Stranger Things Star Gaten Matarazzo Talks Gaming Roots on Polygon's Shelf Quest
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Stranger Things actor Gaten Matarazzo joins Polygon's Shelf Quest Episode 3 to discuss sneaking in gaming as a kid, his favorite titles like The Legend of Zelda, and his post-show career.
Growing up in a household where major entertainment staples like Call of Duty and Cartoon Network were strictly off limits means finding your own path into gaming. That was the reality for Gaten Matarazzo, best known as Dustin Henderson from Netflix megahit Stranger Things. In the third episode of Polygon's Shelf Quest, Matarazzo opens up about sneaking around to play games as a kid before landing his breakout role, which ultimately opened the door to a much broader gaming diet.
Landing on the set of Stranger Things changed everything, introducing Matarazzo to massive industry touchstones like The Legend of Zelda, Spider-Man, and Uncharted. During his appearance on the show, he shares insights into his personal gaming history, including the underrated Zelda title that served as his entry point and what he considers the single best video game experience of his life. It is a relatable look at how professional acting schedules and pop culture immersion collide for young stars who still just want to clear their backlog.
Beyond sharing his gaming favorites, Matarazzo discusses his post Stranger Things career trajectory, including his recent work in Pizza Movie on Hulu and Disney Plus. For modern players who grew up watching him navigate the Upside Down, hearing about his favorite virtual worlds offers a fun look behind the curtain of mainstream entertainment. You can watch the full episode over at Polygon.
Tags: Gaming, Streaming, Culture, Polygon
Original article: Polygon