Millie Bobby Brown Fires Back at ‘Stranger Things’ Photographer: “You Smile!”

Millie Bobby Brown is moving on from Stranger Things, having transformed significantly since her debut as a 12-year-old in the show’s 2016 inaugural season.

At the London premiere of the show’s fifth and final season, held at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on Thursday, the two-time Emmy-nominated actress had a sharp retort for a red carpet photographer who told her to smile, replying, “Smile? You smile!” before confidently continuing her walk.

In March, Brown spoke candidly about the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, criticizing the media’s focus on her appearance. “This isn’t journalism. This is bullying,” she proclaimed in a video.

She further addressed the issue, stating, “It’s unsettling that adult commentators are obsessing over my face, my body, and my choices. It seems they struggle with the idea of a girl maturing on her own terms. I will not ask forgiveness for growing up.”

Spotlight on the Premiere

In Stranger Things, Brown portrays Eleven, a girl with psychic abilities who breaks out from Hawkins National Laboratory in the first season after being experimented on in connection with the Upside Down.

The narrative of Season 5 unfolds in the fall of 1987, with Hawkins still reeling from the Rifts’ opening. The characters are unified by a singular mission: to locate and eliminate Vecna. However, Vecna has disappeared, with both his location and intentions shrouded in mystery. Complicating their task, the government has quarantined the town and is intensifying its pursuit of Eleven, forcing her into hiding once more. As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance nears, a profound and familiar sense of dread grows. The ultimate confrontation is imminent, and it promises to be darker and more perilous than any they’ve previously faced. To conquer this nightmare, they will need the entire group to stand together, one last time.

The eagerly awaited final season will be available on Netflix on three release dates: Volume 1 on November 26 (four episodes), Volume 2 on Christmas (three episodes), and The Finale on New Year’s Eve, each volume premiering at 5 PM PT.