As the curtain falls on one of the most culturally significant television shows of the last decade, actress Natalia Dyer has shared an emotional tribute to her character, Nancy Wheeler, and the journey she has taken through the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana.
Following the release of the epic Stranger Things series finale on December 31, 2025, Dyer took to Instagram to reflect on her nearly ten-year journey with the Netflix phenomenon. Sharing a poignant photo of herself in character, she described the experience as more than just a job.
“Monster Hunting With You”
In a heartfelt caption that resonated with millions of fans worldwide, Dyer thanked the creators, the cast, and the viewers who have followed Nancy’s evolution from a studious teenager to a fearless, gun-wielding defender of her town.
“I’ve truly loved and learned so much from Nancy Wheeler,” Dyer wrote. “Thank you guys for everything. It’s been an honor of a lifetime monster hunting with you.”
A Decade in the Upside Down
Since its debut in 2016, Stranger Things has blended 1980s nostalgia with supernatural horror, creating a global community of fans. For Dyer, playing Nancy Wheeler meant growing up alongside her character. In recent interviews, she noted that the final season felt more like an “action movie,” a far cry from the grounded mystery of the show’s early days.
The actress was particularly vocal about Nancy’s ending, revealing she was “adamant” that the character should not return to a traditional college setting, believing instead that Nancy’s independence and experiences had made her outgrow the life of a typical student. In the finale, Nancy is seen pursuing her passion for investigative journalism at the Boston Herald.
Beyond Hawkins: What’s Next for Natalia Dyer?
While fans are still processing the “bittersweet” series finale, Dyer is already looking toward a new phase of her career. Beyond her iconic role in Stranger Things, she has built an impressive resume with projects like:
- Films: Yes, God, Yes, Velvet Buzzsaw, and the thriller Things Heard & Seen.
- Recent Work: She was most recently seen in the horror-thriller All Fun and Games, where she led a group of teens in a deadly game against demonic forces.
- Future Projects: Dyer is reportedly focusing on independent cinema and high-concept thrillers as she navigates her post-Hawkins life.
As the “Wheeler” era concludes, Dyer remains forever bonded with her castmates, including long-term partner Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers) and stars like Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard, whom she described as “family” during an intimate cast watch party in New York.