Gaten Matarazzo discusses breaking free from ‘Stranger Things’ role

Gaten Matarazzo reflected on the typecasting struggles following the end of Stranger Thing.

Matarazzo, starred as Dustin Henderson, who was known for his sarcastic and loyal personality and his love for science.

In an interview with the US Weekly, while discussing his new comedy film Pizza Movie, he opened up about the challenge of typecasting that he has to face after the hit Netflix series.

"I would love to jump into something starkly different [after Stranger Things], but there is a tug of war there," he said.

Matarazzo went on to explain, "Because when you play a part for so long, it's very easy for people who are making new projects that you will go out for, for them to say, 'I see what you've done, so I know that your capabilities fall into line with an idea that I have.'"

The Honor Society star further said that he understands why casting directors see him as similar to Dustin’s character from Stranger Things.

He called it a reasonable connection, but admitted he is not very interested in repeating that type of role.

At the same time, he acknowledged how lucky and privileged he is in an extremely competitive society. The success of Stranger Things has given him the rare luxury of being selective about his next projects.

The Pizza Movie is now available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.

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