Natalia Dyer, the actress behind Nancy Wheeler in Stranger Things, has opened up about her significant involvement in crafting her character's final journey. The last season of the hit Netflix series wrapped up life in Hawkins and its many mysteries, giving Nancy a thoughtfully crafted conclusion. Dyer recently shared just how deeply she influenced that process.
Nancy's Ending and the One Request That Mattered Most
Speaking after the series finale aired on January 1, Dyer revealed she was firm about one major choice for Nancy's future. Her input helped define how the character's story closed after years of supernatural danger and personal growth. According to an interview with Deadline, Dyer explained that Nancy walking away from college was non-negotiable for her.
"At the end, I would say Nancy not being in school is something I was very adamant about," she told the outlet. She added that the Duffer Brothers welcomed her perspective, saying, "The Duffers, they'd go around a little bit and be like, 'Well, what do you think?' They're very collaborative."
Why Natalia Dyer Felt Satisfied with the Conclusion
In the finale of Stranger Things, Nancy does not return to Emerson College. Instead, she leaves school to take a job at the Boston Herald. Dyer said the choice felt honest to who Nancy had become. "My main thing is like, I just do not think Nancy could go back to school," she said. "I just cannot see her in school."
Dyer also made it clear that her confidence in Nancy's ending did not come late in the process. She said she felt assured as soon as she read the final pages. "I remember reading the epilogue like, 'Yeah, that's perfect.' For me. For Nancy. I felt really satisfied," she shared. After everything Nancy endured, Dyer could not picture her returning to a routine academic life. "I think after everything she's been through, I just couldn't see her writing papers and turning them in."
Reflecting on a Decade-Long Journey
Dyer reflected on her time with the show in an emotional Instagram post. She shared a photo of herself as Nancy and wrote, "I've truly loved and learnt so much from Nancy Wheeler. Thank you, guys, for everything. It's been an honor of a lifetime monster hunting with you."
With its blend of mystery, horror, and coming-of-age drama, Stranger Things became one of the standout shows of its time. After nearly ten years, the five-season run has ended, shaped by the Duffer Brothers and the cast who helped bring Hawkins to life. The series finale not only resolved lingering plotlines but also gave key characters like Nancy Wheeler endings that felt true to their arcs, thanks in part to actor collaboration.
This behind-the-scenes insight highlights how actors can influence storytelling in major productions. Dyer's insistence on Nancy's career path underscores the importance of character consistency and actor input in creating satisfying conclusions for beloved series.
