Stranger Things star Sadie Sink "didn't think people would care" about Max

Sadie Sink has had one of the hardest jobs in Stranger Things. After a hugely successful first season, her character Max was introduced in season 2, and Sink had the pressure as a child actor to join an established and hugely popular cast. However, she slotted in seamlessly, becoming one of the show's most beloved characters. Max will play a key role in the show's fifth and final season.

In the end of season 4, Max was left in a coma following a big battle with Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). Her state was precarious, but she'll no doubt recover and rejoin the fight in the show's ultimate showdown. "They love having me run," Sink told Variety when asked about whether Max will find herself in a better way in season 5.

From her relationship with her brother to the terrors of Vecna, Max's journey so far has been an emotional rollercoaster. In fact, she probably has the most iconic scene in Stranger Things history, synonymous with the sound of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill."

The fact that fans took Max into their hearts so quickly means the world to Sink. “I really didn’t think people would care all that much about her journey,” she said. “I was kind of like, ‘That’s cool.'”

Sadie Sink "forgot" how tough Stranger Things is to film

The 8-episode final season is still in production, and the team is working tirelessly to deliver something special. The final season's progress has been rough. Last year, all was put on pause during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Filming has now been ongoing since January.

"I’ve been working all of last week, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I forgot how hard this show is,’” Sink said. “You’re a team player here. It’s not about me. It’s not about anyone. It’s about the show and what’s best for it.”

Stranger Things 5 is expected to premiere sometime in 2025. The journey is almost over, folks. But worry not, Netflix will continue its endeavors in the Upside Down; at least one spinoff project in in development.