Natalia Dyer, the actress famed for playing Nancy Wheeler in the global phenomenon Stranger Things, has become the focus of significant online discussion and concern from fans regarding her noticeably slender appearance during the press tour for the show's fifth and final season.
Red Carpet Appearance Fuels Online Debate
The 30-year-old actress first drew attention when she attended the season five premiere event in early November. While Dyer has always possessed a petite physique, observers noted she appeared even slimmer than usual as she posed on the red carpet and engaged with the press.
This trend continued throughout the subsequent London press tour, where her appearance in a black ensemble during interviews further amplified the conversation. The discourse quickly migrated to social media, where fans expressed a mix of worry and defence.
Social Media Reacts with Concern and Defence
Reactions on platforms like X were swift and direct. One fan questioned, 'Is everyone in Hollywood ok?', while another bluntly commented, 'She looks kinda thin.' A third user wrote, 'Get her a sandwich, sheesh!' Some even drew comparisons to singer Ariana Grande, who has also faced similar scrutiny during her Wicked press tour.
However, a vocal contingent of supporters rushed to Dyer's defence. 'Didn't Nancy look like that since season 1? Nothing changed,' stated one. Another added, 'Leave her alone. Y'all are never happy with a woman’s body I swear.' Some fans speculated that her striking new look could be partly attributed to her recent decision to dye her hair blonde again, after years of darker shades.
Dyer's Personal Life and Career Context
Dyer has seldom publicly discussed her diet or fitness regime. In a 2016 interview, she mentioned her preferred breakfast was avocado toast from Bluestone Lane. More recently, in 2022, she opened up about returning to therapy during the pandemic, calling it 'one of the best decisions I think I've ever made for myself.'
She explained on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast that therapy helped her navigate the visibility that comes with starring in a mega-hit series like Stranger Things, especially as a self-described introvert.
Season Five Premieres Amid Mixed Reviews for Nancy's Storyline
This personal scrutiny coincides with the highly anticipated release of Stranger Things season five, volume one, which landed on Netflix last week. While the season has been widely praised, a specific plotline involving Dyer's character, Nancy Wheeler, has faced criticism.
Many fans have expressed fatigue with the long-running love triangle between Nancy, Steve Harrington (Joe Keery), and Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton). Viewers took to X to vent their frustration, with one stating the show was 'fumbling Nancy's character arc' to focus on the male rivalry. Critics echoed this sentiment, with Glamour asking why the love triangle persists and The Mirror noting it as an irritant in an otherwise near-perfect season.
What's Next for Hawkins?
The final season of the popular sci-fi series, released in three parts, marks the end of a nine-year journey. The first four episodes, released earlier this month, reintroduce the core cast and villain Vecna, ending on a major cliffhanger involving Will Byers (Noah Schnapp).
Fans now face a wait until 26 December for the next instalment, with the grand series finale scheduled for 1 January 2026.
