AceShowbiz - One of the stars from Stranger Things is gearing up for a new project with Netflix, starring in an upcoming AI thriller film. Since its premiere in 2016, Stranger Things has been one of Netflix's flagship series, captivating audiences with its blend of horror and fantasy elements. After four successful seasons, the show concluded in December, drawing to a close the stories of its core characters.

Among the cast, Millie Bobby Brown has already established a strong working relationship with Netflix through multiple projects. Now, another key member of the Stranger Things ensemble, Caleb McLaughlin, who portrayed Lucas Sinclair across all five seasons, is set to deepen his collaboration with the streaming giant. According to Deadline, McLaughlin has joined the cast of Netflix's untitled AI thriller, directed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

The film’s cast also includes notable actors like Jeff Daniels, Joel Edgerton, and Nnamdi Asomugha, with Rachel McAdams having been previously announced. Details about the film’s plot remain tightly under wraps, keeping anticipation high.

Caleb McLaughlin has previously appeared at the Los Angeles premiere of "GOAT," and this new film marks an exciting step in his post-Stranger Things career. The script for the movie was co-written by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Kieran Fitzgerald, based on a story by Natasha Lyonne. Production companies involved include T-Street Productions, with producers Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman onboard. Filming is expected to begin this summer, although Netflix has yet to announce a release date. Industry insiders speculate the movie could arrive on the platform as soon as late 2027.

For McLaughlin, this project follows his voice role in "Goat" (2026), Sony’s animated animal sports movie. Despite the film’s underwhelming box office performance—grossing $193 million against an $80 million budget—McLaughlin’s involvement showcased his expanding range beyond live-action roles.

The upcoming AI thriller will be the first time Caleb McLaughlin collaborates with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who has been vocal about his concerns regarding artificial intelligence. While Gordon-Levitt has remained active both in front of and behind the camera with recent projects such as "Killer Heat" (2023), "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" (2024), and the Apple TV series "Mr. Corman" (2021), this marks his first feature film directorial role since 2013’s "Don Jon."

Jeff Daniels is no stranger to Netflix, having starred in the 2024 miniseries "A Man in Full." Similarly, Joel Edgerton recently collaborated with Netflix on "Train Dreams" (2025), a film that earned four Oscar nominations this year, including Best Picture.

Nnamdi Asomugha has gained recognition for his roles in "The Knife" (2024) and "The Good Nurse" (2022), and he has also contributed as a producer on films such as "Harriet" (2019) and "Beasts of No Nation" (2015). Meanwhile, Rachel McAdams is coming off the success of "Send Help" (2026), released earlier this year.

Despite Stranger Things remaining the most prominent title on McLaughlin’s resume for now, this new AI thriller represents a notable shift from his well-known role as Lucas Sinclair. It showcases his desire to explore diverse roles and genres beyond the supernatural thriller that launched his career.

The mystery surrounding the film’s storyline and its high-profile cast have already generated considerable interest, and with filming set to commence soon, fans and industry observers alike await further updates. The project’s success could mark an important milestone for Caleb McLaughlin and his fellow cast members as they venture into the realm of science fiction and AI-focused narratives.

As production prepares to get underway this summer, Netflix subscribers and movie enthusiasts can expect more news about this intriguing AI thriller in the near future. Until then, the anticipation builds for a fresh, thought-provoking addition to the streamer’s growing slate of original films.