The Upside Down recently collided with the Indian kitchen, and the result was equal parts chaos and comedy.
The playful Instagram reel shared by Netflix India, Stranger Things stars Finn Wolfhard who plays the character of Mike and Gaten Matarazzo who plays Dustin gave Indian household items a humorous trial run, exploring whether everyday kitchen items could stand a chance against Vecna. The video is part of Netflix’s promotional push ahead of the much-anticipated fifth and final season of the series.
Everyday Indian items face a Vecna test
Opening the reel with a cheerful greeting, the duo said, “Namaste, India. We are the cast of Stranger Things, and we will see how helpful these Indian objects are in fighting the Upside Down.”
Also Read | As Nolan plans 'The Odyssey', Fiennes explains why such films will 'always be part of cultural zeitgeist'
The first item to make an appearance was the iconic desi chappal, long regarded as an object of unquestioned authority in Indian homes. However, Wolfhard and Matarazzo seemed unconvinced of its battle-readiness. “There’s not much you can do with a pair of sandals other than whacking,” they remarked, sounding mildly disappointed.
The mood lifted with the arrival of the steel canister, the humble lunchbox familiar to millions. Matarazzo who was visibly amused, suggested it could work as a grenade holder or even function to layer "different types of grenade” bringing some Upside Down logic to everyday practicality.
Next up was the rolling pin, instantly recognised by both actors as a formidable household weapon. Wolfhard joked that it could be used to “roll Vecna’s head,” while Matarazzo appeared impressed by its multipurpose potential.
The broomstick brought out the most theatrics. Matarazzo hopped on it, striking a pose worthy of a Quidditch match, treating the broom as a trusted flying companion ready for battle.
Also Read | Netflix releases Bridgerton Season 4 trailer: Benedict and Sophie’s love story unfolds in two parts
But the real highlight arrived at the end. The pressure cooker, quickly dubbed the “Hawkins pressure cooker,” stole the show. The coincidence of its name was not lost on the actors, who agreed it might be the most effective weapon of the lot.
“You can hit them with it,” Matarazzo said confidently.
“Or you put some really hot food in there and…,” Wolfhard added, trailing off, clearly impressed by its possibilities. The video ended with a note from the actors asking the audience to watch their last battle against Vecna in Stranger Things 5 and wish them luck.
Stranger Things, one of Netflix’s most successful global series, is set to conclude with its final episode scheduled to release on January 1, 2026.
