From Hawkins To Broadway: 5 Major Updates On What Dustin Stranger Things (Gaten Matarazzo) Is Doing Now

The lovable, witty sidekick of the Stranger Things crew, Dustin Henderson, has captured millions of hearts, but what is the actor behind the iconic character, Gaten Matarazzo, up to now? As of December 2025, the 22-year-old actor is navigating the emotional conclusion of the Netflix phenomenon while simultaneously building a formidable career on the Broadway stage and expanding his filmography. The transition from a child star known for his scientific mind and radio skills in Hawkins, Indiana, to a mature, versatile performer is complete, marked by major theatrical roles and a highly anticipated final season of the show that launched him to global fame. Fans are eager for details on his next moves and the fate of their favorite D&D enthusiast.

The journey of Gaten Matarazzo has been one of significant growth, both professionally and personally. From his early days on Broadway to becoming a household name, he has leveraged his unique talent and infectious personality to secure diverse roles, ensuring his career extends far beyond the borders of the Upside Down. Here is a comprehensive look at the latest updates on Gaten Matarazzo, the man who brought Dustin Henderson to life.

Gaten Matarazzo: Biography and Professional Profile (2025 Update)

• Full Name: Gaetano John Matarazzo III
• Date of Birth: September 8, 2002
• Age (as of 2025): 23
• Birthplace: Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, U.S.
• Known For: Playing Dustin Henderson in the Netflix series Stranger Things (2016–2025).
• Condition: Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD), a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects the development of bones and teeth. Matarazzo has been a vocal advocate, raising awareness for the condition.
• Early Career Highlights: Began on Broadway as Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (2011–2012) and Gavroche in Les Misérables (2014–2015).
• Recent Broadway Roles: Jared Kleinman in Dear Evan Hansen (2022) and Toby in the revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2023–2024).
• Film/Voice Work: Starred in the film Honor Society (2022) and voiced a role in the animated project LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild.

1. The Final Countdown: Updates on Stranger Things Season 5

The most pressing question for millions of fans revolves around the conclusion of Stranger Things, and Matarazzo has been providing intriguing updates on the final chapter. The actor, who was just 13 when he was first cast, is now a young man wrapping up a decade-defining role. The final season, Stranger Things 5, is set to deliver a massive, emotional payoff.

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The Time Jump and Hawkins' Fate: Matarazzo has confirmed that the new season begins with a significant "time jump," which was necessary due to the visible aging of the young cast members. This jump will likely place the characters closer to their college years, adding a new layer of maturity and high stakes to the narrative. Furthermore, he noted that the town of Hawkins, Indiana, is in "real disarray" following the catastrophic events of Season 4, where the Rifts between their world and the Upside Down were fully opened by Vecna. Dustin, with his characteristic optimism and scientific know-how, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the final battle against the forces of the Upside Down.

Emotional Goodbyes: The final season is an emotional experience for the entire cast, including Matarazzo. He has spoken about the difficulty of saying goodbye to the character of Dustin Henderson, whom he has played for so long, and the unique bond he shares with his co-stars like Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair) and Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler). The highly anticipated Los Angeles premiere of the final season is scheduled for November 6, 2025, at the TCL Chinese Theatre, marking the official end of an era.

2. Broadway's New Leading Man: Matarazzo's Theatrical Dominance

While Stranger Things made him a global star, Matarazzo’s heart has always been on the stage. He is a true Broadway veteran, having started his career there before the Netflix series. In the years leading up to and during the filming of Stranger Things 5, he has cemented his status as a major theatrical talent.

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The Sweeney Todd Revival: Matarazzo’s most recent high-profile role was playing Toby in the critically acclaimed Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's dark musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. His performance as the boy who becomes entangled in the murderous plot received significant praise, showcasing his vocal range and dramatic acting chops. He officially set his final performance date in 2024, a clear sign that he is actively managing his schedule to accommodate the final push for Stranger Things and new projects.

Dear Evan Hansen: Prior to Sweeney Todd, Matarazzo returned to the Broadway stage in 2022, joining the final cast of Dear Evan Hansen, where he played the role of Jared Kleinman. These diverse roles—from the comedic and tech-savvy Jared to the tragic Toby—demonstrate his commitment to challenging himself outside of the science-fiction genre.

3. Beyond the Screen: Advocacy and Personal Life

Gaten Matarazzo’s life off-screen is as impactful as his on-screen career, particularly his advocacy work and his close relationship with his co-stars.

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Advocacy for Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD): Matarazzo has been a powerful voice for Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD), the genetic condition he lives with. The Duffer Brothers, the creators of Stranger Things, famously incorporated his condition into Dustin Henderson's character, making it a natural part of the show's narrative rather than a hidden detail. He frequently uses his platform to educate the public, raise funds, and support others with CCD, turning a personal challenge into a source of inspiration for millions.

Co-Star Dynamics: The bond between the original young cast members remains strong. Matarazzo has shared humorous anecdotes about his life with his fellow actors, including a recent mention of a "messy living situation" he shared with Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), highlighting the real-life friendships that have developed over the course of the series. These personal connections are part of the legacy of Stranger Things.

Future Filmography: While the final season of Stranger Things is the immediate focus, Matarazzo is also exploring diverse film roles. His appearance in the 2022 film Honor Society, a dark comedy, showed a different side to his acting abilities. His voice work in projects like LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild also indicates a willingness to explore different media and genres, suggesting a post-Stranger Things career that will be anything but limited.

4. The Legacy of Dustin Henderson and What Comes Next

For many, Gaten Matarazzo will forever be associated with Dustin Henderson, the character known for his iconic curlier hair, love of science, and memorable relationship with Suzie. Matarazzo himself has stated that he would be "okay forever" being known as the actor from Stranger Things, acknowledging the immense gift the role has been.

However, his recent projects on Broadway demonstrate a clear intention to be recognized as a multi-faceted performer. As the final season wraps up, industry experts predict Matarazzo will be highly sought after for both dramatic and musical roles. His unique blend of comedic timing, sincere emotional depth, and vocal prowess makes him a rare talent who can seamlessly move between a major Netflix production, a high-caliber Broadway stage, and future film opportunities. The story of Gaten Matarazzo is a perfect example of a child star successfully transitioning into a mature, respected artist.

Fans can look forward to seeing the culmination of Dustin's journey as he faces the final threat to Hawkins and, simultaneously, watching Gaten Matarazzo continue to expand his career across all mediums.