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Fans tuning into Netflix's newly released behind-the-scenes special One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 quickly noticed the absence of two major cast members: David Harbour and Winona Ryder. While both actors appear briefly in footage from the show's final table read, neither participated in sit-down interviews for the two-hour documentary, prompting speculation online.
The documentary, released on Monday, January 12, follows creators Matt and Ross Duffer as they reflect on the making of the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. Cameras captured moments from the writers' room, on set, and during the emotional final days of production, with many cast and crew members sharing personal reflections on the nearly decade-long journey.
Director Martina Radwan addressed the noticeable omissions in an interview with Variety, explaining that the absence of Harbour, 50, and Ryder, 54, was due purely to scheduling challenges. "We just didn't get the time. They were busy with other projects, and so we didn't have the time to sit down," Radwan said. She added plainly, "Unfortunately, with David and Winona, we couldn't find the time. We tried."
Radwan emphasized that the decision was not intentional and was unrelated to any behind-the-scenes drama. "They weren't avoiding the project and they weren't left out intentionally," she explained, noting that timing simply never aligned during production.
Most of the cast, however, did manage to participate. Millie Bobby Brown, for example, filmed her interview on set while still in character as Eleven. "That was Millie's idea!" Radwan said. "She was like, 'This is my last day, I'm in character.'" Brown even appeared with Eleven's signature nosebleed, a moment that stood out to viewers.
The documentary also captures the emotional weight of ending the series, with Radwan describing the final days of filming as deeply moving. "That was hard because there were so many, and it was so emotional," she said, adding that for some cast members, Stranger Things represented "half their life" or more.
Despite online rumors, Radwan reiterated that Harbour and Ryder's absence should not be read into. Both actors remain central to the series itself, and their characters play key roles in the final season.
One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 offers fans a final look behind the curtain as the Duffer Brothers and cast say goodbye to the world of Hawkins. All five seasons of Stranger Things, along with the documentary special, are now streaming on Netflix.
