Jake Connelly's Derek Turnbow Audition: Behind the Scenes of Stranger Things 5

Take a closer look at Jake Connelly's Derek Turnbow Audition: Behind the Scenes of Stranger Things 5 with our latest coverage.

Q1: Who plays Derek Turnbow in Stranger Things Season 5?
A1: Derek Turnbow is portrayed by 13-year-old Chicago actor Jake Connelly, who joined the cast for the final season after submitting an open self-tape audition.

Q2: When did Netflix officially release Jake Connelly's audition tape?
A2: Netflix published Connelly’s official audition tape and accompanying behind-the-scenes footage on December 12, 2025.

Q3: How does Derek Turnbow fit into the storyline of Hawkins?
A3: Derek is introduced as a local Hawkins resident dealing with the military quarantine and environmental damage, offering a fresh, everyday perspective alongside the original party members.