'Stranger Things' Star Caleb McLaughlin Knows Why It Pays to Keep It Classic

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You know Caleb McLaughlin. Not, "Hey, what's up?" levels, of course. But you know the 21-year-old actor and musician—if not for his heart-wrenching portrayal as the sharp and strategic Lucas Sinclair in Netflix's Stranger Things, then for his lo-fi, boppy singles released over the past two years. And if not for his music and his acting, then you must know his face, splattered across social media and billboards and 5th Avenue signage in Puma's new Forever.Classic campaign.

McLaughlin stars alongside contemporary generational icons Angus Cloud, Iris Apatow, and Zaya Wade in the campaign, a celebration of creation and and confidence highlighting the individual. The ensemble of creatives wears a uniform consisting of Puma's most iconic pieces, refreshed for the zeitgeist, a livery of legacy and coolness for the reigning class of young Hollywood.

“The campaign celebrates creatives pushing fashion and culture forward, which is why I’m grateful to be a part of such an inspiring group of people," says McLaughlin.

When we bump into each other at a party celebrating the campaign in New York, a couple days after speaking on the phone for the interview you'll read below, McLaughlin has shed Lucas Sinclair's eclectic '70s get-up and replaced it with sporty ensemble that he wears with an air of confidence: a white sweatshirt and flared jeans that puddle around his sneakers (Puma, naturally). He looked less like the ever-beaming 15-year-old who first became a national treasure thanks to Stranger Things back in 2016, and more like a young man who's found not one but several outlets to funnel his creativity into.

He's gracious and grounded and excited to be here, shooting hoops at the arcade-style indoor basketball game set up at the event, comparing timelines with me about growing up in New York and now living in L.A. (I, on the other hand, grew up around L.A. and now live in New York). While we talk, the giant, two-story-tall LED screen in the Puma store behind him flashes with images and videos of the campaign: a giant Caleb in the background, cool and collected, posing in his Puma fit. Easy smiles and a posture that says, "I know what I'm about." The life-size Caleb, a foot in front of me in the foreground, candid and confident, looking just the same.

What was it like working with Puma on the campaign?

I’ve always heard so much about Puma, and how they’re just true hosts who love their partnerships. I’ve now been able to experience it myself, and it’s been a wonderful experience. Shooting with them that first day with all the other guys was a lot of fun, I really enjoyed myself.

Puma is one of those timeless brands that’s been around forever. Have you been a longtime fan?

Yeah, I’ve been a fan for a minute! Longer than I can remember. I wore a lot of Puma growing up, and my family has, too. It has a classic look.

How would you describe your personal style?

Neat, classic...whatever goes with my vibe and I’m comfortable with.

Part of this campaign is highlighting how, as an actor, you “found your way” in the industry, so to speak. How would you say you’ve found your way, from realizing you wanted to become an actor to where you are now?

I feel like when you’re in the industry, you’re trying to figure out how to fit in. But it’s more just being yourself and being comfortable and fitting in with yourself, and your spirit being in tune with who you are. That’s how you get to navigate through it.

As a creative, what keeps you inspired?

My goals, my morals, my family, my fans. I feel like I’m always motivated.

What upcoming projects have you excited?

I just filmed a movie last year called Shooting Stars. It takes place in Cleveland; it’s LeBron James’ biopic about his team, and them growing up in high school, going to St. Mary’s Academy. It's about their time in high school and their relationship, and being one of the best high school basketball teams ever to live. I’ll be playing Dru [Joyce III] in that, and it’ll be coming out later this year. I have another scary movie coming out this year, it's one that Lee Daniels directed called The Deliverance.

Is there anything you can share about Stranger Things Season Five? Or is there anything you would like to see Lucas do this season?

Yeah, this season is the last go-around. Last time you’ll be seeing Lucas. But I can’t really say much about the next season; I know I’m filming this year. I would just love to see more of Lucas and what he has left, from where we left off in Season Four, because that was traumatic. So I want to see some type of goal in mind for Lucas’ character arc; I wouldn’t want to just leave him there without any ambition for the next season, amidst all the unusual events that happen in the world of Stranger Things. I want to see some ambition and motivation from him.

As a viewer, I’d love to see that as well. Is there anything else you want to share with Esquire?

Yeah, I also have been doing music! I dropped two singles in the past year or two, but I have a couple of more songs coming out this year. So stay tuned.

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