Stranger Things Stars Go Digital for Flashbacks

In a significant leap for Stranger Things' visual effects, stars Noah Schnapp and Millie Bobby Brown have experienced digital de-aging for flashback scenes. This technique was employed to depict younger iterations of their characters, Will Byers and Eleven, respectively, providing a seamless continuity across different timelines. The process involved combining CGI with younger body doubles, offering a unique challenge and opportunity for the main actors.

Schnapp, who saw his character Will de-aged in early Season 5 scenes, shared that he sought advice from Brown, who had previously undergone a similar process for Eleven's past in Season 4. This shared experience allowed them to reflect on their character development and acting methods. Schnapp found it illuminating to guide a young actor portraying his younger self, offering insights into his own performance evolution.

Brown echoed these sentiments, describing the de-aging process as fascinating and a valuable learning experience. She took a supportive role with the young actress playing a younger Eleven, guiding her through intense scenes. This collaboration highlights the show's commitment to innovative storytelling and character depth, allowing its lead actors a deeper connection to their characters' journeys.