Few actors have grown up under the blinding glare of fame quite like Millie Bobby Brown. From the moment she burst onto screens as Eleven in Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things,’ Brown became more than just a child star; she became a cultural touchstone.
Yet, as she transitions into adulthood, she finds herself caught in a cycle all too familiar to young celebrities: intense public scrutiny, sensational tabloid coverage, and a never-ending barrage of rumors. Now, ahead of ‘Stranger Things’ season 5, Brown is speaking out, not just about her journey as an actor, but about reclaiming her narrative from a media landscape eager to define her.
Millie Bobby Brown Reflects On Playing Eleven And Getting Targeted By Tabloids
In her recent interview with British Vogue, Millie Bobby Brown opened up with refreshing honesty about her complicated relationship with fame, adulthood, and the final chapter of the series that made her a household name. When asked how it feels to say goodbye to Eleven, she admitted, “It’s like the death of someone you love.” It’s not an exaggeration, Brown began her ‘Stranger Things’ journey at just 10 years old. For nearly a decade, she’s carried Eleven. “This is like a family to me,” she said of her castmates.
Related: Everything You Should Know About Vecna From ‘Stranger Things’
“Not just the cast, not just the crew, but the entity of Stranger Things.” She fondly recalled an emotional moment with her co-stars as they read the final scripts together. “All of us kids huddled and cried for five minutes straight,” she said. “It was the realization that this chapter of our lives, our childhoods, was coming to an end.” However, even as she reflects with gratitude, Brown has found herself once again at the center of tabloid attention.
Recent rumors have claimed that she filed a harassment complaint against co-star David Harbour, who plays her on-screen father, Jim Hopper. Netflix has refused to comment on the alleged investigation, as have Harbour and Brown. Still, the noise surrounding the report has grown louder in recent weeks. Instead of feeding into the frenzy, Brown used her Vogue interview to address the toll of living under constant scrutiny.
“People can’t seem to grow up with me,” she confessed. “I’m a target.” When asked about the unrelenting criticism and headlines, she replied with defiant calm: “If I’m gonna be your punching bag, it’s almost like I’m the right person for it. Because I don’t care anymore.” With ‘Stranger Things’ coming to an end, Brown seems ready to close this chapter. The rumors may persist. But Brown’s message is clear: she’s no longer shaken by the noise.
‘Stranger Things’ Star Speaks On Her Bond With David Harbour Amid Harassment Rumors
Despite the tabloid whirlwind, Brown’s recent red-carpet appearance at the ‘Stranger Things’ season 5 premiere told a different story. Smiling alongside David Harbour, she reflected warmly on their long-standing partnership both on and off screen. “I obviously have a really special bond with David because we have a father-daughter relationship,” she told ET.
In case you missed it: Hidden ‘Harry Potter’ And ‘Stranger Things’ Parallels You’ve Probably Missed
“You really get to see that in season five. It’s been so special to have him along on this journey with me, Winona, and the kids. I’m really honored to have played Eleven and to have met such amazing people along the way.” Brown’s words echoed the same sentiment Harbour shared when asked about their relationship earlier this year. He called her “a remarkable young woman” and expressed deep admiration for how she’s handled the pressures of fame.
Behind the camera, creators Matt and Ross Duffer have stepped in to clear the air. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Ross Duffer said, “Obviously, you understand I can’t get into personal on-set matters, but we’ve been doing this for 10 years with this cast, and at this point, they’re family. Nothing matters more than just having a set where everyone feels safe and happy.”
