From Joe Keery to Noah Schnapp: 6 ‘Stranger Things’ actors who originally auditioned for different roles

The Twists of Fate: Unpacking the Audition Tapes

The casting process for any major series is a labyrinthine journey, often involving hundreds, if not thousands, of hopefuls for a single part. For a show as distinct and character-driven as Stranger Things, finding the right ensemble was paramount. The Duffer Brothers have often spoken about the challenges and serendipitous moments of putting together their dream cast. They weren’t just looking for actors; they were looking for the embodiment of characters that felt both nostalgic and fresh. Sometimes, an actor walks in, reads for one part, and the casting directors immediately see them as someone else entirely. It’s a beautiful, often chaotic, dance between preparation and instinct. The sheer pressure of those moments, the hopeful glances at the camera, the quiet confidence or palpable nerves – it’s a high-stakes game. And for these six talents, that game led them down an unexpected, but ultimately glorious, path.

1. Joe Keery: From Aspiring Brooder to Beloved Babysitter Steve

It’s almost impossible to imagine anyone other than Joe Keery bringing the complex, hilarious, and ultimately heroic character of Steve Harrington to life. From arrogant popular kid to dedicated “mom” of the group, Steve’s arc is one of the show’s most beloved transformations. Yet, Keery didn’t walk into his first Stranger Things audition aiming to be Hawkins High’s king of cool. He was actually trying out for the role of Jonathan Byers, Nancy Wheeler’s quieter, artistic, and somewhat brooding boyfriend. Can you believe it? The idea of Joe Keery as Jonathan is just… different.

“I remember reading for Jonathan, and I just didn’t feel it clicked,” Keery once recounted in an interview, reflecting on the initial process. “There was something about Steve’s lines, even in the early scripts, that just resonated differently.” The casting directors, it seems, felt the same way. They saw something in Keery’s delivery, a certain charm and underlying charisma, that made him a perfect fit for Steve. “He had this undeniable swagger, but also a warmth that we knew would eventually break through,” an anonymous casting insider reportedly said. His ability to pivot from a seemingly one-dimensional jock to a genuinely caring mentor has captivated audiences worldwide. It’s a fantastic example of how an actor’s inherent qualities can shine through, even when they’re trying to embody a completely different character. Who knew a hair flip could hold so much destiny?

2. Noah Schnapp: The Boy Who Vanished (But Almost Played Mike)

If you were asked to name the character who kicks off the entire mystery of Stranger Things, it would undoubtedly be Will Byers. His disappearance sets the stage for everything that follows, and Noah Schnapp’s portrayal of the vulnerable, artistic, and often haunted Will has been nothing short of extraordinary. Yet, Schnapp initially had his sights set on a different member of the D&D crew: Mike Wheeler.

Yes, the very character played by Finn Wolfhard was the one Schnapp auditioned for. “I remember it distinctly,” Schnapp shared in a past Q&A. “I loved the script, and I went in reading for Mike. I thought he was such a cool, leading character.” The Duffer Brothers, however, saw a different kind of strength in Noah. They needed someone who could convey immense emotion without always needing dialogue, someone whose eyes could tell a story of fear, resilience, and otherworldliness. “Noah brought this incredible raw vulnerability,” Matt Duffer explained during a Q&A. “We knew he had to be Will. His emotional depth was just perfect for the character’s journey.” It’s a remarkable insight into their casting process – seeing past the lines and into the soul of a performance. Imagine a world where Noah Schnapp was Mike, and someone else was Will. It sends shivers down my spine just thinking about how different the dynamic would have been.

3. Natalia Dyer: From Psionic Powers to Investigative Journalist Nancy

Natalia Dyer shines as Nancy Wheeler, the intelligent, determined, and increasingly courageous older sister who evolves from a typical high schooler into a formidable monster hunter and budding investigative journalist. Her journey is one of self-discovery and bravery, and Dyer plays it with a nuanced grace. But Nancy wasn’t the first role Natalia had her eye on. Believe it or not, she initially auditioned for the mysterious, telekinetic powerhouse, Eleven!

“I actually went in for Eleven,” Dyer confirmed in an interview, recalling the early days. “It was a very different kind of role, obviously, with the shaved head and everything.” While Millie Bobby Brown famously secured the role of Eleven, the casting team clearly saw something special in Dyer. Her quiet intensity and thoughtful demeanor made her a strong contender, but perhaps her natural inquisitiveness and a certain groundedness made her a better fit for Nancy. “Natalia had this incredible intelligence behind her eyes,” said a member of the Duffer Brothers’ creative team. “We quickly realized she had the perfect blend of vulnerability and nascent strength needed for Nancy’s journey.” It’s quite the pivot from a character who barely speaks to one who articulates her fears and convictions with such clarity. It’s almost as if the universe intervened to place her exactly where she needed to be to help solve the mysteries of Hawkins.

4. Charlie Heaton: A Brother’s Burden, But First, A Jock’s Swagger?

Charlie Heaton delivers a poignant performance as Jonathan Byers, the often-misunderstood older brother of Will, who carries the heavy burden of his family’s struggles and finds solace in photography. His quiet strength and protective nature make him a compelling figure in the series. While Heaton ultimately landed the role of Jonathan, there’s an interesting tidbit about his initial audition for Stranger Things. It’s rumored that he also threw his hat in the ring for the role of Steve Harrington.

Imagine Charlie Heaton, with his distinctive look and intense gaze, as the popular jock Steve. It’s a jarring thought, especially knowing Joe Keery’s take on the character. “I recall seeing Charlie’s audition for Steve,” one of the junior casting associates shared years later, “and while he was good, there was just something inherently deeper, a more introspective quality, that screamed Jonathan.” The Duffers probably recognized that Heaton’s unique blend of sensitivity and slight awkwardness was tailor-made for Jonathan’s artistic and somewhat outsider persona. He perfectly captures the essence of a teenager navigating grief, mystery, and first love in a small town where he often feels out of place. It’s a classic case of an actor’s true essence aligning perfectly with a character, even if their initial aim was elsewhere.

5. Sadie Sink: The Fiery Redhead Who Almost Wore a Wig for Nancy

When Sadie Sink joined the cast in Season 2 as Max Mayfield, she injected a much-needed jolt of fresh energy into the group. Her tomboyish charm, skateboarding prowess, and fiery spirit quickly made her a fan favorite. It’s hard to envision the show without Max, but Sadie’s path to Hawkins was anything but straightforward. She, like Natalia Dyer, initially auditioned for Eleven, and later, for Nancy Wheeler.

“I auditioned for Eleven first, which was totally wild,” Sink recalled in an interview. “Then I went in for Nancy. I even thought about wearing a wig to look more like Nancy, but then they were like, ‘No, don’t worry about it.'” It wasn’t until the casting for Season 2 began that the Duffers saw her as the perfect fit for Max. They needed someone who could stand up to the boys, who had a strong personality and a hint of vulnerability. “Sadie had this incredible spark, this undeniable energy,” Ross Duffer commented. “When she came in for Max, it was clear. She owned it.” Her natural red hair, her expressive eyes, and her youthful spunk were exactly what the character of Max demanded. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the role meant for you hasn’t even been written yet. You just have to keep showing up and being authentically yourself.

6. Dacre Montgomery: The Audition Tape That Screamed Billy Hargrove (Not Steve)

When Dacre Montgomery burst onto the scene in Season 2 as the volatile, charismatic, and deeply troubled Billy Hargrove, he made an unforgettable impact. His portrayal of the aggressive step-brother of Max, who later becomes a vessel for the Mind Flayer, was chilling and complex. But like Joe Keery, Montgomery originally threw his hat in the ring for the role of Steve Harrington.

Montgomery’s audition tape for Steve is legendary, not for landing him that role, but for vividly showcasing the raw intensity and magnetism that made him perfect for Billy. His tape reportedly involved him shirtless, performing a bizarre dance, and delivering lines with an almost unhinged energy. “It was one of the most memorable audition tapes we’ve ever received,” said a casting director, laughing. “He was clearly not Steve, but he was absolutely something. And when Billy came along, we knew exactly who we needed to call.” The Duffers needed a villain, a force of nature, and Montgomery’s unique brand of brooding intensity and explosive energy was precisely what Billy required. It’s a classic example of an actor’s personality and daring approach creating a role for them, even if it wasn’t the one they initially sought. The Australian actor truly leaned into the character, giving us one of the most compelling antagonists in the series.

The Magic of Misdirection: A Casting Director’s Dream

The stories of these Stranger Things actors who originally auditioned for different roles aren’t just fascinating anecdotes; they offer a profound insight into the unpredictable yet magical world of television casting. It highlights the importance of open-mindedness from creators and the sheer talent and adaptability of actors. Sometimes, the initial vision for a character changes, or an actor brings an unexpected depth that redirects the creative flow entirely. It’s a reminder that destiny in Hollywood often has a funny way of manifesting itself.

These performers didn’t just get a role; they found the perfect vehicle for their unique abilities, shaping characters that resonated deeply with millions. From Joe Keery‘s evolution into a fan-favorite “babysitter” to Noah Schnapp‘s haunting portrayal of Will, and the dynamic additions of Sadie Sink and Dacre Montgomery, each casting decision, even the ones that started as a “misdirection,” felt ultimately right. It underscores the idea that sometimes, not getting the role you wanted is the best thing that can happen, opening doors to opportunities you never even considered. The world of Hawkins would undoubtedly be a very different place if these initial auditions had gone as planned. And I, for one, am eternally grateful for these twists of fate. It truly makes you appreciate the intricate web of decisions that go into creating a show that leaves such an indelible mark on pop culture.