'Stranger Things' Auditions and How the Cast Landed Their Roles | Vanity Fair

Stranger Things casting director Carmen Cuba takes us through her casting process while sharing her foresights for each characters' future on the show. From the first audition tapes submitted by Noah Schnapp, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo to finding the perfect Vecna, Carmen breaks down the intricacies of meeting the Duffers vision through the stellar casting she has assembled since the show's very beginning.
00:00 Intro
01:41 The Auditions
07:43 The Evolution
09:02 Season 4
10:11 Vecna
Director: Ashley Hall
Director of Photography: Matt Krueger
Editor: Jordan Calig
Talent: Carmen Cuba
Producer: Funmi Sunmonu
Line Producer: Jen Santos
Associate Producers: Clarissa Davis, Emebeit Beyene
Production Manager: Andressa Pelachi
Production Coordinators: Peter Brunette, Carol Wachockier
Casting Producer: Mica Medoff
Camera Operator: Malcolm Cook
Audio: Kari Barber
Production Assistant: Ariel Labasan
Assistant Editor: Diego Rentsch
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[@jonathanphan4864]

the boys just doing normal line readings while millie was fighting for her life 😭😭😭

[@kyleag86]

💀💀 her audio wasn’t the best either (still an amazing actress tho)

[@tekla_]

@@kyleag86 the way it became a meme 😹😹

[@deandresebastian3609]

True

[@lexifaulkner6920]

Girl had bills to pay

[@ur_mom_696]

fr lol 😂😂

[@annabelthomas4807]

the amount of talent millie had as an eleven year old is actually INSANE. some people are just born to act

[@darkroyalty1782]

Hahah nah is nah

[@acooliemoore]

Yessss

[@jamangel]

Purr

[@myliemichelle]

Yesss

[@aigeee]

fax

[@raecakes079]

Respectfully BEGGING for more about sadie, maya, joe keery, and joe quinn’s auditions 😭😭

[@fernandaleite8143]

OMG YES

[@allister.trudel]

seriously!! 😭

[@carlycoppi4769]

Yes I totally agree!! I want all of the auditions it doesn't have to be long just a couple of minutes for each lol!!

[@lonnnaa]

Literally

[@lakshmi4224]

Lmao, ‘respectfully begging’, I totally agree tho

[@avarahmati9121]

Finn is me in every important situation of my life "I'm sick AND I'm late" 😂

[@gracekim3668]

OH MY GOD I can relate 😂

[@inactive9470]

SAME

[@lamisholi1503]

He's so sassy and I love it

[@inactive9470]

@@lamisholi1503 same

[@taylorsxcr]

Fin is literally part of me beacuse I Rember doing a class call and I was sic and 2 mins late so I was like I AM SICK AND I AM 2 MIND LATE GOD DAMMIT

[@elhopper3735]

Millie was born to play El. She is so naturally talented and the way she express herself so expertly with just facial expressions like in S1 was incredible! Can’t wait to see where her career goes next

[@aigeee]

inspirational

[@eomere2397]

get a life stop living off others

[@celesetaa3961]

@@eomere2397 "stop living off others" says you, answering a random comment on a random video. go touch grass bro, let people enjoy things

[@cloakedtoast9687]

@@celesetaa3961 true

[@s.t.a.r.d.u.s.t.8]

as an actress she is really good but she is uncultered and with bad manners which makes me sad about it

[@Chuuzus]

Millie had one chance and one chance only and she gave that audition her all!

[@robertgonzalez3461]

😭

[@aimee1634]

you deserve a raise, everyone is fit and perfect for their role. they were meant to be their characters!!

[@lemon4087]

She already got so many awards, no?

[@JLchevz]

who is "you" lmao

[@LOVEZENDAYA]

@@JLchevz Carmen Cuba

[@user-7jlrc]

Not mike

[@nekoneko5777]

@@JLchevz u rly need to learn how to understand things through contexts

[@coriezarwan6280]

The four friends in that group are amazing , I can't even imagine what the show would be like without those specific people

[@vinksy]

You literally couldn't because the entire show revolves around will lol

[@kibo7257]

@@vinksy and yet he’s always left out

[@myusicwaves2363]

@@kibo7257 It's so sad :

[@isaacdiallo956]

Millie’s rent was due that day💀

[@Lipstickandchampagne]

😂😂😂😂

[@nqtaliazxx6652]

HELP AHAHAHAHA

[@iChocolateberry]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lillysmusicpalace]

BAHHHAHAHAHA

[@alex46801]

And getting tired of those 3/$1 ramen noodles.

[@lumae8216]

I’d love to see Jamie’s audition! Also Natalia, Maya, Joe, Charlie & Joe!

[@sat6rnn]

agreed !

[@stellaoliveira584]

Sameee! And I’m soo curious to see Sadie’s too!

[@mayuze28]

and sadie

[@revoltin85]

I often wondered if their audition included singing.... because most of the casts are singers/musicians

[@Homunculeo]

@@revoltin85 I too

[@iuvdisuhb-ld3ou]

Never expected Finn to be the funniest, my bets would have been on gaten

[@Avsaaa]

SAME!!

[@widotmakahinda5696]

if u watch more about Finn, Finn is the mature one and the funniest. He has sarcasm humor even since he was a kid

[@chelseal8448]

@@widotmakahinda5696 yeah finn's humor is so dry and sarcastic that, combined with how young he was, it was just deadly hilarious, and I can see how the adults would deem him the funniest!

[@widotmakahinda5696]

@@chelseal8448 yeah i remember watching him on Jimmy Fallon. When Jimmy asked him "Can you read?" and Finn replied him "Can you host?" That was hillarious

[@jamangel]

Lmao

[@M007ell]

millie is absolutely acting for her life in that audition 😭😭

[@summerequestrian.]

Millie is 11 and can already “cry” like that- that just shows pure talent

[@finleygray417]

she's almost 19 now...

[@JMproduces]

I don’t know if I have talent but for me it’s easy

[@m.garcia5759]

@@finleygray417 i think they meant that she was 11 and able to do that

[@somepersonskywalking5350]

When I was her age I could do it to know it’s a little harder for me

[@frickenflapcraps]

Cry acting is very easy. Like objectively.

[@HumanSagaVault]

Winona Ryder's performance as Joyce Byers is top notch, her and hopper is definitely one of my favorite main characters 😇

[@seanfrank32]

Winona was awesome. Millie (Eleven) is my favorite.

[@billsmith7673]

Same for me.

[@mandilu4914]

I'm so glad to see the behind the scenes crew get more recognition in the media, like the special affects designers, casting directors, set designers, and the casting director, Carmen Cuba, here. They definitely deserve it

[@depressedpebbles]

I know for a fact that Millie Bobby Brown will become a household name like Meryl Streep. The amount of talent and control Millie has with her face and expressions is just incredible. Truly one of the greatest actresses of her generation.

[@vedhashah8690]

I SO AGREE!! She's sooo talented!!

[@biophype]

I mean she kinda already is due to Enola Holmes, Stranger Things and becoming a public figure.

[@chrlpolk]

I feel like her best days are behind her. Within a few years she will be doing nude scenes just for attention.

[@mariap.5538]

Most talented group of young actors since Harry Potter

[@duskylittleangel6673]

Fr

[@nicetomeetyou701]

And It

[@romionevspr]

absolutely

[@tanizard]

I love DanRad, Emma, and Rupert, but not one of them even close to touched the talent of the Stranger Things kids when they started.

[@zhannad750]

​@@tanizardasmuo Į watched HP when it was already filmed, and I was shocked at how poorly the kids acted...

[@katevand]

Truly, please put her in a glass box, she has an gift, this cast is the best on televsion, no one misses a beat, every side and background character is perfection. the office, breaking bad, the wire and stranger things are perfect casts.

[@marley92282]

Parks & Rec!

[@ScarlettJ1221]

Omg just looking back at their auditions, I feel like a proud mom watching them grow up

[@CharliGill09]

Fr😂

[@eulaxandrea8296]

100%

[@howltae]

Lucas's role was made for Caleb also Gaten as Dustin, I can't say otherwise

[@rushpinn]

I love Carmen Cuba's casting of this series. But this interview also made me understand why the actors fitted so well for their roles, given the Duffer brother's technique.

[@olyabekenova]

Duffer's technique?

[@reallifein3d]

​@@olyabekenovabuilding the character around the actor, I think

[@klutzytaz3551]

"I'm sick and I'm late" is the most relatable sentence I've ever heard

[@chisonibravo2716]

I'd like to see Erica's audition, too. And of course, Steve, Robin, Jonathan and Nancy's. Honestly, I wouldn't complain seeing all their auditions. Murray's, Yuri's..the list goes on.

[@hey_its_abs]

Erica is an underrated gem!!

[@travismiddleton8218]

Everyone was perfect. They fit the characters 100%. I couldn't imagine anyone else playing Eleven or Dustin or Mike or Max or Steve. Finn's audition one was the funniest. "Hi I'm Finn and I'm sick"😂 Iconic

[@the_dancerjen1773]

You deserve an Emmy and a raise. Spot on casting! And these kids are so adorable and it's heart warming that they went on to be so iconic.

[@joannejohnston605]

1000000000% agree!

[@readpersephone]

you're actually not wrong she did actually win an emmy for casting stranger things in season 1 :)

[@librarising6273]

The Casting Director did a outstanding job casting the actors in the show. Not only did she select super talented actors but I like how the characters that are family look a like. For example Dustin's mom resembles his facial features, body shape and the curly hair. Will Byers and his mom (Wynona Ryder) look so much alike too!

[@norrie.cupcak3]

I don't understand why no ones saying anything about caleb he is so good at acting and I love how he always smiles he's the sweetest!

[@Laurie608]

re: David Harbour, "I had been watching him for years and... hoping that one day that I would have something where HE would be the famous person in the scene opposite someone less famous than him." That's one of the nicest things someone could say, and so earned too

[@evolet0806]

Millie is so naturally talented she’s amazing I love her!

[@seanfrank32]

2 seasons in and she's my favorite! Amazing actress

[@brooke9297]

Noah’s audition was almost 100% in the eyes. That’s the mark of a great actor.

[@laacolee]

millie had bills to pay lmaooo no but fr she is so talented as is the rest of this amazing cast ❤️

[@IamElizabethShoal]

Don't get me wrong, all of these are impressive. These kids are incredible. But I was really surprised at the skills Finn showed in his initial audition clip!

[@strangeblackman3477]

He Literally did nothing impressive!🤷🏾‍♂️🙄

[@theflyingfrisch8051]

@@strangeblackman3477 You could just open to consideration he did that role just right

[@callyismyworldxo]

Finns was very good but I think Millie’s was incredible. At 11 years old to cry like that is outstanding.

[@chrlpolk]

@callyismyworldxo Because one thing we never see is kids crying

[@elenam9555]

In regards to her comment about how the Duffer's "learn about the characters through the auditions", that actually happened with Eddie! I read in an interview that originally Eddie was going to be more of an antagonist. He was going to be more of an aggressive and mean outcast, and possibly have a rivalry with Steve. But then when Joseph auditioned he portrayed Eddie more in the way he appears in the show, less mean and more likable and quirky instead. The Duffers clearly loved it because he was hired, and his portrayal of the character is what was brought to the show. Its interesting how without Joseph's interpretation of the character, Eddie might have been completely different!

[@safiye31]

the fact that finn auditioned this while he was sick bless him 😭 IM SO HAPPY HE PLAYS MIKE THOUGH HE SUITS HIM SO MUCH

[@sarah-ul5gr]

millie really put her all heart into the audition like😭

[@trinaq]

I can't believe how much the young cast have grown up since the start of the show, it's surreal!

[@seannadiaz4028]

Of course Winona did not have to audition she's a legend! This part was made for her!

[@liv-bv3pl]

Oh i was hoping she would talk about casting Sadie and Dacre

[@noelle2654]

So so glad Winona was cast. Her in anything creepy just feels right.

[@sriram98811]

Perfect Casting and characterization of stranger things have taken the show to a whole another level

[@Cspspack]

Noah is the best/most natural actor of all the kids. He has a powerful subtlety that makes him very unique.

[@CoCo-ew7zi]

I am insanely, probably unhealthily, in LOVE with this show! I can honestly say I've never been a super fan of any other show. I've enjoyed and loved other shows before, but not to this extent. It's probably the emphasis of strong friendships and the 80's nostalgia for me. Well done Ms. Cuba, well done!

[@thatGuyFean]

The word you're looking for is obsessed...and we're on the same page.

[@CoCo-ew7zi]

@@thatGuyFean 😆 indeed

[@billsmith7673]

Same with me. Same reasons - the friendships and the 80's nostalgia.

[@CG-tt3ny]

I'm so happy that they chose actors that had experience but weren't really famous, except Winona.

[@cantdothisshitanymore]

ikr it gives opportunities and chances to lesser known talented actors rather than offering roles to well known, which is sorta lame to keep doing

[@cadeevans4623]

Love this watching the auditions of them and how they landed the parts great cast

[@henrysdiaires]

The way millie is talented and even could CRY acting at the young age. Some people are talented and born with acting

[@courtneymoore3177]

Millie and Noah playing those emotional parts wowed me more than anything I have seen a child in since Dakota fanning when she is as a child. And they other kids personalities as supporting characters when they are asked to but also when they are the main character in focus is very enjoyable to watch, laugh and cry wth.

[@CottoNeo]

I don't like having a bias but Millie just had the perfect audition.

[@VyraFall]

Gaten is such an incredible actor. By far the best character for me on the show.

[@chelseal8448]

I love the 3 boys' different takes on the same sides. I think my favorite "Open them," is Finn's hushed one.

[@bulletsxdame]

I wish she would have reviewed Dacre Montgomery's audition tape. It was amazing.

[@XENADU001]

It's full version already on youtube.

[@Struudeli]

@@XENADU001 doesn't really matter if someone wants the casting direction's commentary.

[@Ilikeoatmealmorethanyou]

I'm sad they didn't show Max :') She's my fave 🧡

[@allister.trudel]

same! we need an extended version!! (I refuse to believe she just didn't talk about it)

[@olandofuller5588]

She's set to play in x-men

[@orlaspring363]

100% agree...well, and Steve and Robin and Eddie ; )

[@juliabuonincontro8617]

I haven’t seen her audition clip for this particular show, but I believe she played Annie on Broadway

[@d_strubs1366]

After season 4 this series is cemented as one of the best ever. I used to love it just for the awesome 80s vibe they pull off, but now it’s become epic.

[@mudiusp6050]

The entire cast has such an incredible chemistry. This is what really stands out to me in the making of Stranger Things. Chemistry in movie making is magic.

[@ScottAlec-jf9qi]

Millie was hands down one of the most powerful performances. To be so young and be able to capture you with her raw emotion was quite an experience. They couldn’t have picked a better cast. But my favorite characters were Steve and Dustin😂

[@anzie679x]

season 4 casting especially with joseph and jamie was on ANOTHER LEVEL (I say especially because the other new characters were also great!)

[@waverlywang2486]

Omg we need mroe of these casting director videos for different shows. Always wanted videos like this . Such fascinating insight

[@Alanoffer]

I’ve only recently started to binge on this show , and this girl was a remarkable talent for her age ,Plus it’s great to see Winona back on our screens , she really knocked this out of the park , And the actor that played hopper , this was taken right out off the normal sci fi kids show by a great cast who carried this story along

[@FewmintueswithFavour]

They were all really amazing in the audition💖.

[@wiffsniff5756]

Im really surprised and glad they got along, becoz i can imagine tweens getting into arguments and fighting, the cast members were really mature in this sense.

[@amandajoross9432]

i loved the show and I am 60 years old- well done everyone the acting was great - loved all the characters and your journey in the story - amazing

[@xobobalover26]

This is so fascinating to watch and hear about. I can't imagine anyone else playing the characters that this casting director has chosen. And it speaks volumes since there are SO MANY characters, but they each can shine their individual light. I think it was an excellent call on her part to cast kids that had experience. It definitely paid off. I am always shocked to see kids at such a young age possess so much talent. Stranger Things will be talked about for so many more years to come.

[@plork748]

Honestly loved the casting for this show I can’t imagine anyone else playing any of these characters

[@Super_Mia]

the fully cast, hopper, eleven, they was so perfect as who their was, excellent

[@cataciudad9938]

I need a part two for the rest of the cast!!

[@lisas525]

I’m now 59 yrs old. when this show first came out I didn’t think it was for me. But I tried it out and was immediately hooked. I’m never bored I don’t reach for my cell to play a game. The kids are so charming and act so well. Totally entertaining - I wish them all well.

[@elhopper3735]

This is seriously one of the best shows on TV right now and I have no idea what I’m gonna do when it’s over

[@Belfastboi]

This woman is the reason we all love this program so much. She’s awesome

[@2abrielle]

This was so much fun to watch! Please continue this as a series!:)

[@brenthelton]

The cast is very talented and it will always be one of the best shows in television history. Well done with the casting Carmen! 🙌

[@CoachMai]

Some of the most talented group of kids I’ve seen in a long time!

[@steffanyramos2181]

It’s absolutely amazing how talented they are . Just wow 🤩

[@caprirunyan1281]

“I’m sick and and I’m late” PLZ IM DEAD😂😭

[@patricksullivan2261]

I have been a huge fan of Carmen Cuba as a casting director since the show came on. She found the right person for every part. There hasn't been a bad choice yet.

[@markys99]

Caleb is so good and natural. He's a great actor ;)

[@jonesba2004]

I must tell you, your casting choices are stellar.

[@dearinlove]

the casting is absolutely perfect

[@Camilla550]

I’m so excited for season 5 because I can’t wait to see Will Byers being the centre point in the supernatural plot again like in season 1 & 2. Noah’s acting is AMAZING, but he was kinda pushed into the background in season 3 & 4 for other characters which made me sad (though that van scene in S4 had me in tears! 😭). It’s not said here but it wasn’t only Millie that had to do a ‘chemistry test’ with Finn to see if they acted well together, Noah did as well! Can’t wait to see what season 5 brings us! 😊

[@Wayleran]

What a humble person who clearly is amazing at her job YET has the integrity to admit that the show was "easy to cast". Now I disagree and think she's just downplaying her talent however most people today , especially in Hollywood, go out of their way to validate themselves and their worth. What a nice refreshing person with true talent. Netflix you are lucky to be working with her.

[@mel_zzz_]

Many years reading "Carmen Cuba" in the intro and finally We can know her opinions about this and for me knowing who she looks like. Her name has a lot of strong personality and watching her talking she talks in a soft way but clearly she has that strong personality, for a reason she works in that industry.

[@aubreyrispoli6971]

they have to talk about the others too! i mean dacre’a is sooooo insane!!

[@Mitters]

I have no idea how one becomes a casting director, but it's literally my dream job.

[@krista6135]

Millie is so talented, it is really so hard to act without words but just emotion and she was amazing and she was born to act.

[@biggestjbfan]

I love Finn showing Mike's attitude in his audition. "Listen! 😐" " SWEAR IT!!" 3:41

[@KandiSoap]

Yall casted the most gorgeous people I swear

[@hellsbells1262]

They did an amazing job choosing the cast.

[@Queenofswords32]

These kids are amazing! Perfect fit for the series!

[@Apeekinmylife]

woww she put soo much thought into it thats why the cast was a hit .

[@cuntiestgirlaround]

i cant imagine stranger things having a different cast tbh. these actors are perfect for their roles

[@deweytuna]

I need to see Priah's audition

[@shahrukhabdul9889]

I just got goosebumps on my head after watching Millie's audition clip

[@manoramashakya4157]

Thank you so much Camen for giving the legendary cast 😘🤩🤩

[@Femmeaesthetic]

they were very adorable back then when they were auditioning, how cute 🥺

[@rafaeladias8404]

Finn is the best!! love his personality 😊

[@gracie5267]

I wish they would have Sadie’s audition:( but I love there auditions:)

[@newjunies]

i can't see anyone else playing hopper or joyce, winona and david are absolutely perfect 💗💗

[@newjunies]

noah finn caleb and gaten are so cute and tiny in their auditions :,) i've grown up with the younger characters in a way with being a fan of stranger things since the first season, loved watching this video and seeing the process!!

[@nataliepetitt6996]

i need Joseph Quinn’s audition tape NOW

[@anyak1446]

X2

[@Theyluvvspenc]

Bro finn was sick and instead of sleeping and resting he was busy auditioning for the role of mike 🥺 so sweet

[@wifinow]

Really enjoyed the interview. Thank you. ArtGen.

[@Skeletor8]

Casting directors are so crucial and the good ones know how to unite great talent