During the production of Stranger Things, one of the most memorable behind-the-scenes incidents involved Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven, showing up on set completely covered in glitter. Ross Duffer, co-creator of the series, recounted the story in an NPR interview. The glitter caused a roughly 45-minute delay as the crew worked to remove it before filming could resume. Makeup and costume teams were called in, and crew members attempted to vacuum the stray particles. David Harbour, who plays Hopper, was specifically mentioned as someone who could not be covered in glitter for his scenes.
Despite the disruption, the atmosphere on set remained light. Brown was reportedly laughing during the clean-up, and the cast and crew treated the incident as a minor, humorous challenge rather than a serious problem. The story highlights the realities of working with young actors in a high-profile, complex production. Stranger Things is known for its detailed set design, precise lighting, and coordinated visual effects, all of which require careful timing. Unexpected events such as this demonstrate the flexibility and problem-solving necessary on set.
Brown was 12 years old when Stranger Things premiered in 2016. The show’s creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, chose her despite her limited experience, trusting her to carry a role central to the story’s emotional and supernatural stakes. By the time Season 4 aired in 2022, she had become a global star. The glitter incident illustrates the balance the production maintained between professional expectations and the fact that many of its actors were still children navigating a demanding work environment.
The Duffer Brothers have emphasized creating a supportive set for the young cast. They understood the challenges of performing emotionally and technically complex scenes while also allowing the actors to experience aspects of normal childhood. Ross Duffer described the set as a place where the team aimed to keep the work environment fun despite the intensity of production. Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike, recalled that growing up on set made events like these feel normal and provided moments of levity amid the demanding schedule.
Incidents such as Brown’s glitter mishap reflect the human side of a production that is otherwise focused on precision and visual spectacle. While Stranger Things features complex effects, elaborate sets, and detailed props, the series’ success is also built on the relationships among its cast and crew and the supportive environment created for its young performers.
As Stranger Things 5 approaches its premiere in November 2025, stories like this highlight the decade-long journey of both the characters and the actors. Brown has transitioned from a child actor into a leading performer in multiple major projects, yet moments like the glitter incident remain emblematic of her early experiences on set and the collaborative, often unpredictable environment of the show. The anecdote underscores the balance between professional filmmaking and the realities of working with children, illustrating how the series has combined detailed production work with attention to the welfare and development of its young cast.
