Joe Keery, best known for his breakout role as Steve Harrington in Netflix's Stranger Things, is opening up about his life after the hit series and his latest film project, Cold Storage. In an exclusive interview, Keery describes the movie as "Goonies for grown-ups," offering a fresh take on the adventure genre that combines nostalgia with adult stakes.

Life After Hawkins: A New Chapter

Since Stranger Things wrapped, Keery has been deliberately choosing roles that challenge him and push him beyond the character that made him a household name. The actor, who also pursues a music career under the moniker Djo, says the transition has been both liberating and daunting.

"It's weird to close that chapter," Keery admits, reflecting on the show's massive cultural impact. "But I'm excited about what's next. I want to keep surprising people."

From Teen Heartthrob to Indie Leading Man

Keery's post-Stranger Things filmography already includes indie dramas and genre-bending projects. His pivot to more mature, nuanced roles signals a deliberate strategy to build a lasting career beyond the binge-watching bubble.

  • He's sought out projects with strong creative voices.
  • He's balancing his acting with his music, releasing critically acclaimed albums as Djo.
  • He's avoided being typecast by choosing diverse roles.

Cold Storage: A High-Concept Thriller with Heart

Cold Storage, based on the novel by David Koepp, is a sci-fi thriller about a secret biological agent that escapes from a top-secret underground facility. Keery plays one of the unlikely heroes tasked with stopping a global catastrophe.

Describing the tone, Keery says, "It's like Goonies for grown-ups. There's that sense of adventure and camaraderie, but the stakes are much higher, and the humor is darker."

Why the Comparison Works

Fans of the 1980s classic will recognize the formula: a group of misfits thrown together, a race against time, and a healthy dose of wit. But Cold Storage adds layers of paranoia and moral complexity that elevate it beyond a simple homage.

"It's a fun ride, but it also makes you think," Keery explains. "What would you do if you had to make a split-second decision that could save or doom millions?"

The Future of Joe Keery: Music, Movies, and More

Looking ahead, Keery is keen on continuing to explore both acting and music. He's currently working on new material for Djo and has several film projects in the pipeline that he can't reveal yet.

"I just want to make stuff that resonates," he says. "Whether it's a song or a movie, if it connects with people, that's the win."

Key Takeaways

  • Joe Keery is navigating a deliberate career shift post-Stranger Things, focusing on varied and challenging roles.
  • Cold Storage offers a mature take on the adventure genre, blending nostalgia with high-stakes thrills.
  • Keery continues to balance acting with his music career as Djo, with new projects on the horizon.