Fans of Netflix's hit sci-fi series Stranger Things are about to see one of its beloved stars in a dramatically different light. Charlie Heaton, famous for playing the introverted Jonathan Byers, is trading the supernatural 1980s for the cutthroat world of modern finance in the upcoming season of HBO's acclaimed drama, Industry.
From Hawkins to High Finance
This career shift comes just as Heaton's flagship role is concluding. The final episodes of Stranger Things are scheduled to air between Boxing Day and New Year's Day, marking an emotional farewell for the cast and fans. However, the wait to see Heaton back on screen is remarkably short.
The actor, 31, features in the tense trailer for Industry Season 4, which was released on December 22. The new season of the BAFTA-winning show premieres on January 11 at 9pm on HBO Max for US audiences, and will air the following day on BBC One in the UK.
A Stark New Role for the Stranger Things Favourite
In Industry, which follows young bankers and traders at a top London investment bank, Heaton sheds his character's iconic '80s wardrobe and quiet demeanour. He appears briefly but prominently in the new trailer as financial journalist Jim Dycker, seen in conversation with main character Harper, played by Myha'la.
The transformation is striking. Gone is the hesitant teenager from Hawkins, replaced by a seemingly confident and modern professional. This marks a significant departure for the actor and highlights his range beyond the sci-fi phenomenon that made him a household name.
The show continues to attract major talent, with Game of Thrones' Kit Harington now a series regular. The trailer also hints at a deepening relationship between Harington's character and fan favourite Yasmin, played by Marisa Abela.
Fan Excitement Builds for the Return
Reaction to the trailer and Heaton's casting has been overwhelmingly positive on social media. Fans have taken to platform X, formerly Twitter, to express their delight at seeing the actor 'booked and busy' in such a prestigious project.
One excited viewer wrote, "Forgot Charlie Heaton was in the new Industry season so amazing," while another declared, "CHARLIE HEATON BOOKED LET'S GOOO." The anticipation for the show's return is equally high, with comments on YouTube praising the series as "criminally underrated" and counting down the days until the January 11 premiere.
For audiences, the swift transition means there's no need for a post-Stranger Things void. As one chapter closes with the Byers family in Hawkins, another immediately opens in the high-stakes trading floors of London, showcasing Charlie Heaton's next compelling act.
