The highly anticipated series finale of “Stranger Things” has brought nearly a decade of storytelling to a close, marking a significant moment for both fans and its distributor, Netflix. The epic conclusion premiered in theaters and on the streamer on December 31, allowing cast members like Gaten Matarazzo, who plays the beloved Dustin Henderson, to experience it on the big screen with audiences. Matarazzo, who was cast as Dustin as a teenager, reflected on the finale, noting that he watched it in Jacksonville, Florida, incognito as the Grinch, only to remove his mask in the small theater.

The finale meticulously wraps up the arcs of its expansive ensemble, ensuring each character, including Dustin, receives a heroic moment. Dustin, known for his infectious optimism and unapologetic nerdiness, plays a crucial role in defeating the archvillain Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). A standout scene for his character is his valedictorian speech at Hawkins High School, where he articulates the show's themes of friendship forged through strife, ending with a defiant message to Principal Higgins and a nod to Eddie Munson’s iconic line. Matarazzo found this opportunity to speak unapologetically about his feelings to be special. Dustin’s story concludes on an optimistic note, with him heading to college and continuing adventures with Steve Harrington (Joe Keery).

Matarazzo also shared insights into the theatrical release, confirming that it was officially announced when made public, despite earlier uncertainties due to Netflix's typical model. He described the intensity of choreographing battles with the Mind Flayer, highlighting the visual success of the final, Lovecraftian form. Regarding character fates, Matarazzo believed the creative team never intended for main characters to die, emphasizing the show's theme of persevering through unimaginable odds. He found Dustin’s ending, achieving a “shred of normalcy,” to be a great relief after everything the characters endured. He also touched upon the ambiguity of Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown) ending, leaving it open to fan interpretation.

The actor spoke about preparing for Dustin's emotional scenes in Season 5, which involved a darker, sadder tone—a challenging yet honoring experience. He acknowledged the shift, explaining that he aimed for truthfulness in his performance. Matarazzo also shared that he didn't extensively discuss Dustin's inherited persona from Eddie Munson with Joseph Quinn, preferring Dustin to learn as he went, though he did listen to Eddie’s music playlist to help with character preparation. The unexpected but iconic duo of Dustin and Steve was a highlight, with Matarazzo praising Joe Keery’s leadership and acting skills. He noted the natural click between their characters, born from shared predicaments in their love lives after other romantic storylines were developed for Lucas/Max and Nancy/Jonathan.

With Season 5 introducing younger characters, Matarazzo appreciated seeing them experience the show from a more experienced lens. He reflected on how playing Dustin throughout his adolescence shaped him, echoing Caleb McLaughlin’s sentiment of knowing Lucas before knowing himself. Matarazzo credits Dustin with making him a better person, helping him prioritize relationships. His favorite moments include the