Stranger Things Cast Revisits 80s Fads

What's up, guys! Ever wonder what the Stranger Things cast thinks about the totally radical 80s fads that define their show? It's no secret that Stranger Things is a love letter to the 1980s, packed with everything from vintage fashion and iconic music to mind-blowing technology and, of course, those unforgettable fads. The cast, who were mostly born long after the decade's prime, have had a blast diving into this retro world. Let's take a peek at what they've said about some of the most memorable trends from that era. From chunky sneakers to epic hairstyles, they've got some hilarious and insightful takes. You might be surprised by which fads they loved, which ones they found totally baffling, and which ones they wish would make a comeback. So grab your Walkman and get ready to travel back in time with us as we explore the 80s through the eyes of the Stranger Things crew!

The Awesome, the Awkward, and the Absolutely Baffling: 80s Fashion Through the Cast's Eyes

When we talk about the 80s fads, fashion is always front and center, right? And the Stranger Things cast has definitely had their say on the wild styles of the era. Think big hair, neon colors, shoulder pads, and acid-wash jeans – it was a lot! Millie Bobby Brown, who plays the super-powered Eleven, has often spoken about how fun it is to dress up in the show's period costumes. She's mentioned finding some of the outfits incredibly cool, especially when they lean into the more casual, relatable teen fashion. However, she's also admitted that some of the more outlandish trends, like certain hairstyles or extremely baggy clothing, were a bit of a head-scratcher for her. It’s funny because, for us watching, those styles are iconic, but for someone experiencing them secondhand, it’s a whole different vibe. Finn Wolfhard, our beloved Mike Wheeler, has a similar take. He's embraced the vintage vibe of the 80s, often commenting on how different and less fast-paced fashion was back then. He seems to appreciate the individuality and the distinct looks that came out of the decade. But even Finn has pointed out that some of the truly out there fashion choices, especially those involving super tight or overly flashy elements, were a bit much. Gaten Matarazzo, the ever-optimistic Dustin Henderson, often brings a comedic element to his fashion reviews. He's joked about the sheer volume of denim and the sometimes questionable color combinations that were popular. He finds the boldness of 80s fashion both admirable and a little intimidating. He's mentioned how much he loves the practical, comfortable aspects that sometimes surfaced, like cool graphic tees, but shies away from the more extreme interpretations of the trends. Caleb McLaughlin, who plays Lucas Sinclair, has also chimed in, noting how the costumes help him get into character. He appreciates the classic, sporty looks that were common for his character, but like the others, he's acknowledged the more eccentric side of 80s style. He's particularly amused by the sheer variety and the way trends could change so rapidly within the decade. What's really interesting is how the cast's perspectives often mirror our own as viewers. We see the nostalgia and the coolness, but we also can't help but chuckle at some of the more questionable choices. It really highlights how fashion is a reflection of its time, and the 80s were definitely a time of bold, experimental, and sometimes downright hilarious fashion statements. The 80s fads in clothing were not just about what people wore; they were a significant part of the culture and self-expression of the era, and the Stranger Things cast, through their performances and interviews, helps us rediscover and re-evaluate these iconic looks.

The Soundtrack of a Generation: Music Fads and the Stranger Things Cast

Okay, guys, let's talk tunes! The 80s fads wouldn't be complete without the music that defined the decade. Stranger Things is famous for its killer soundtrack, featuring iconic hits that instantly transport you back. But what do the cast members, who are more familiar with modern music, think of the 80s music scene? Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers, has spoken about how immersing himself in 80s music has been a crucial part of understanding his character and the show's atmosphere. He's expressed a genuine appreciation for the synth-pop and rock anthems that dominate the soundtrack. He finds the energy and the storytelling in 80s songs captivating, noting how different it is from much of today's music. He's particularly fond of tracks that have a sense of urgency or mystery, which fits perfectly with the show's themes. Sadie Sink, who joined the cast as the fiery Max Mayfield, has been a huge fan of 80s music even before the show. She often mentions how much she loves the iconic artists and the sheer variety of genres that were popular. She finds the music incredibly danceable and emotionally resonant. Sadie has a particular soft spot for the power ballads and the upbeat pop hits, which she feels capture the spirit of the 80s perfectly. She's even discovered new favorite artists thanks to the show's soundtrack. Joe Keery, the effortlessly cool Steve Harrington, has always had a good ear for music, and his appreciation for the 80s is no exception. He's talked about how the music really enhances the show's retro feel and how it contributes to the overall narrative. He enjoys the classic rock and the new wave sounds that were prevalent, finding them both nostalgic and timeless. He appreciates how certain songs can evoke specific moods and memories, which is something the show uses to great effect. He's also mentioned how hearing these songs on set can really help him get into the zone. The cast members often share playlists and discuss their favorite 80s tracks with each other, fostering a deeper connection to the era. It's fascinating to see how music, a universal language, bridges the gap between their modern sensibilities and the 1980s world they inhabit on screen. The influence of 80s fads in music, from the rise of MTV to the iconic music videos, is undeniable, and the Stranger Things cast's engagement with this aspect of the decade adds another layer of authenticity and enjoyment for fans.

Gadgets, Games, and Glorious Goofs: 80s Tech and Toys Through the Cast's Lens

Alright, let's dive into the fun stuff – the 80s fads that involved gadgets, gizmos, and toys! The 1980s were a time of burgeoning technology and some seriously memorable toys that have become cultural touchstones. For the Stranger Things cast, getting to play with these vintage items has been a source of both amusement and wonder. Noah Schnapp has often expressed his fascination with the technology of the 80s, especially the clunky but functional computers and communication devices used in the show. He finds it amusing how much simpler things were back then, contrasting it with the always-connected world he lives in. He particularly enjoys scenes involving walkie-talkies and early video games, seeing them as precursors to the technology he uses daily. He's mentioned that playing with these old gadgets makes him feel more connected to the character of Will and the challenges he faces. Gaten Matarazzo, a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast, has been particularly drawn to the gaming aspect of the 80s. He's talked at length about his love for arcade games like Dig Dug and Dragon's Lair, which are featured prominently in the show. He finds the simplicity and the challenge of these games incredibly appealing. He also enjoys the retro consoles and the novelty of playing games that require actual physical interaction and skill, unlike some modern games. He's even collected some vintage video games himself. Caleb McLaughlin has shared his thoughts on the toys and the general gadgetry. He finds it hilarious how different the toys were – less digital, more imaginative. He points out that things like the Rubik's Cube and early portable cassette players required a different kind of engagement and problem-solving. He's also been amused by the size and functionality of some of the communication devices, like the landline phones and the aforementioned walkie-talkies, which seem ancient compared to smartphones. The cast often jokes about how much they relied on these devices in the show, while in reality, they could just pull out their phones. Millie Bobby Brown has also found joy in exploring the 80s tech. She's commented on how surprisingly effective some of the low-tech solutions used by the characters are, despite their apparent limitations. She finds the tangible nature of these objects – the physical buttons, the spinning dials – quite charming. She's also mentioned how playing with toys like the Rubik's Cube or board games from the era helps her understand the social interactions of kids back then. The 80s fads related to technology and toys are a huge part of the show's appeal, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a pre-internet world. The cast's genuine enthusiasm and occasional bewilderment when interacting with these items bring an authentic and often humorous dimension to their performances, reminding us of a time when technology was new, exciting, and often a lot more hands-on.

Nostalgia, Novelty, and New Perspectives: The Cast's Overall Take on 80s Fads

So, what's the big takeaway, guys? How does the Stranger Things cast really feel about all these 80s fads? Across the board, there's a clear sense of nostalgia and appreciation, even for those who weren't alive during the decade. David Harbour, who plays the iconic Chief Hopper, often talks about how the 80s had a certain