If you’ve spent any time on Netflix lately, you know her. The red hair, the blue hoodie, the walkman glued to her ears, and that haunting stare that basically carried the emotional weight of an entire season. But who plays Max in Stranger Things, really?
The answer is Sadie Sink.
Now, if you just wanted the name, there you go. But honestly, the story of how she landed the role—and why she almost didn't—is way more interesting than just a IMDb credit. It’s kinda wild to think that the person who gave us the most iconic scene in the show's history (you know the one, "Running Up That Hill" and all that) was nearly rejected for being "too old."
The "Too Old" Controversy That Almost Cost Us Max
Back in 2016, the casting directors were looking for a girl to play "Mad Max" for Season 2. Sadie was 14 at the time. Apparently, the team thought she was too tall or looked too "mature" compared to the other kids.
Seriously.
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Imagine Stranger Things without Sadie Sink. It feels wrong, right?
She didn't just take "no" for an answer. She actually begged and pleaded for more material. She wanted to prove she was the right fit. Eventually, they caved and brought her in for a chemistry read with Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin) and Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas). The vibe was instant. The next day, she had the job.
Why Sadie Sink Was the Only Choice
The character of Max Mayfield isn't easy. She’s prickly. She’s guarded. She has to deal with a truly toxic stepbrother, Billy (played by Dacre Montgomery), and a broken home life.
Sadie brought this "don't mess with me" energy that masked a massive amount of vulnerability. By the time we got to Season 4, she wasn't just "the girl on the skateboard" anymore. She was the show's MVP.
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Critics from Rolling Stone and Variety have basically spent the last few years losing their minds over her. Some even compared her to a young Meryl Streep. High praise, but if you’ve watched the "Dear Billy" episode, you know she earned it.
Beyond Hawkins: What Else Has She Done?
If you only know her as Max, you're missing out on some seriously heavy-hitting acting. Sadie hasn't just stayed in the 80s.
- The Whale (2022): She played the estranged, angry daughter of Brendan Fraser. It was a brutal, emotional role that proved she could hold her own against Oscar winners.
- All Too Well (2021): Yeah, she was the lead in Taylor Swift’s short film. If you haven't seen it, prepare to cry. She managed to make a music video feel like a feature-length heartbreak.
- Fear Street: She starred as Ziggy Berman in the Netflix horror trilogy. Basically, if there’s a role involving a 70s or 80s aesthetic and a lot of screaming, she’s the first call.
- Broadway: This is where she actually started. Before the Upside Down, she was playing the title role in Annie and appearing alongside Helen Mirren in The Audience.
What's Next for the Girl Who Played Max?
As of 2026, the Stranger Things era has officially wrapped up its main run, and the "Sadie Sink era" is in full swing.
The biggest news? She is officially MCU-bound.
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She’s confirmed to appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day (releasing July 31, 2026) alongside Tom Holland. There’s a ton of speculation about who she’s playing—some fans are betting on Jean Grey, others think a new version of MJ—but Marvel is keeping it tight-lipped.
She’s also making her West End debut in London this year, playing Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. It’s a busy year for her.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're a fan of Sadie's work as Max and want to see where she's headed, here is what you should keep an eye on:
- Watch O’Dessa: It’s her sci-fi rock opera coming to Hulu. It’s weird, trippy, and very "Max Mayfield grown up."
- Follow the Broadway Circuit: Since she recently earned a Tony nomination for John Proctor Is the Villain, expect her to return to the stage often.
- Marvel Tracking: Keep an eye on the Spider-Man trailers dropping this spring. That’s when we’ll finally get a look at her character.
The reality is that while Max might be her most famous role, Sadie Sink has already moved way beyond the skateboards and Kate Bush tapes. She’s becoming one of the defining actors of her generation.
If you want to keep track of her latest projects or find out when Spider-Man: Brand New Day tickets go on sale, checking her official Instagram or the latest casting calls on Deadline is the best way to stay in the loop.