Winona Ryder didn’t know what Netflix was before she signed on for Stranger Things

STRANGER THINGS. Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers in STRANGER THINGS. Cr. Atsushi Nishijima/Netflix © 2022
STRANGER THINGS. Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers in STRANGER THINGS. Cr. Atsushi Nishijima/Netflix © 2022

In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, the digital streaming platform Netflix has become a household name, a game-changer in how we consume our favorite shows and movies. Yet, there was a time not so long ago when even a Hollywood icon like Winona Ryder had no idea what Netflix was or what revolutionary concept it had in store!

Join us as we delve into the intriguing journey of how this acclaimed actress stumbled upon a groundbreaking series that introduced her to the Netflix phenomenon, forever altering her perspective on the way we watch television!

Winona Ryder didn’t know what Netflix was before Stranger Things

Before Winona Ryder, the iconic actress known for her unforgettable roles in classic films like Beetlejuice (1988), Heathers (1989), Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), and Little Women (1994) signed on to star in Netflix’s critically acclaimed sci-fi series, Stranger Things, she found herself in unfamiliar territory. She apparently had little knowledge of what Netflix was or the concept of streaming.

In a recent interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the series director and executive producer, Shawn Levy, shared an amusing anecdote from when Winona Ryder was initially approached for the show. Levy recalled the moment Winona Ryder’s journey with Netflix began, saying:

"“She opened by asking, ‘What is Netflix? What is streaming? Is it like TV but different?’ That was the starting point… Yeah, Winona took a little onboarding to explain this emerging form of storytelling called Netflix and streaming.”"

This revelation sheds light on the changing landscape of entertainment and how even established actors like Winona Ryder had to adapt to the new era of content consumption.

Her subsequent role in Stranger Things not only marked her successful transition to streaming but also contributed to the show’s phenomenal success and the rise of Netflix as a major player in the entertainment industry!

Stranger Things season 5 latest update

Production of Stranger Things season 5 has hit a delay, attributed to the ongoing strike by SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists). This strike has pushed back the commencement of filming. As soon as the strike is resolved, production is expected to resume. While there are varying speculations about the release date, some sources suggest it could come as early as 2024, while others predict a release in late 2025 or early 2026.

It’s important to note that until the strikes conclude and production resumes, everything remains in the realm of speculation. Nevertheless, once these challenges are overcome, we can anticipate the release of more details about the upcoming season.

Stay tuned to Netflix Life for more updates on your favorite shows!