6 Actors Who Auditioned For Stranger Things But Were Rejected

Aside from the amazing 80s vibe emerging from numerous pop culture references, from music and D&D to road movies and horrors, Stranger Things has become a fan-favorite show for one other important reason — the amazing performances by all cast members.

In order to recruit such great actors, the Duffer brothers and casting directors had to spend a tremendous amount of time exploring the essence of each role and doing auditions. In the process, some of the talented candidates were rejected, and others were cast to star in completely different roles.

Here are six actors who auditioned for Stranger Things but didn't get the role they wanted.

6. Skylar Gaertner

Aspiring actor Skylar Gaertner submitted audition tapes for the roles of two characters at once, but he never revealed which ones exactly. Sadly, he did not get a callback, but the rejection only meant a new beginning for the actor, as he became the young star of the thriller series Ozark.

5. Eli Tokash

Speaking to Gabriella Pizzolo, the actress who played Suzie in Stranger Things, Eli Tokash revealed that he also sent in his tape to audition. Unfortunately, the Broadway star failed to impress the Duffer brothers and was rejected.

4. Noah Schnapp

Yes, the actor who portrayed Will Byers on Stranger Things didn't pass the audition initially because he actually wanted to play Mike! Well, things didn't go as he planned, and the role of Mike was given to Finn Wolfhard, but Noah's performance in the show was touching and simply unforgettable, according to fans.

3. Joe Keery

Another actor who didn't get the role he wanted but ended up doing another part is Joe Keery. He originally wanted to play the stoner post-punk kid Jonathan, but his first tape was ignored, and Keery received a callback later, offering him to play Steve instead. Fans loved him as the high school bully turned nice 'babysitter,' so this casting decision was certainly a success.

2. Sean Astin

Despite being one of the most famous actors on the show, Sean Astin decided to send in the tape himself, auditioning to play the conspiracy theorist Murray. However, his candidacy was turned down, with the Duffer brothers offering him the role of the lovable and plucky Bob Newby instead.

1. David Harbour

Although it's hard to imagine Jim Hopper portrayed by anyone other than David Harbour, the Duffer brothers initially wanted someone like Ewan McGregor or even Sam Rockwell to play the part. It was casting director Carmen Cuba Brothers who insisted on having Harbor, and we must thank her for her excellent choice!