Sadie Sink Reflects on Stranger Things Finale, Future Projects, and Balance

The actress opens up about the controversial Stranger Things finale and what's next for her career.

Mar. 1, 2026 at 9:39pm

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Sadie Sink, who played the character of Max in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, has spoken out about the show's controversial finale and her plans for the future. Sink, who started on the show at age 14, says she was happy with how Max's story ended, even though it was an unexpected and emotional experience. As she moves on to new projects like Spider-Man: Brand New Day and a Broadway adaptation of John Proctor is the Villain, Sink is focused on finding the right balance between long-term commitments and other creative opportunities, especially in theater. While she's 'devastated' that Stranger Things has come to an end, Sink is excited for what's next and is keeping mum on her upcoming roles.

Why it matters

Sadie Sink's reflections on the Stranger Things finale provide insight into how the young actress is navigating the end of a major career-defining role and transitioning to new projects. Her comments offer a glimpse into the emotional toll of saying goodbye to a beloved character and series, as well as the strategic approach she's taking to balance long-term commitments with creative flexibility moving forward.

The details

Sink, 23, says she was happy with how Max's story ended in the Stranger Things finale, even though it was a surreal and emotional experience to film those final scenes. She appreciated the unexpected yet logical way the writers handled her character's arc. Sink also reflects on the intense, year-long commitment required for Stranger Things, noting that she's looking to find a similar balance of long-term projects and more flexible opportunities, especially in theater, as she takes on new roles. While she's 'devastated' that Stranger Things has concluded, Sink is excited about upcoming projects like Spider-Man: Brand New Day and a Broadway adaptation of John Proctor is the Villain.

  • Stranger Things premiered in 2016 and ran for 5 seasons, concluding in 2025.
  • Sadie Sink, who was 14 years old when she started on the show, is now 23 years old.
  • Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to release in July 2026.
  • Sadie Sink will star in a West End production of Romeo & Juliet this spring.

The players

Sadie Sink

The 23-year-old actress who played the character of Max Mayfield on the Netflix series Stranger Things.

Millie Bobby Brown

The actress who played the character of Eleven on Stranger Things.

Finn Wolfhard

Sadie Sink's co-star on Stranger Things.

Tina Fey

The actress and comedian that Sadie Sink is teaming up with for a movie adaptation of John Proctor is the Villain.

John Proctor

The character that Sadie Sink will be portraying in the Broadway production and movie adaptation of John Proctor is the Villain.

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What they’re saying

“I really loved her story this year. It was so unexpected, yet it also made sense and was a perfect way to have her still be in the show and driving the plot in some way, but not physically with the group in the real world. I thought it was clever how they did that.”

— Sadie Sink, Actress

“Finn [Wolfhard] put it in a great way the other day. He was saying that the last day of filming was the best day of his life, which sounds weird because it was so emotional. But it's because everything that the show meant for us came to the surface on that final day. So feeling all of that gratitude and sadness and the mix of everything was so memorable. I feel so cheesy talking about it, but I've never experienced anything like that.”

— Sadie Sink, Actress

“I think she's dead, I don't know... I think MIke's story is just one last story, and then they say goodbye to childhood, but that's just one final tale. And that's it. And I think it's just like, a coping thing.”

— Sadie Sink

What’s next

Sadie Sink will star in a West End production of Romeo & Juliet this spring.

The takeaway

Sadie Sink's reflections on the end of Stranger Things highlight the bittersweet emotions of saying goodbye to a career-defining role, while also showcasing her strategic approach to balancing long-term commitments with creative flexibility as she takes on new and exciting projects. Her comments provide insight into the challenges and opportunities young actors face as they navigate the entertainment industry.