Actress Calista Craig chatted about starring in Season 5 of “Stranger Things” on Netflix.
The synopsis is: With Hawkins under lockdown, El in hiding and danger lurking at every turn, the entire party unites with a single goal: to hunt and kill Vecna.
‘Stranger Things’ experience
On being a part of the final season of “Stranger Things” on Netflix, she said, “It was so much fun working on it. I had a blast. It was crazy but I had the best time.”
When asked if she has seen the “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” show on Broadway, she responded, “I have not seen it yet. I really want to see it though because I know that it will give you a lot more background information on the show. I really want to come and see it in the future! It looks really interesting!”
Playing her character Mary in ‘Stranger Things’
On playing Mary, she said, “I think Mary cared a lot about her friends and just wanted the best for them.”
“I think that developed throughout the series, especially how she wanted the best for Holly (played by Nell Fisher) even though she was brainwashed and had no idea what was going on,” she elaborated.
“I think that Mary just wanted the best for her friends and for everyone to be safe,” she added.
Working with the rest of the ‘Stranger Things’ cast and crew
On working with the crest of the cast and crew, she stated, “They were super fun, nice, and very welcoming. I still remember my first day on set where everyone was so kind.”
Lessons learned from ‘Stranger Things’
“I’ve learned so much especially working with a lot of the older cast I members. I have been able to watch them get into character so fast and that has definitely taught me a lot, especially how to lock in.”
“We would be playing games, and the second they say ‘action,’ you just go for it! The Duffer Brothers always let me put my own spin on things. They were open to any ideas I had, and they allowed me to take risks with certain scenes I had to do,” she explained.
“The Duffers were very open to that, and I’ve learned that you just need to be yourself both on and off camera, and that will take you to many places,” she added.
The digital age
On being an actress in the digital age, she said, “It feels great! It’s very exciting and I think a lot of doors may open soon, which I am excited for.”
“Honestly, it’s a roller coaster of emotions and so many things have been going on with the Internet and social media… it has been crazy,” she admitted.
“The accessibility aspect is huge, and the phenomenon of the show is just insane. The fans all over the world have been incredible, and it’s a blast,” she added.
Advice for young and emerging actors
For young and aspiring actors, she encouraged them to “be themselves.” “I’m very bubbly and energetic. I think that honestly that’s the only version of myself that I can be. Don’t let anyone tear you down.
Millie Bobby Brown had told me not to let anyone dull my sparkle and to never lose my sparkle so I am going to take her words to heart.
“I say this to all the young people out there… don’t let anyone tear you down and always fight for what you love and dream big,” she added.
Stage of her life
On the title of the current chapter of her life, she revealed, “New Beginnings.”
“I’m very open to things that are coming for me, and there are a lot of doors that might open soon,” she hinted.
Superpower of choice
If she were to have any superpower, it would be “invisibility or flight.”
“I would want to like be in different places and would want to hear what people are saying,” she said. “I would also love to fly even though I had a fear of heights.”
‘Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias’
On being featured in “Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias,” she shared, “That was so much fun. Elias was the best! I think that was one my first interviews that I ever did,” she said.
Success
Regarding her definition of the word success, she said, “Success is the amount of hard work you put into something. I don’t think it has anything to do with money.”
“Honestly, it’s your hard work that you put in what you set your mind to. I think that’s the greatest success,” she said.
Closing thoughts on ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5
For fans and viewers, she remarked, “What I want them to get out of ‘Stranger Things’ is that everyone is connected. The actors are the same on-screen that you see off-camera because they grew up on the show. Everything is in the moment and so real and authentic.”
“The show is also feel-good escapism,” she admitted. “While they watch it, I hope it brings them to a happy place.”
Message for her fans and supporters
For her fans and supporters, she expressed, “My fans are the best! I love them. That have been so supportive of me on all my platforms, and with the show too!
“The show would not be the same without the fans. I am just so grateful for all of them,” she said, effusively.
To learn more about actress Calista Craig, follow her on Instagram and TikTok.
