What Happens After Hawkins? Gaten Matarazzo on Life Beyond the Stranger Things

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Turtleneck: Roberto CAVALLI
Shoes: Landeros New York
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Photographer / Creative Director: Raen Badua – raenbadua.com
Stylist: Raytell Bridges
Grooming: Michael Chua — using Lab Series, Dior Beauty, and Oribe
Photo Assist: Daniel Mercado

Words: Miles Holder

Stranger Things debuted in 2016 and catapulted Gaten Matarazzo from Broadway prodigy to global television star. For nearly a decade, viewers have watched as Stranger Things on Netflix became a worldwide phenomenon, rewriting the rules of serialised entertainment, pop culture, and the expectations of youth-led television series.

Now, as the series prepares to draw its final curtain, Gaten stands on the edge of something both thrilling and uncertain. Saying goodbye to Dustin Henderson means parting ways with a character who has shaped so much of his own creative identity. Yet, as one chapter closes, another quietly begins – a step into the upside down for an artist still discovering the depths of his craft.

We caught up with Gaten to discuss the unexpected personal parallels between life and character, the great unknown ahead, and of course, his FAULTs.

Suit: Pence
Turtleneck: Roberto CAVALLI
Shoes: Landeros New York
Watch: G-Shock

FAULT Magazine:We’re approaching the release of the final season of Stranger Things, such a career-defining project for you. What would you say was most unique about this final go round?

Gaten Matarazzo: Having that perspective from the beginning that it was the last one. That became a little frustrating at times because I’d find myself thinking, “That was my last first day on set,” or, “That was my last wrap on episode one.” It was a long shoot, and we’d already been talking about the show ending since the fourth season, so it became almost an inside joke that we’d been saying goodbye for three years. When it finally did end, it flew by, just as people always say it would.

Suit: Pence
Turtleneck: Roberto CAVALLI
Shoes: Landeros New York
Watch: G-Shock

FAULT Magazine: You’ve played this character for many years, but you’ve also worked on other projects, including voice acting. How easy is it to put Dustin back in his box when you’re working on other roles?

Gaten Matarazzo: That’s been one of the biggest challenges. I’ve played Dustin for so long that it’s instinctual; I can trust my instincts to bring him out naturally without it feeling awkward or out of character. But when I start new roles, I have to consciously shake that off and stay alert. I even ask directors to let me know if something feels “too Dustin”. It usually happens when I feel comfortable and connected with my co-stars, so I’ve had to manage it carefully. It’s been a learning curve, but I enjoy the challenge.

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Button Down: Prada
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Bolo: Stylist’s Own

FAULT Magazine: Are you worried about how that might be now that you’re putting him away for good?

Gaten Matarazzo: I’ll probably have a better answer to that in a few years. It’ll likely be difficult to keep him boxed away, but I look forward to that challenge. Growth happens when you’re uncomfortable. The nerves keep you accountable, when you’re too relaxed, that’s when mistakes happen. I hope I keep having those moments that push me to improve.

Jacket & Pants: Pence
Button Down: Prada
Watch: G-Shock
Bolo: Stylist’s Own

FAULT Magazine: Obviously, Dustin is fictional, but while the character has aged, so have you. Over the years, have you found yourself identifying with him more or less?
Gaten Matarazzo: I’d like to think we’ve grown into very different people, but others might disagree. Our goals are quite different. Dustin is extremely confident, a bit of a control freak, and sure of himself – traits I admire and would like to have more of. Maybe I channelled those qualities through him before I’d figured them out myself. As he grew more confident, maybe I did too, or maybe we drifted further apart.

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FAULT Magazine: Who do you think rubbed off on whom more?

Gaten Matarazzo: It’s a bit of both. There was always a long gap between seasons, so I’d change and learn new things, which I could then bring to him. Likewise, I’d take lessons from him into my own life. There were even moments when our experiences strangely aligned –  we both lost people unexpectedly around the same time. It was surreal but also therapeutic. Playing him helped me process my own grief, even if that’s not the healthiest outlet. It allowed me to explore emotions from another perspective.

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Jacket: Landeros New York
Shoes: Landeros New York

FAULT Magazine: Some artists say they lose themselves in their art to escape real life, but for you, it seems to have brought you back to it.
Gaten Matarazzo: That’s true. People often call it dedication, and it is, but it can also be unhealthy. Acting requires living truthfully through sometimes dark situations, and that can blur boundaries. People are fascinated by seeing characters go through chaos because it helps them process their own emotions. But for an actor, it can become difficult to separate performance from personal life. That’s something I’ve had to learn to manage.

Jacket: Catou Wear
Button Down: Prada
Trousers: Stefan Fashion

FAULT Magazine: Looking back at your journey on the show, what was the biggest creative hurdle you had to overcome?
Gaten Matarazzo: Gaining a sense of independence. When you start as a child actor, your parents and tutors are always there but that changes once you turn 18. Suddenly, there are no limits on work hours or schooling. It was an adjustment, but it made me feel more ownership over my work. In earlier seasons, I’d have to balance acting and education, which split my focus. I sometimes struggled at school because I only wanted to act. Looking back, I could’ve done better academically, but I understand why it happened.

Jacket: Catou Wear
Button Down: Prada
Trousers: Stefan Fashion

FAULT Magazine: There’s been a lot of discussion lately (spurred on by the new cohort of Harry Potter actors) about child actors feeling indebted to the people who discovered them and the pressure to always be grateful. Is that something you’ve thought about?
Gaten Matarazzo: It is a very consistent thought of mine to always feel like I need to overcompensate and vocalise my gratitude because sometimes it can feel stupid to complain. ’m surrounded by love, gratitude, and a deep passion for what I do, and I truly recognise how fortunate that is. Still, it’s fair to admit that I missed out on certain experiences and nuances that might have helped me grow into a more well-rounded adult. In some ways, I’m probably still a bit of a kid because I never had the chance to develop those parts of myself fully — even though what happened to me was ultimately a very good thing. And when it comes to new kids joining the industry, like the new Potter cast, my biggest advice would be to just focus on having as much fun as possible, that’s really what it’s all about.

FAULT Magazine: You’ve grown up alongside your castmates, sharing such a unique experience. How has it been seeing everyone grow in different directions and change over time?
Gaten Matarazzo: People absolutely change. I don’t understand when anyone says they don’t. What matters is how you embrace those changes. Real friendships last through growth and difference. Some friendships are for a season, and that’s fine, but with my castmates, the bond is lifelong. We’ve known each other during the most formative years of our lives, and I don’t think there’s any world where we’re not friends forever.

FAULT Magazine: When you look to the future, what emotion do you feel?
Gaten Matarazzo: A mix of optimism and anxiety. They balance each other out. The fear of losing consistency keeps me driven. Even as a kid, I was terrified of losing opportunities, and that fear still motivates me now. I don’t need another show as big as Stranger Things…that would be nearly impossible. But I do want to keep working and challenging myself. It’s what brings me the most joy.

Jacket & Trousers: Wangda
Turtleneck: Pence

FAULT Magazine: What kind of project or genre would excite you most next?
Gaten Matarazzo: I’d love to do more film work, especially supporting or character roles. I enjoy being a bit of a wildcard rather than the lead, holding everything together. I want to prioritise quality over quantity and only take on projects I feel genuinely suited to. If I can’t serve the story well, I’d rather not do it. And honestly, I’d love to do more theatre.

FAULT Magazine: What’s one question no journalist has ever asked you but you wish they had?
Gaten Matarazzo: I never think about it until someone asks, but I enjoy simple conversation starters, like “What did you have for breakfast?” or “What’s your favourite food?” They make the chat more human before diving into work talk.

Jacket & Trousers: Wangda
Turtleneck: Pence

FAULT Magazine: What did you have for breakfast today?
Gaten Matarazzo: Nothing yet, unfortunately. It’s nearly evening here, so I definitely need to fix that after this!

FAULT Magazine: Do you cook?
Gaten Matarazzo: I can make things that won’t kill me…that counts as cooking, right?

Jacket & Trousers: Wangda
Turtleneck: Pence

FAULT Magazine: Do you ever worry about burnout while working on so many projects?
Gaten Matarazzo: Definitely. I thrive on a busy schedule, but I struggle to relax. I want to find a balance between working non-stop and doing nothing, a middle ground where I can rest productively.

FAULT Magazine: What is your FAULT?
Gaten Matarazzo: Oh man, there are quire a few. I don’z prioritise my mental health enough and I need to be a better listener. I get very excited to talk and I tend to ramble. Ill often catch myself mid-conversation, noticing the other person’s death stare and thing”right, I’ve definitely gone on far too long.”