Joining one of the most iconic TV shows of all time is a dream for any actor—but doing so in its final season comes with a unique mix of pressure, excitement, and emotion. In her interview with Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias, Calista Craig, who played Mary in the last season of Stranger Things, opens up about stepping into Hawkins at the very end, keeping massive secrets, and portraying one of the season’s most talked-about character arcs.
Stepping Into the Final Chapter of Stranger Things
Calista revealed that joining the show so late in its run felt both surreal and bittersweet.
“Everything on set was just so magical. With the show coming to an end, it was really bittersweet… I just felt so grateful to be part of the final season.”
She also admitted there was real pressure walking onto a set where many of the cast had been working together for nearly a decade—but that anxiety quickly faded.
“They were all so welcoming. The Duffers, the directors—everyone made it such a safe space.”
Keeping a Major Secret for Two Years
Before fans ever met Mary, Calista had already been holding onto the secret of her casting for nearly two years.
“It was really hard. Once I was finally allowed to talk about it, it felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders.”
That secrecy only added to the excitement when the season finally premiered and fans began reacting to Mary’s journey.
Mary’s Unexpected and Darker Turn
At first, Mary appears as Holly’s loyal best friend—someone viewers didn’t expect to play a major role. But as Volume 2 unfolded, the character took a shocking turn.
“I think the first four episodes, fans just saw me as Holly’s best friend. Then Volume 2 dropped and Mary really changed.”
Calista explained that Mary stepping into a leadership role—and the influence surrounding her—ultimately led to her darker moments.
“She wanted to take charge when Holly wasn’t there… and it kind of took over her.”
Despite fan backlash, Calista hopes viewers see more nuance in Mary when rewatching the season.
“Mary isn’t as evil as some people think. All the kids were brainwashed, and at the core, she just wanted to protect her friend.”
Filming the Emotional Dungeons & Dragons Basement Scene
One of the most emotional moments of the season was the final Dungeons & Dragons basement scene, which marked the end of the journey for both the younger and older casts.
“That whole day was emotional. A lot of that scene was improv—we were just laughing and trying to soak up every moment.”
Knowing it was the final day made the experience even more powerful.
“It was special being there with the older cast too. It was their final day as well.”
Facing Vecna and Working With Jamie Campbell Bower
Calista also spoke about working opposite Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna—a performance that was as intimidating as it was inspiring.
“He is terrifying on screen, but in real life, he’s one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.”
She even practiced lines with him fully in character.
“He looked at me in his Vecna voice and I was genuinely terrified—but it helped the scene so much.”
Learning From the Veteran Cast
One piece of advice that stuck with Calista came from Millie Bobby Brown.
“She told me, ‘Never let anyone dull your sparkle.’ I really took that to heart.”
Calista also shared how the Duffers would sometimes play music during emotional scenes to help actors tap into the right mindset—something she learned to carry into her future work.
Embracing the 1980s Look and Style
From scrunchies to statement earrings, Mary’s 1980s wardrobe became a fan favorite.
“Mary was known for her earrings and her hair—the poof was everything.”
For Calista, stepping into the 80s was a brand-new experience that helped shape her performance.
“I never lived through the 80s, so it was really fun learning about the music and the style.”
Looking Ahead
With Stranger Things now complete, Calista is excited about what’s next—including upcoming film projects—and hopes the show opens doors for future roles.
“Acting is what I really want to pursue. Being part of this show changed everything.”
As fans continue to rewatch the final season, Calista hopes viewers take another look at Mary’s journey.
“Characters change. A lot can be revealed over time—and I think Mary’s story really shows that.”