed)
- Jean-Michel Basquiat biopic (in development)
- Interest in versatile roles that resonate with her generation
What’s Next: The Stranger Things Legacy
Season 5 Release Schedule:
- Volume 1 (Episodes 1-4): November 26, 2025
- Volume 2 (Episodes 5-7): December 25, 2025
- Finale (Episode 8): December 31, 2025
Spin-Off Status:
While The Boroughs and Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen are in development for 2026, neither Caleb nor Priah has been confirmed for casting. The Duffer Brothers suggest these shows will feature older characters in retirement communities, making it unlikely the young stars will reprise their roles.
Industry Impact:
Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria noted that watching the cast grow up has been “remarkable,” referencing how she attended Millie Bobby Brown’s wedding—a stark reminder of how far these child actors have come.
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