In a recent candid conversation, Gaten Matarazzo, one of the beloved stars of the global Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things, pulled back the curtain on the genuine friendships that have blossomed among the cast over the years. The actor, who has grown up on screen since the show's debut in 2015, shared intimate details about who he remains closest to and even dished on some hilariously relatable roommate chaos during the filming of the show's highly anticipated final season.
Texting, Memes, and Voice Memos: The Core Friend Group
Matarazzo revealed that his strongest bonds from the set are with co-stars Finn Wolfhard and Caleb McLaughlin. Speaking on Jesse Tyler Ferguson's Dinner's on Me podcast, the actor described a constant and lively digital connection with them. "I'm texting Finny and Caleb a ton all the time," Matarazzo said. He highlighted their shared sense of humor, noting they frequently exchange memes and voice memos to keep each other laughing. This ongoing communication underscores a friendship that has transcended their on-screen roles, evolving into a real-life support system.
The 'College Experience' of Filming Season 5
As the cast reunited for the fifth and final season, Matarazzo and Wolfhard decided to become roommates, an experience the actor fondly compared to a "college experience." However, like many typical college living situations, maintaining a clean apartment proved to be a significant challenge. Matarazzo humorously recalled looking around their shared space after a few months and thinking, "This place is disgusting. What are we doing?"
Who Was the Messier Roommate?
When pressed to name the messier of the two, Matarazzo diplomatically stated they "match each other's energy a little bit." He explained that their long-standing closeness meant they didn't feel the need to hold each other to a high standard of cleanliness. Their attitude was one of easy-going neglect: "Ah, f--- it. Whatever, man. We'll get to it later," he shared, painting a picture of a comfortable, if untidy, brotherly coexistence.
Beyond the behind-the-scenes antics, Matarazzo also touched on the emotional weight of concluding the series. He described the finale table read, which took place in December 2023, as an "unreal" experience filled with excitement and anticipation from the entire cast. The reading was done in segments, with the cast initially going through the first three or four episodes before gradually working through the remainder.
The final season of Stranger Things premiered on November 26 on Netflix, marking the end of an era for the cast and fans worldwide. Matarazzo's revelations offer a heartwarming glimpse into the enduring friendships forged on the set of one of streaming's biggest hits, proving that the bonds of Hawkins are very much alive off-screen.
