Gaten Matarazzo Admits ‘Deep Fear’ of Life after ‘Stranger Things’ (And Why He’s Actually Wrong)

Gaten Matarazzo admits he’s terrified of ‘Stranger Things’ ending, but his post-Hawkins career strategy is actually the smartest of the entire cast.

The end of Stranger Things is not just the end of an era for us. It is a full-blown existential crisis for the cast. Nobody is being as refreshingly honest about it as Gaten Matarazzo.

We are currently sitting in that breathless limbo between Volume 1 and Volume 2 of the final season. While the internet is busy dissecting Vecna theories, Gaten has been dropping truth bombs about “job security” that hit harder than a demogorgon.

If you have been following the press tour then you have seen it. He is not doing the standard Hollywood “I am so excited for new opportunities” spiel. He is admitting he is terrified. He is talking about going back to “freelance” work. Honestly? It is the most relatable thing a superstar has said in 2025.

But here is the deep dive nobody is telling you. Gaten Matarazzo is actually the one we least need to worry about. While the world focuses on the blockbusters, Gaten is quietly carving out the most interesting career of the entire Hawkins gang.

The “Job Security” Myth

Let’s talk about that quote that went viral. Gaten told Jimmy Fallon he has a “deep fear” of the show ending because Stranger Things was “job security” for a decade.

Most actors would not dare say that. They would pretend they have a Marvel movie in their back pocket. Gaten’s admission that he is essentially “unemployed” after December 31st is why fans love him. It grounds him. But it is also technically untrue. His pivot is already in motion. It is arguably smarter than chasing another franchise right away.

The “Pizza Movie” Pivot (Yes, Really)

While everyone expected Gaten to jump into another sci-fi epic, he is taking a hard left turn into indie comedy.

The big news you might have missed in the Season 5 noise is his upcoming lead role in the untitled “Pizza Movie” for Hulu.

This is not just a random project. It is from the comedy duo BriTANIcK (Brian McElhaney and Nick Kocher). It is a road trip comedy produced by American High. That is the same studio behind Big Time Adolescence.

This is the “Superbad” move. It is the move you make when you want to prove you can carry a film without CGI monsters behind you. It establishes him as a comedy leading man rather than just the “comic relief” sidekick.

The Secret Weapon: Broadway

We tend to forget that before he was Dustin Henderson, Gaten was a Broadway veteran. He is not a “TV kid” trying to do theater. He is a theater kid who took a detour into TV.

Look at the post-Hawkins trajectory. Millie Bobby Brown is chasing producer credits and blockbuster leads. Finn Wolfhard is leaning into directing and music. Gaten is returning to his roots.

He spent a chunk of 2023 and 2024 proving this. His run as Tobias in Sweeney Todd was not stunt casting. It was critical acclaim. He also jumped into Dear Evan Hansen. This is his safety net. If Hollywood dries up (it won’t) then Gaten can rule Broadway for the next 40 years. He has the vocals and the stage presence that 90% of his peers simply do not possess.

The Voice Acting Empire

While waiting for Season 5 scripts, Gaten quietly built a voice acting empire.

He is currently voicing Sig Greebling in LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy on Disney+. This isn’t a one-off gig. It keeps him in the Disney/Lucasfilm ecosystem without the pressure of a live-action contract. It also follows his work in My Father’s Dragon, which proved he can do emotional voice work instead of just loud comedy.

Gaten Matarazzo is not chasing fame. He is chasing longevity.

His fear of “freelance” is valid. But his resume is bulletproof. By mixing high-credibility theater roles with smart indie comedies and franchise voice work, he is avoiding the “child star curse” completely.

He might miss the “job security” of Hawkins. But the industry is about to realize that Gaten Matarazzo is the most versatile weapon coming out of the Upside Down.

So Gaten, if you are reading this: You can relax. The freelance life is going to treat you just fine.