Stranger Things’ Finn Wolfhard was 'stalked' by adult fans when he was 13

2 March 2020, 16:37

By Sophie Thompson

Finn Wolfhard, most famously known for his role in Netflix's Stranger Things, has spoken out about a stalking ordeal with adult fans when he was just 13 years old.

Since joining the cast of Netflix's Stranger Things in 2016, Finn Wolfhard has quickly become a household name and dealt with becoming famous at just 12 years old, when no one could've predicted what a cult show it was going to become.

With season 4 on its way, the now-17 year old has been cast in lots of other projects off the back of it, and has taken the opportunity to reflect on his journey into the spotlight, and how he dealt with a rather freaky stalking ordeal with adult fans while filming IT, when he was just 13.

READ MORE: Stranger Things 5: Will season 4 be the last season of the Netflix series?

While filming the remake of the Stephen King classic in which he played Richie Tozier, he recalls heading back to his room after a day on set when he realised he was being followed.

In an interview with Mastermind Magazine, he said: ‘Stranger Things had just come out, and I was by myself. As I walked faster, they walked faster, and I was getting a bit antsy by the time I got to the door.’

‘Suddenly, they were like, “Hey, dude, can we get a selfie?” And I was like, “No you can’t have a selfie! How about don’t follow children?”’ Amen to that.

His fellow cast mate, Millie Bobby Brown, also spoke about the over-sexualisation of children in the industry as she celebrated her 16th birthday, and Finn's ordeal certainly wasn't the last for him.

"The last few years haven't been easy, I'll admit that," Millie said in an Instagram post. "There are moments I get frustrated from the inaccuracy, inappropriate comments, sexualization, and unnecessary insults that ultimately have resulted in pain and insecurity for me."

View this post on Instagram

16 has felt like a long time coming. i feel like change needs to happen for not only this generation but the next. our world needs kindness and support in order for us children to grow and succeed. the last few years haven't been easy, I'll admit that. there are moments i get frustrated from the inaccuracy, inappropriate comments, sexualization, and unnecessary insults that ultimately have resulted in pain and insecurity for me. but not ever will i be defeated. ill continue doing what i love and spreading the message in order to make change. let's focus on what needs changing and I hope this video informs you on the things that go on behind the scenes of the headlines and flashing lights. dont worry I'll always find a way to smile ;) leggo 16 ♡.

A post shared by mills (@milliebobbybrown) on Feb 19, 2020 at 4:49am PST

While also playing in his side-hustle, AKA his band Calpurnia, Finn admitted he’s previously had to ‘stop shows because people were getting crushed’ by keen fans who clearly don’t understand personal space, and that when he's taking taxis, they're often followed by people who then mob him once he arrives.

Unfortunately, this is nothing new for celebrities, but we're happy the Stranger Things kids are using their platforms to share the dark side of the industry with their younger fans - and PSA: stalking is never ok.