Can a 20-year-old master acting and directing in Hollywood? Finn Wolfhard is showing age doesn’t matter. He started as Mike Wheeler in “Stranger Things” and now works in horror, comedy, and directing.
At 20, Finn has already made a big impact. He’s starred in “IT” and voiced characters in “Pinocchio.” His talent is impressive, even for someone much older.
His new project is “Hell of a Summer,” a slasher comedy he co-directed with Billy Bryk. Despite doubts from financiers who thought he was too young, Finn made it happen. He shot the film in just three weeks.
Finn isn’t new to directing. His short film “Night Shifts” won an award at the Fantasia Film Festival in 2020. He started studying filmmaking at 11, bringing both skill and fresh ideas to his work.
With “Stranger Things” season 5 coming and “Hell of a Summer” in 2025, Finn is proving he’s more than just an actor. His journey from child star to filmmaker shows his growth in Hollywood.
Who is Finn Wolfhard? Rising Star in Hollywood
Finn Wolfhard was born on December 23, 2002, in Vancouver. He’s become a big name in young Hollywood. He’s talented in many areas and stays humble, winning fans all over.
Background as a Canadian Actor
Wolfhard comes from a Canadian background. He was born and raised in Vancouver. This upbringing influenced his acting and music.
Unlike many child actors, Finn grew up in Vancouver. This helped him develop his craft away from Hollywood’s pressure. It made him more grounded.
Age and Early Career Beginnings
Wolfhard is just 21, but he’s been acting for 10 years. He started at 9 with roles on “The 100” and “Supernatural.” These early parts hinted at his future success.
He’s 5’10” and worth $5 million. Finn has grown both in height and in his career before our eyes.
I’ve been watching movies since I was 10 or 11, and that’s when I knew I wanted to tell stories myself.
Quick Rise to Fame
Wolfhard’s career took off in 2016 at age 13. He became Mike Wheeler in “Stranger Things.” This Netflix hit made him famous worldwide almost instantly.
In 2017, he starred in “IT.” This role solidified his place in big movies. He speaks French and supports environmental causes, showing his talents go beyond acting.
Breakout Role in “Stranger Things”
Finn Wolfhard became famous in 2016 when he played Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things on Netflix. This role made him a well-known name almost instantly. The show became a hit, loved by fans worldwide and praised by critics.
Playing Mike Wheeler
Wolfhard played Mike Wheeler, the brave leader of his friends in Hawkins, Indiana. He started with $20,000 per episode and by season three, he made $250,000. His acting showed how a young boy grows up while facing monsters.
Impact of the Netflix Series on His Career
Stranger Things changed Wolfhard’s career for the better. He and his co-stars won awards for their acting. This success led to more movie roles and recognition in Variety’s Hollywood Youth Impact Report for three years. By 2020, Forbes named him one of the 30 Under 30 in entertainment.
Chemistry with the Young Cast
Wolfhard and his co-stars, like Millie Bobby Brown and Gaten Matarazzo, have a real connection. Their friendship makes the show feel real. This connection helped Wolfhard win a Kids’ Choice Award in 2023.
“The relationships you see on screen are pretty true to life. We all just clicked from the first table read. That chemistry you see isn’t something you can fake.”
Finn Wolfhard’s Horror Film Success
Finn Wolfhard has made a big name for himself in horror movies. He’s known for mixing fear with humor, making him a favorite in scary films.
Starring Role in “IT” and “IT Chapter Two”
Wolfhard played Richie Tozier in “IT” in 2017. The movie was a huge hit, making over $700 million worldwide. The sequel, “IT Chapter Two,” also did well, earning about $211 million globally.
Wolfhard’s Richie was both funny and serious. His quick jokes helped lighten the mood during the scary parts.
Other Horror Projects
Wolfhard has worked on more horror projects. He co-directed and co-wrote “Hell of a Summer,” a comedy slasher film. It was shown at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.
The film was a hit, earning a runner-up spot for the People’s Choice Award. Neon bought the US rights in August 2024. Wolfhard pitched the idea when he was just 20.
Why He Excels in the Horror Genre
Wolfhard is great at horror because he’s real and funny at the same time. His timing is perfect, making scary scenes less scary. He knows horror well and brings new energy to it.
He also loves directing, aiming to make cult classics like “Friday the 13th.” Wolfhard is not just a talented actor but also a creative force in horror.
Venturing into Comedy and Lighter Roles
Finn Wolfhard has explored more than just horror movies. He showed his funny side in “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” as Trevor, a “dumb teenager.” His scenes were full of laughs. Wolfhard, who failed his driving test twice, brought life to Trevor, who fixes the Ecto-1.
Wolfhard’s talent in comedy is clear. He moves easily between serious and light roles. His natural humor, seen in darker parts, shines in his new roles. This versatility is like how musical artists mix styles to connect with fans.
“The character Trevor is a dumb teenager. Every scene I’m in has something funny in it. I’m very excited for people to see the humor in this film.”
At 17, Wolfhard directed “Hell of a Summer” with Billy Bryk. It’s a slasher comedy that pays tribute to ’80s horror. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023. It shows Wolfhard’s growth as a writer-director.
Wolfhard’s move into comedy shows his diverse talent. From “Stranger Things” to his new projects, he brings a wide range of emotions. He makes audiences laugh and feel deeply.
Beyond Acting: Music and Directing Pursuits
Finn Wolfhard is more than just an actor. He has explored many creative fields, showing his talent in music and directing. This makes him a standout among his peers.
His Band “The Aubreys” (Previously “Calpurnia”)
In 2017, Finn started his music career with Calpurnia. The band quickly gained fans and released an EP. After two years, they stopped, but Finn didn’t give up.
In 2020, he formed The Aubreys. They released their first single, “Loved One,” and an EP called “Soda & Pie.” Finn’s music mixes indie rock with personal lyrics, showing his creativity.
Directorial Debut
At 19, Finn co-directed his first film, “Hell of a Summer,” in 2022. He worked with Billy Bryk on this slasher comedy. The film is done, showing Finn’s early success in directing.
Before “Hell of a Summer,” Finn directed “Night Shifts,” a short film that won awards at festivals.
Directing was one of the best experiences of my life despite being incredibly daunting. I learned something new every single day on set.
Multi-faceted Creative Talents
By 2023, Finn’s net worth was $7 million. He used his fame from Stranger Things to explore different careers. Starting to feel anxious at 15, Finn faced challenges but kept growing.
He shows that it’s possible to be more than just an actor. Finn is part of a new wave of artists who don’t limit themselves to one field.
Awards, Recognition, and Future Prospects
Finn Wolfhard has shown his talent in many ways. In 2018, his short film “Night Shifts” won a big award at the Fantasia Film Festival. It also played at the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival. This win highlighted his growing skills as a director and storyteller.
Wolfhard’s net worth is about $4 million. This shows his success in acting, music, and directing. His famous role in “Stranger Things,” his work in horror movies like “IT,” and his comedy roles have all helped his wealth. He’s young and already has a lot of money.
Wolfhard’s future looks very promising. He will voice a character in Guillermo Del Toro’s “Pinocchio.” He also has roles in big A24 movies like “When You Finish Saving the World” and “The Legend of Ochi.” These roles will show off his acting skills and make him even more popular. Experts think he will keep getting better and become a top star in Hollywood.
