‘Stranger Things’ star Dacre Montgomery shares why he left Hollywood just as his stardom began

Stranger things have happened.

Horror hunk Dacre Montgomery has shared why he stepped back from the limelight after finding stardom in Netflix’s mega-hit show “Stranger Things.” 

“I think things have changed,” Montgomery said in an interview with The Australian. “Traditional Hollywood stars existed because there was mystery… Social media has done away with that. That’s a large part of why I dropped off the map for the last five years.”

The Australian-born actor, who rose to fame playing Billy Hargrove on the 12-time Emmy Award-winning series, wanted to navigate Tinseltown on his terms.

“I’m not trying to compete with anyone else, I’m living my truth — and hopefully being able to pay the rent while I’m doing it,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery joined “Stranger Things” during the show’s second season and his character was killed off at the end of the third season, which aired in July 2019.

“I’ve given a piece of myself to every role I’ve played and that’s largely why I’ve taken time off,” Dacre added.

Montgomery has acted in nearly a dozen projects over the past decade.

His most notable roles include playing Steve Binder in the 2022’s “Elvis” starring Austin Butler and the Red Ranger in the 2017 “Power Rangers” film.

“Lately, there’s been a lot of personal reflection about what I want in my career,” Montgomery added to the Australian. “I’m trying to gain a bit more control over where and what I’m working on.”

The 30-year-old is focused on picking projects that could leave a lasting “impact” with viewers, according to his recent interview with People Magazine.

He hoped his new indie thriller, “Went Up the Hill,” might accomplish his vision of creating work with a long-term presence with some audiences.

“The connective tissue between all the films I’m trying to do at the moment is films that have something really important to say, and ‘Went Up the Hill’ is divisive,” Montgomery told People. “It’s not a movie that everyone will connect to, but the people that do connect to it, I hope, will find catharsis.”

Montgomery added, “And that’s why you make these movies, right? Because it only has to impact one person in the right way to work. And that’s really what I’m really trying to mine in my career, is being a part of projects like that.”

Montgomery is also in the process of trying his hand behind the camera.

“The Broken Hearts Gallery” actor will make his directorial debut with the film “The Engagement Party,” according to Deadline.

Montgomery is also expected to star in the film