Dacre Montgomery, the face of Stranger Things, hit the brakes just as everything was speeding up. Why leave the fast lane when the red carpet is rolling out? His pivot might say more about Hollywood than about him.
Since season 3 of Stranger Things, Dacre Montgomery has slowed his pace and changed course. Having broken out as Billy Hargrove, then appeared in Power Rangers and Elvis, the actor now favors arthouse films and roles that unfold over time. In a recent interview with People Magazine, he spoke about his preference for stories over commercial formulas. A personal choice that might also say something about the industry and the next chapter of his career.
A Stranger Things star in search of meaning
After season 3 of Stranger Things (2019) on Netflix, Dacre Montgomery, the actor behind the charismatic and complex Billy Hargrove, chose to step back. A decision that surprised fans around the world and marks a turning point in the trajectory of this promising actor. At the height of his fame, he preferred to reassess his priorities rather than lock himself into the pace dictated by major franchises.
Dacre Montgomery, an already eventful journey
Before embodying Billy—the role that propelled him onto the international stage—Montgomery had already stood out in major productions. In 2017, he donned the Red Ranger suit in Power Rangers, then appeared in the biopic Elvis (2022), which led him to collaborate with top-tier creative teams. These projects let him explore a range of genres and reach a wide audience. As his profile grew, however, the actor seemed to be searching for something more personal, away from Hollywood’s most conspicuous codes.
Beyond Hollywood, the pull of something different
Dacre Montgomery recently said he no longer felt at home in a world seen as hyper-commercial. Despite the success and the spotlight, he felt the need to explore more personal projects, eager to collaborate with directors of arthouse films and to play characters with deep, nuanced stories. For him, what matters most is the story and the artistic process, more than box office numbers.
“After Stranger Things, I asked myself: Is this really what I want?” he reveals. This reflection pushed him to step away from the Hollywood machine, to hit pause, reflect, and rediscover himself as an artist.
A choice that raises questions for the industry
Montgomery’s step back shines a light on a trend that’s increasingly visible in Hollywood: actors at the height of their fame choosing to slow down, even step away for a while. Is it a rejection of big studio productions, or a craving for authenticity in a landscape driven by profitability? The trend raises questions about the balance between commercial success, mental health, and artistic ambition.
On paper, that choice is risky, but it could open new doors, especially with writers and independent filmmakers looking for distinctive talent. It could also cost him some offers in an industry where trends often dictate careers. Either way, his fans are waiting to discover his next projects and how he will redefine his path as an actor.