Millie Bobby Brown Claps Back at Photographer's "Smile" Demand on Stranger Things Premiere Red Carpet

On November 13, 2025, Millie Bobby Brown made headlines for her defiant response to a photographer's request at the Stranger Things season 5 premiere in London. As the 21-year-old actress was posing in a stunning Ashi Studio couture gown, a photographer yelled out, "Smile!" Brown quickly retorted, "Smile? You smile!" before turning away from the cameras and exiting the red carpet.

The Stranger Things star's bold move came as she and her co-stars kicked off the press tour for the show's final season. At the Los Angeles premiere a week earlier, Brown had hinted at the dark tone of the upcoming episodes, joking that she was wearing black "for the funeral of the show." She told Variety, "This dress kind of embodies the darkness of the show this season. I'm really excited for everyone to see how dark the season gets."

In addition to her defiant response to the photographer, Brown also made headlines for her striking fashion choices. At the London premiere, she donned a black corset gown with a dramatic tulle train, accessorizing with Aldo pumps featuring a customized "011" detail, a nod to her character Eleven. At the LA event, she had worn a figure-hugging Rodarte lace gown and later changed into a maroon corset and mini skirt ensemble.

Despite the intensity of the final Stranger Things season, Brown reflected on the positive impact the show has had on her life, telling PEOPLE, "It's taught me a lot of lessons about being a professional person, about being an actor, about being a friend. It's given me the most amazing people in my life to call up when I need them most, and that's my family."