Sadie Sink Recalls 'Awkward' First-Ever Kiss With Caleb McLaughlin On 'Stranger Things'

"Stranger Things" star Sadie Sink recently revealed that her first kiss ever was with co-star Caleb McLaughlin on the show. She reflected on the experience, calling the kiss an "awkward" and "nerve-wracking" experience. Sink previously revealed that the kiss was initially unscripted, and she wasn't told about it until the day of filming.

Show creators Matt and Ross Duffer were present and said they only insisted on the kiss scene because of Sink's negative reaction to the idea. After the remarks went viral on social media, the actress said she never objected to the kiss, saying it was important to the episode. She also said she was comfortable with McLaughlin because they'd known each other before the show.

Sink has also spoken about her excitement for the final season of “Stranger Things,” saying it’ll be emotional.

Read on to find out more.

Sink was recently featured in W Magazine's 2023 Best Performances Portfolio, and during the interview, she recalled her first kiss with McLaughlin on "Stranger Things." The kiss scene between their characters was in season two of the series, and clips of it quickly went viral on social media.

At the time, Sink was just 15 years old, and McLaughlin was 16 years old. The "The Whale" actress said, per Insider, "We were both awkward, but it was also funny because all our friends were there and all these extras and lights and music. It was nerve-wracking at the time, but I look back now and can laugh about it."

According to a 2017 IndieWire article covering Sink's conversation with the Duffer Brothers on "Beyond Stranger Things," Sink revealed the kiss scene was initially unscripted. The actress also shared that she was the only person unaware of the kiss until she arrived on set the day of filming.

She said, "I get there, the first day of [filming the] Snow Ball…one of you, I think it was you, Ross, you say, 'Ooh, Sadie, you ready for the kiss?' I'm like, 'What! No! That's not in the script… that's not happening.' So the whole day I was like stressed out." During a subsequent interview with The Wrap, Sink revealed that she felt very comfortable with McLaughlin at the time, as they'd known each other long before "Stranger Things."

The Duffer Brothers and McLaughlin also participated in the "Beyond Stranger Things" segment, and the show creators confirmed that the kiss wasn't actually scripted. Ross, one of the brothers, said they only insisted on it because of Sink's negative reaction when they told her about the idea. He said her response was "so strong," and she was extremely "freaked out."

The remarks from the interview quickly went viral on social media, with several fans questioning the creators for insisting on the scene. During Sink's interview with The Wrap, she insisted that she never "objected" to the scene. The actress also said the kiss was relevant to the characters' relationship and how the episode concluded.

She said, "I always felt comfortable and the Duffer Brothers, they do the best job. And always create a comfortable space. And if I felt uncomfortable with anything, I wouldn't have done it." 

Sink is currently enjoying the critical success of her movie "The Whale," where she stars alongside Brendan Fraser. During her interview with W Magazine, she spoke about the upcoming "Stranger Things" final season, saying she's excited for it to come. The actress said, "I think it's ending at the exact right time — but it'll be emotional."

During a separate appearance on "The Tonight Show" with host Jimmy Fallon, Sink spoke about what she'd like to happen to her character Max. She said, "I'd like to see her awake. I wanna know if I have to get back in the body cast – I would like for that chapter to be closed." However, Sink clarified that she still doesn't know anything about what will happen to Max and the other "Stranger Things" actors.