Jake Connelly's Derek Turnbow Audition: Behind the Scenes of Stranger Things 5
By Robert Thorne
Finding genuine child talent is notoriously difficult. Casting directors often sift through tens of thousands of rehearsed, overly theatrical audition videos from across the globe. Connelly took the opposite route. Filmed in a quiet room with basic lighting, his reading relied on conversational timing, nervous energy, and direct, sharp reactions.
During an appearance on FOX 32 Chicago's ChicagoNOW on December 19, 2025, Connelly recalled the life-changing phone call. The casting team gave him the simple verdict: "Jake, you're going to Hawkins." As reported by Teen Vogue, Connelly was just 13 years old when he booked the job, bringing an unvarnished authenticity that immediately set him apart from seasoned child actors.
The Duffer Brothers built the cultural footprint of Stranger Things on the authentic camaraderie of young kids riding bicycles through quiet suburban streets. Adding a new character this late in the narrative carried major narrative risks. Yet Connelly's audition dialogue demonstrated an easy, unforced rhythm. He bantered naturally, matched the show's 1980s cadence, and avoided overplaying dramatic beats.
Robert Thorne covers electric vehicle innovations, autonomous driving systems, global mobility trends, and automotive engineering developments.
