Caleb McLaughlin Discusses “Stranger Things” and the Conformity Debate
Caleb McLaughlin, best known for his role in “Stranger Things,” is making waves with his new film, “GOAT.” The animated feature, produced by Sony Pictures Animation, showcases McLaughlin as the voice of Will Harris, a determined yet undersized character aspiring to play professional roarball, a twist on basketball played by animals in their unique habitats. “GOAT” hits theaters on February 13, 2024, following an impressive run from the studio with hits like the Oscar-winning “Spider-Verse” trilogy.
Overview of “GOAT”
In “GOAT,” Will Harris gains unexpected fame after an impromptu streetball match. He manages to outplay the ROAR league MVP, Mane Attraction, which catches the attention of his favorite team, the Vineland Thorns. They sign him on for the remainder of the season in hopes of boosting ticket sales.
The Underdog Narrative
- McLaughlin has a history of embodying underdog characters, including in “Shooting Stars,” a film about LeBron James’ high school basketball journey.
- His portrayal of Will resonates with his personal experiences, including once being sidelined from an acting role during auditions.
- McLaughlin emphasizes the growth and strength derived from overcoming humiliation, a theme central in “GOAT.”
Conformity and Closing “Stranger Things”
Recently, McLaughlin reflected on fan theories surrounding “Stranger Things,” particularly the so-called “Conformity Gate” theory. He joined co-stars Finn Wolfhard and Gaten Matarazzo on “SNL” to address the theory that the series finale was an illusion created by the antagonist, Vecna.
McLaughlin’s Take on the Theory
Initially dismissive of the theory, McLaughlin later acknowledged that fans may have been coping with the conclusion of the beloved show.
- He feels that the narrative closure aligns with the show’s legacy and that it’s time to move on.
- McLaughlin and co-star Sadie Sink believe that the character Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, is indeed gone.
Balancing Projects
During the filming of “Stranger Things 5,” McLaughlin also recorded his voice for “GOAT,” demonstrating the flexibility required for voice acting. He often recorded on his days off, including sessions while on the promotional tour for “Stranger Things.”
Connections and Revelations
Interestingly, McLaughlin did not realize that fellow “Stranger Things” actor David Harbour was also part of the “GOAT” voice cast until midway through 2025. This adds to the behind-the-scenes intrigue and secrecy surrounding both projects.
Now, as McLaughlin steps into a post-“Stranger Things” era, he expresses gratitude for his past roles while eagerly embracing new challenges in his career, highlighting the impact of both triumphs and struggles on his growth as an actor.
Looking Ahead
With “GOAT” set for release soon, McLaughlin looks forward to potential future projects, including aspirations to work within the Marvel universe. He identifies actor Donald Glover as a current inspiration and reflects on his own journey, which includes navigating the world of acting while balancing personal growth and ambition.
