Maya Hawke Shares Major Update on Stranger Things Season 5
Maya Hawke, known for her role as Robin Buckley in Netflix’s Stranger Things, recently offered fans an important update on the show’s highly anticipated fifth and final season. Appearing on the Podcrushed podcast, the 26-year-old actress provided insights into the filming schedule and her experience working on the series.
“Eight Movies in One Season”
During her conversation with hosts Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, and Sophie Ansari, Hawke described the upcoming season as exceptionally ambitious. “We’re basically making eight movies,” she said, referring to the season’s eight episodes, each expected to be feature-length. Hawke joined Stranger Things in 2019 and will reprise her beloved character in the follow-up to the dramatic events of Season 4, released in 2022.
Filming Extended Through 2024
Hawke revealed that production for Season 5 will span an entire year, continuing through the end of 2024. She noted the meticulous approach of the Duffer Brothers, the show’s creators. “They take their time with the writing because they’re so serious about the quality of the next chapter,” Hawke explained. This dedication means each season involves extensive writing and shooting periods.
A New Literary Venture
In addition to her acting work, Maya Hawke has delved into the literary world. In October, she was announced as the narrator for the audiobook version of Slouching Towards Bethlehem, a collection of essays by the late Joan Didion. This iconic 1968 work features notable pieces such as On Keeping a Notebook and Goodbye to All That.
Hawke expressed her admiration for Didion: “I’ve always been a huge fan of Joan Didion’s work. Many essays in Slouching Towards Bethlehem were written in her twenties, and it’s been an incredible experience spending time with her words and feeling that camaraderie almost 60 years later.”
Hawke added, “It’s an honor to narrate her exceptional work and bring her iconic prose to a new generation.” The audiobook is set for release on November 5, 2024, by Macmillan Audio, with pre-orders available now.
Previous Voice Work and Acting Roles
Hawke is no stranger to voice work. Her past audiobook credits include narrating Alexi Pappas’s memoir Bravey and James Ellroy’s American Tabloid. She also lent her voice to Inside Out 2, the animated sequel set to debut later this year, where she portrays the character Anxiety.
Reflections on Nepotism in Hollywood
Hawke reflected on her status as the daughter of Hollywood veterans Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman. She acknowledged the privileges of her upbringing but maintained a grounded perspective. “It’s okay to be made fun of if you’re in a rarefied atmosphere,” she said. “It’s a fortunate place to be.”
Hawke also shared how she embraced her lineage instead of distancing herself from it. “I saw two paths early on change your name, get a nose job, and go to open auditions—or own who you are,” she explained. Her close relationship with her parents has helped her navigate the challenges and perks of a career in the spotlight.
As fans eagerly await the conclusion of Stranger Things, Maya Hawke’s updates have only heightened anticipation. With an epic scope and a focus on quality storytelling, Season 5 is poised to be a fitting finale for the beloved series.
