When audiences first saw Dacre Montgomery as Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things, he was immediately recognised for his intense portrayal of a teenage antagonist. Montgomery had deliberately moved away from the highly sculpted physique he maintained for the 2017 film Power Rangers. In the 1980s setting of Stranger Things, this choice was intended to reflect the realistic appearance of adolescent boys at the time, rather than contemporary ideals of fitness and muscularity.
Montgomery noted that male teenagers in the 1980s were not defined by highly developed muscles but by confidence and demeanor. This perspective informed his approach to the role and influenced his physical preparation. Instead of a regimented weightlifting program, Montgomery focused on boxing training and maintained a less restrictive diet, producing a body that fit the era and the character.
The change in physical training affected more than appearance. Boxing exercises enhanced the natural athleticism of Montgomery’s movements, supporting the portrayal of Billy’s aggression and temper. The combination of period-appropriate physique and athletic training allowed Billy’s social interactions and emotional conflicts to appear more authentic. The choice also enabled the character’s psychological traits—such as familial pressure, social dominance, and internal tension—to be conveyed alongside physical presence.
Montgomery’s approach demonstrates the relationship between physicality and character development. A body that aligns with historical norms allows viewers to perceive the character as a believable high school student rather than a contemporary action figure. This contributed to Billy Hargrove becoming one of the more realistic teen antagonists within the Stranger Things universe.
The decision to forgo a highly defined physique reflects broader trends in Hollywood regarding authenticity and character-driven performance. By prioritising realism over conventional aesthetics, Montgomery’s preparation underscored the importance of aligning physical appearance with narrative context. The approach also illustrated how actors can use physicality to support storylines, character traits, and era-specific behaviour.
Montgomery’s portrayal of Billy Hargrove intersects with the show’s overall attention to period accuracy. Stranger Things emphasizes authenticity in costume, set design, and behaviour, and Montgomery’s physical preparation contributes to this immersive approach. The character’s movements, posture, and interactions are consistent with the 1980s setting, supporting both the narrative and the show’s nostalgic framework.
The approach also influences audience perception. Viewers can respond to Billy’s aggression, vulnerability, and social behaviour as grounded in a specific historical context. The physical representation reinforces narrative tension and character complexity, allowing audiences to engage with both interpersonal drama and the series’ supernatural elements.
Montgomery’s work on Billy Hargrove illustrates the importance of aligning physical appearance with character requirements and historical context. By adjusting his training and diet to match the era, Montgomery supported the psychological and social dimensions of his role. His approach provides an example of how actors contribute to period authenticity and narrative credibility through informed physical preparation.
