‘Stranger Things’ Star Humorously Critiques Viral ‘Weird Running’ Clips

Bassyonni

Published: January 23, 2026 7:07 PM ET

‘Stranger Things’ Star Humorously Critiques Viral ‘Weird Running’ Clips

Charlie Heaton, known for his role in Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things, recently lightheartedly addressed his character Jonathan Byers’ peculiar running style. This quirky running has become a sensation, as viral clips highlight his unique sideways motion.

Humorous Take on Viral ‘Weird Running’

During an interview on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Heaton was asked about the viral videos featuring his character’s unconventional run. He responded with humor, saying, “How could I not hear about this?” When pressed on whether this style was a deliberate choice, Heaton jokingly affirmed, “Yes. Total character choice… I don’t run like that,” before demonstrating the run live, much to the audience’s delight.

Stranger Things: A Series Conclusion

Stranger Things officially concluded after five successful seasons at the beginning of the year. Following the finale, Netflix released a documentary detailing the making of the last season. Notably, stars David Harbour and Winona Ryder did not participate in the documentary.

Director’s Insights

Martina Radwan, the director, explained the absence of these stars, stating: “We just didn’t get the time. They were busy with other projects.” She elaborated on the emotional nature of filming the cast’s final farewells, emphasizing its significance as many cast members faced a major life transition.

Emotional Farewells and Final Goodbyes

Radwan described the farewell process as challenging due to the emotional weight of the moments being shared. She wanted to ensure a cohesive ending, stating, “It was important to me to really unify the endings.” The creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, were also keen on a joined farewell, underscoring the shared journey of the cast and crew throughout the show’s legacy.