The world of Hawkins may be filled with supernatural threats, but off-screen, a heartwarming revelation has captivated fans: Millie Bobby Brown’s childhood crush on her Stranger Things co-star, Noah Schnapp. This candid admission, part of a deeper dive into their nearly decade-long friendship, offers a charming glimpse into the personal bonds forged behind the scenes of one of Netflix’s most iconic series. As the final season of Stranger Things approaches, the enduring connection between its young stars continues to be a central part of its remarkable legacy.
Unraveling the “Biggest Crush”: Millie Bobby Brown and Noah Schnapp’s Bond
Millie Bobby Brown, known globally as Eleven, recently shared a surprising detail about her early days on the Stranger Things set. In a joint Vogue video released on November 25, 2025, and a subsequent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Brown, now 21, openly admitted to having “the biggest crush” on her co-star, Noah Schnapp. This revelation came as the pair reflected on their deep, evolving friendship, which began when they were just children embarking on the sci-fi phenomenon.
Schnapp, who portrays Will Byers in the series, humorously recalled their first meeting before Brown had famously shaved her head for her role. He admitted he didn’t immediately recognize her but felt an instant connection, describing Brown as “so funny” and someone who made him feel “so comfortable.” This early comfort blossomed into a friendship that both actors cherish, albeit with a touch of youthful infatuation.
More Than a Crush: A Platonic Connection
While Brown confessed to her childhood feelings, she quickly clarified the nature of her “Millie Bobby Brown crush” on Schnapp. “I loved you so much,” she explained, “But I actually just think it was really platonic.” This sentiment underscores a common experience in early adolescence, where intense admiration can sometimes feel like more. Schnapp echoed this youthful sentiment, admitting that at one point, he thought he “was in love with” Brown himself.
Their openness highlights the unique environment in which they grew up. Forged in the crucible of international fame and long hours on set, their bond transcended typical friendships. They navigated the challenges of growing up in the public eye together, forming an unbreakable alliance that has since matured into a sibling-like relationship. This deep connection is a testament to the powerful friendships that can emerge from shared extraordinary experiences.
From On-Screen Duo to Real-Life Siblings: A Decade of Friendship
Today, Millie Bobby Brown and Noah Schnapp define their relationship as familial. They often refer to themselves as siblings, a descriptor that perfectly encapsulates their nearly ten years of shared experiences. When asked by Entertainment Tonight what they would miss most about Stranger Things concluding, both instantly replied, “each other.” Schnapp even likened Brown to his twin sister, Chloe, a comparison Brown playfully embraced by declaring herself “the triplet.”
The strength of their bond is further evident in their personal lives. Noah Schnapp holds a significant role as the godfather to Millie Bobby Brown and her husband Jake Bongiovi’s baby. This commitment illustrates the profound trust and love between them, extending their friendship far beyond the set of Stranger Things. Both actors have emphasized their strong intention to maintain their friendship long after the final credits roll, ensuring their unique connection endures.
The Stranger Things Legacy: Beyond Hawkins, What’s Next for the Cast?
The enduring friendship between Millie Bobby Brown and Noah Schnapp is just one facet of Stranger Things‘ monumental impact. Since its 2016 debut, the Duffer Brothers’ creation transformed a group of aspiring young actors into global stars. The show, with its iconic 1980s setting and compelling sci-fi narrative, not only revitalized the career of veteran Winona Ryder but also launched many of its young cast members into diverse and successful ventures.
Millie Bobby Brown: From Eleven to Entrepreneur and Newlywed
Millie Bobby Brown’s journey post-Stranger Things has been nothing short of extraordinary. Now 21, she has become a prolific figure in Hollywood. Her acting credits include the popular Netflix Enola Holmes trilogy, where she also served as a producer, and the fantasy film Damsel, which she executive produced. Brown is set to star alongside Chris Pratt in the upcoming The Electric State.
In her personal life, Brown married Jake Bongiovi in 2024 and welcomed a baby girl this summer. Beyond her career, she has been a vocal advocate, speaking out against body-shaming and the vitriolic comments often directed at young women in Hollywood. Her platform continues to grow, leveraging her expertise and influence for positive change.
Noah Schnapp: Beyond Will Byers, a Budding Business Empire
Noah Schnapp, who started Stranger Things at age 11, has also carved out a unique path. While continuing his acting, Schnapp has primarily focused on entrepreneurship. In 2021, he founded To Be Honest (TBH), a vegan snack company. He expanded his business ventures in 2023 with TenderFix, a chicken and plant-based menu available through food delivery apps. His entrepreneurial spirit showcases his drive beyond acting.
The Wider Ensemble: Where Are They Now?
The entire Stranger Things cast has experienced remarkable growth and diversification:
Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler): Now 22, he has starred in blockbuster horror films like It and the Ghostbusters franchise. Wolfhard made his directorial debut with Hell of a Summer in 2023 and released his solo album, Happy Birthday, in June.
Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers): Ryder continues to thrive, recently reprising her role as Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. She remains a protective figure for her younger co-stars.
David Harbour (Jim Hopper): Harbour has earned two Emmy nominations, joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Red Guardian, and appeared in films like Violent Night.
Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson): Matarazzo has diversified into film (Honor Society), voice acting (Lego Star Wars), and maintains a strong presence on Broadway in hit productions like Sweeney Todd.
Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield): Joining in Season 2, Sink received critical acclaim for her role in The Whale and appeared in Taylor Swift’s All Too Well: The Short Film. She is set for a London West End debut.
Joe Keery (Steve Harrington): Keery has balanced acting in Free Guy and Fargo with a successful music career as Djo, releasing three albums and achieving viral success with “End of Beginning.”
Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler) & Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers): The real-life couple continues to act, with Dyer in Peacock’s Based on a True Story and Heaton in films like Billy Knight.
Stranger Things Season 5: The Epic Conclusion Approaches
The emotional revelations and career highlights of the cast lead inevitably to the impending conclusion of Stranger Things. The fifth and final season is set to debut on Netflix on November 26, 2025. Fans are eagerly anticipating the epic showdown that will bring the beloved story to a close.
The Netflix synopsis outlines a harrowing premise: set in the fall of 1987, Hawkins is reeling from the catastrophic opening of the Rifts. The heroes are united in their objective to locate and eliminate Vecna, whose plans remain shrouded in mystery. Their mission is complicated by a government-imposed military quarantine on the town and an intensified hunt for Eleven, forcing her into hiding once more. As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance looms, a sense of heavy dread foreshadows a final, decisive battle against a darkness more powerful than anything they’ve ever encountered. The full party—including Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, and many more—will need to stand together one last time to save Hawkins, and possibly the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Millie Bobby Brown say about her childhood crush on Noah Schnapp?
Millie Bobby Brown openly confessed in a joint Vogue video, released November 25, 2025, that she “did have like the biggest crush on” Noah Schnapp when they were children. She quickly clarified that her feelings were “really platonic,” stating, “I loved you so much. But I actually just think it was really platonic.” Schnapp himself admitted to thinking he “was in love with” Brown at one point, highlighting the close, evolving nature of their friendship.
When is the final season of Stranger Things expected to be released?
The fifth and final season of the highly anticipated Netflix series, Stranger Things, is scheduled to debut on November 26, 2025. This season will bring the epic narrative to a close, with the main cast returning to confront Vecna and the intensified threats facing Hawkins following the opening of the Rifts.
How has the cast of Stranger Things diversified their careers since the show’s debut?
Since Stranger Things debuted in 2016, its cast members have significantly diversified their careers. Millie Bobby Brown has produced and starred in several Netflix films and launched her own beauty brand, while Noah Schnapp has focused on entrepreneurship with his vegan snack company TBH and food delivery service TenderFix. Other stars like Finn Wolfhard have branched into directing and music, Sadie Sink has gained critical acclaim in film and theater, and Joe Keery has found success with his music project Djo, demonstrating a wide array of talents beyond their iconic roles in Hawkins.
Conclusion: An Unbreakable Bond and a Lasting Legacy
The candid revelations from Millie Bobby Brown and Noah Schnapp not only offer a touching look into their personal history but also underscore the profound connections forged during their formative years on Stranger Things. Their transition from childhood crushes to an unbreakable, sibling-like bond is a testament to the unique journey they’ve shared. As fans prepare for the final, thrilling season of Stranger Things*, the story of its cast, particularly the enduring friendship between Millie Bobby Brown and Noah Schnapp, adds another layer of magic to its already legendary status. Their real-life camaraderie promises to outlast the battles against the Upside Down, ensuring their legacy as both extraordinary actors and lifelong friends.
