‘Stranger Things’ Star Reveals Why He Left Hollywood

After years in the spotlight, Dacre Montgomery is finally opening up about why he stepped away from Hollywood following his breakout as Billy Hargrove in “Stranger Things.”

Speaking with The Australian, the 30-year-old Perth native explained, “I think things have changed. Traditional Hollywood stars existed because there was mystery… Social media has done away with that. That’s a large part of why I dropped off the map for the last five years.”

(Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

The actor, who played Billy Hargrove in the hit Netflix series alongside Winona Ryder and Millie Bobby Brown, added, “I’m not trying to compete with anyone else, I’m living my truth — and hopefully being able to pay the rent while I’m doing it.”

Reflecting on Career Choices & Creative Control

Montgomery, who will not return for the show’s fifth and final season after his character was killed off in season three, said he’s spent recent years reassessing his career path. “I’ve given a piece of myself to every role I’ve played and that’s largely why I’ve taken time off,” he shared.

“Lately, there’s been a lot of personal reflection about what I want in my career. I’m trying to gain a bit more control over where and what I’m working on.”

Fans will next see him in the psychological thriller “Went Up the Hill”, set for release on August 15.

Stepping Behind the Camera for Directorial Debut

Montgomery is preparing to make his directorial debut with The Engagement Party, announced in September 2024. “I could not be more honoured to be directing The Engagement Party, a film with an extremely important and timely message,” he said in a statement to Deadline. “I’m equally thrilled to have such a wonderful team of collaborators to help bring this story to life.”

The actor credits Joel Edgerton as a role model for transitioning from acting to directing and shared that Joel’s brother, filmmaker Nash Edgerton, is producing the project. “Not to be too sadomasochistic about it, but I really believe failure and rejection are the best form of learning,” Montgomery said.

A Film Driven by Intense Character Dynamics

(Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for IMDb)

Describing “The Engagement Party” as “a four-hander, a chamber piece like a play,” Montgomery explained that the drama takes place in a single location over one night, focusing entirely on the dynamics between four characters. While he previously said he would not appear in the film, he has since decided to take on a role.

Montgomery, whose parents both work in the film industry, emphasized his commitment to directing: “I want to direct, and I’m serious about directing, so I’m taking it seriously and not trying to use it as something else.”

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