Netflix's Stranger Things has grown into one of the most popular shows of the last decade. It has also helped to reignite a love of all things '80s. Not only is the show set in the 1980s, but it also takes a lot of inspiration from the pop culture of the time - from Stephen King to Steven Spielberg.
Along with all of the nostalgic fun and the supernatural mayhem of the series, it is the cast that really makes the adventure worth watching. But what if the show was actually made in the 1980s? Which actors of that era would help to bring the characters of Stranger Things to life?
No other character in the show has had quite as much bad luck as young Will Byers. In the first season of the show, Will is the one who is taken by the Demogorgon and trapped in the Upside Down. In Season 2, he becomes the host for the Mindflayer.
The victim aspect of Will's character seems like the kind of character Will Wheaton would have played in the '80s. Wheaton is probably best known for his role in Stand By Me as the more timid member of the main group of friends.
While most of the adventure deals with the younger kids, the older teens in Hawkins become very important characters as well. Nancy Wheeler is the smart and ambitious young woman who grows into a hero over the course of the series. She is a kind and charming person who isn't afraid to take action.
Mia Sara starred as Sloan in the '80s classic, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. There she showed how she can play that charming and beautiful character who also has a big heart and no fear.
Jonathan Byers is the older brother of Will and a bit of an outcast when we first meet him. He keeps to himself and has a bit of a darker edge to him. Despite being standoffish, Jonathan is also a caring brother and son while also forming a romance with Nancy.
With '80s films like Say Anything and Better Off Dead, John Cusack played those stranger teen roles so well. Also, his brief role in Stand By Me shows that supportive older brother role that is so important for the character of Jonathan.
Though he started off as a bit of a jerk, Steve Harrington has grown into one of the most likable characters on the show. He is the popular jock of high school whose arrogance can be a bit much. But over time, Steve softened and even became a mentor character to the young kids.
Christian Slater was just the kind of actor who had that cool guy persona while also being a bit of a goofball. He can do a great job with a character who the audience is unsure of at first yet gradually becomes a fan-favorite.
Out of the four young boys at the center of the series, it's hard to argue against Dustin being the most likable. He is another character who is treated as something of an outsider and bullied but also seems perfectly content with himself and the things he loves. He is an energetic, hilarious, and brave young man.
Corey Feldman was one of the most prolific young actors of the 80s, so it only makes sense that he would be included here. With roles in Stand By Men, The Goonies, and Gremlins to name a few, he fits perfectly into this world and has that same off-beat yet fun energy as Dustin.
Lucas is usually the most level-headed member of the main group. He is the first one to tell them that their plan is a bad idea or pointing out the potential danger. Once his relationship with Max progresses, he becomes a much funnier character, getting to play the clueless boyfriend role.
Though he is best known as Carlton on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Alfonso Ribeiro first starred in the '80s sitcom Silver Spoons. Seeing his young comedic talent in that role proves he would be great in this role.
As Mike Wheeler is exposed to more of the supernatural threats in Hawkins, he gradually becomes the fearless leader of the group. He is a good friend who is always looking out for those in trouble and will face any danger head-on without any hesitation.
Before fearlessly going on the adventure in Middle Earth, Sean Astin was a young actor in a similar role in The Goonies. Astin actually appeared in Stranger Things as Bob, but in his younger years, he would be a perfect fit for Mike.
It is not just the kids that get in on the action in the show. Joyce Byers is also a central figure who proves herself to be a heroic and relentless mom when her children are threatened.
Former 80s-star Winona Ryder is great in the role, but Jamie Lee Curtis would be a great choice back in the day. Halloween proved Curtis plays the maternal hero part quite well and she is also a hilarious actor which would great for the sweet and funny relationship Joyce shares with Hopper.
Hopper is introduced as the somewhat lazy and inadequate sheriff of Hawkins but eventually proves that he can be a hero when called upon. He is a gruff and sometimes angry person but can snap into action whenever the day needs to be saved.
Tom Selleck already had Hopper's mustache in the '80s so he's basically a shoo-in for the role. Though Selleck is not really known for playing a hero that is so rough around the edges, he does play that sort of laidback lawman quite well on Magnum PI.
The real star of the show is Millie Bobby Brown whose incredible performance as the superpowered young girl, Eleven, is instantly iconic. She is a quiet and gentle young girl who can suddenly unleash tremendous power.
Drew Barrymore started acting at a young age and was already an acclaimed performer in the 1980s. while E.T. shows her sweet and innocent side, her role in Stephen King's Firestarter is very reminiscent of the character of Eleven.
