Finn Wolfhard Shocks ‘Stranger Things’ Fans with Surprise 2026 Movie Reveal

Stranger Things breakout Finn Wolfhard is starting 2026 in the brightest of spotlights. NBC has tapped the 23-year-old actor-musician to host the first Saturday Night Live episode of the year on 17 January, with A$AP Rocky as musical guest, marking Wolfhard’s live-television hosting debut. The move caps a milestone month for the Canadian star, who just said goodbye to Hawkins in Netflix’s Stranger Things finale and immediately sparked new buzz in the horror world. During press rounds, Wolfhard confirmed he is “connected” to a fresh chapter of Stephen King’s IT universe and teased “something else that will come up eventually” for his fan-favorite jokester Richie Tozier persona. Industry insiders point to HBO Max’s prequel series Welcome to Derry—already renewed after a buzzy first season—as the likeliest landing spot. If Wolfhard returns, he would reunite with director Andy Muschietti, who catapulted him onto the big screen in IT (2017) and IT: Chapter Two (2019). Beyond the red balloon, Wolfhard’s 2026 slate includes the stunt-comedy feature Crash Land opposite Oscar nominee Gabriel LaBelle, voice work in the animated epic New Genesis, and continued touring with his indie-rock band The Aubreys. SEO Key Takeaways • Finn Wolfhard hosts SNL’s 2026 premiere on 17 January. • Actor teases return to IT franchise after Stranger Things finale. • Upcoming projects: Crash Land film, New Genesis animation, The Aubreys music tour. Why It Matters Hosting SNL positions Wolfhard as a mainstream multi-hyphenate, while a potential IT comeback keeps horror fans engaged. Combined with new film, TV and music ventures, the strategy broadens his demographic reach—vital for sustained post-Stranger Things relevance.