Matthew Modine fondly remembered his initial encounter with his Stranger Things castmate Millie Bobby Brown during her early days
Fast forward to 2024, Modine would go on to preside over Brown’s wedding ceremony. Matthew Modine warmly recounted the unforgettable moment he first crossed paths with fellow Stranger Things cast member Millie Bobby Brown. Speaking to PEOPLE during the Broadway premiere of Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Marquis Theatre on Tuesday, April 22, the seasoned actor reflected on his initial meeting with Brown while filming the Netflix supernatural mystery series’ debut season.
“I distinctly remember the day I met Millie … she was just eleven,” Modine, 66, reminisces about that 2015 encounter. “She was sitting in the small holding cell [for her character], and there was such excitement surrounding her, everyone was eager to introduce me to my new scene partner. She possessed this magical quality – professional yet childlike, mature beyond her years but still wonderfully innocent. You know that saying about someone having ‘that special something’?” “Looking at this eleven-year-old girl, I thought, ‘This young talent truly has that special quality,'” he continues.
Brown, who recently turned 21, portrays the beloved character Eleven in Stranger Things, while Modine took on the role of Dr. Martin Brenner, her mysterious father figure, appearing in seasons one and four. For those wondering who is Millie Bobby Brown, she has become a household name since her breakout role as Eleven in Stranger Things, captivating audiences with her powerful performance in the Duffer brothers’ hit series.
Photo credit: Lance Cpl. Pranav Ramakrishna, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Modine elaborated on his relationship with Brown during his appearance at the October Stranger Things Epic Cons panel.
“Everything begins and ends with Millie,” he expressed to the crowd when discussing his favorite on-set memories. “Meeting her as an eleven-year-old on set was the start of something special. I was instantly captivated by this innocent child.”
He continued praising Brown’s “incredible focus, determination, and intelligence,” noting that “this friendship will remain close to my heart for the remainder of my days.”
Their connection has flourished beyond the professional realm. Modine had the honor of officiating Brown’s marriage ceremony to Jake Bongiovi in May 2024. Bongiovi, 22, shared a photograph from the ceremony on his Instagram profile in October.
“Wonderful. Who’s that bearded elderly gentleman??” Modine playfully commented on the post.
During an intimate red carpet conversation with PEOPLE, Modine offered his perspective on the innovative stage production Stranger Things: The First Shadow. The play transports audiences back to 1959 and serves as an intriguing prequel to the beloved television series.
“Based on everything I’ve heard, it’s more expansive and terrifying [compared to the show], with numerous heart-stopping moments throughout the performance. I’m genuinely excited to experience it firsthand,” he reveals about the Stranger Things stage play.
Although Stranger Things: The First Shadow features a younger incarnation of his Stranger Things character, Modine disclosed that Alex Breaux, who embodies Dr. Brenner on stage, didn’t seek his counsel or insights for the role.
“He exists in a time before my portrayal,” Modine explained, referencing the character’s chronological journey in the stranger things prequel. “Seeking guidance from me about portraying the character’s future self would be like attempting to predict destiny — he needed to discover his own authentic interpretation in that specific moment.”
Stranger Things: The First Shadow, penned by Kate Trefry and helmed by Stephen Daldry, with Justin Martin as co-director, is now available for ticket purchases. This theatrical adaptation offers fans a unique opportunity to explore the origins of the supernatural mystery that engulfs the town of Hawkins.
The highly anticipated fifth and final season of Stranger Things on Netflix, known simply as Season 5, is scheduled to debut this year. Fans are eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the beloved series that has captivated audiences with its blend of 80s nostalgia and supernatural thrills.
Source:
Toria Sheffield and Aliza Sessler (April 26, 2026). Stranger Things’ Matthew Modine Recalls Meeting 11-Year-Old Millie Bobby Brown: ‘Wow, This Little Girl’s Got It’ (Exclusive). People. https://people.com/stranger-things-matthew-modine-recalls-millie-bobby-brown-when-she-was-11-exclusive-11722382. Accessed April 26, 2026
Header Photo
Millie Bonnie Brown (MBB) at Stranger Fan Meet 5 People Convention – July 10, 2022
Photo credit: Laviru Koruwakankanamge, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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