STRANGER Things was one of the first Netflix series that Alden Richards watched so when the opportunity to attend and be a part of the show’s season 4 world premiere in New York presented itself, it was a no-brainer for the confessed fan.
On the red carpet, the Filipino matinee idol posed for photos and interviews with the international press. The premiere happened over the weekend at Netflix’s new 170,000-square-foot production studio in Brooklyn.
“It’s an honor because not all Filipino celebrities are given this opportunity and I think it’s just one for the books for me in my history as an actor,” he quipped, excitedly adding, “I can’t wait to watch the first episode in the exclusive screening later.”
Stranger Things became a global phenomenon and a major Netflix hit when it premiered in 2016. The 80s sci-fi series has gained a massive following around the world, creating breakout stars like Millie Bobby Brown.
Asked why Stranger Things became a big hit among Filipino fans like him, Richards said that the concept the show presented tickled the imagination of the viewers.
“Iba kasi yung concept niya, it is really something catchy and appealing for the young and the old market,” he shared.
He admits he got hooked because of how the show was written and how the actors gave life to their roles and characters, quickly naming the kids among his favorite characters.
“Will, Lucas, Mike, and Dustin, and of course si Eleven. Siya talaga ang favorite ko,” he said. “The way Millie Bobby Brown played the character is just flawless from the time she doesn’t know how to talk to the time that she was able to understand the full potential of her powers.”
The 30-year-old actor said he felt surreal walking the red carpet along with the stars of a show he watched and followed from Season 1. “I just feel so honored and happy to be invited to witness this,” he said.
Richards immediately posted about his red carpet appearance for his 3.9 million followers on Instagram and captioned it with “When a dream turns into reality.”.
The actor’s trip to New York was finalized last minute so he just squeezed in a couple of days in his busy schedule because he did not want to miss what he called an opportunity of a lifetime.
He said he doesn’t have the luxury of time to visit his favorite NYC spots because he needs to fly back to Manila to resume shooting his new series Start Up with Bea Alonzo, the Philippine adaptation of the hit Korean series.
The first volume of Stranger Things Season 4 will premiere on May 27 while the second volume drops on July 1. n
