The Breakout That Changed Everything: Stranger Things
Few actors in recent years have experienced a breakout as sudden and transformative as Dacre Montgomery. Australian actor Dacre Montgomery has quickly built an impressive list of movies and TV shows, from his breakout role in Stranger Things to films like Power Rangers, Elvis, and Went Up the Hill.
Best known to global audiences for his unforgettable performance as Billy Hargrove in Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things, the Australian actor has steadily built a reputation as a charismatic and emotionally fearless performer.
Whether playing a troubled antagonist, stepping into pop-culture history, or exploring psychologically complex characters in independent film, Montgomery has demonstrated a versatility that suggests his rise in Hollywood is only beginning.
By the time audiences saw him in the atmospheric drama Went Up the Hill, released in the United States on August 15, 2025, Montgomery had already assembled a diverse body of work that revealed both star power and artistic ambition.
Montgomery joined Stranger Things in its second season as Billy Hargrove, the volatile and intimidating stepbrother of Max Mayfield. Introduced as a classic 1980s high-school villain, Billy initially appeared to be little more than a swaggering antagonist.
Montgomery brought unexpected emotional depth to the role. Beneath Billy’s aggression was a deeply wounded young man shaped by trauma and abuse. As the series progressed, the character evolved into one of the show’s most complex figures.
His storyline reached an emotional peak in Season 3 when Billy became entangled with the supernatural threat of the Mind Flayer. In one of the series’ most memorable moments, Billy briefly regained control and sacrificed himself to protect Eleven and the others.
The scene resonated strongly with fans and critics alike, cementing Montgomery as one of the show’s most memorable performers and transforming him into an international star.
Early Hollywood Spotlight: Power Rangers
Before Hawkins, Indiana made him famous, Montgomery first captured major attention in the 2017 reboot Power Rangers, where he played Jason Scott, the Red Ranger and leader of the team.
While the film divided critics, Montgomery’s performance stood out for giving emotional depth to a character that might otherwise have been played as a straightforward action hero. His version of Jason Scott was flawed and searching for redemption.
For Montgomery, Power Rangers represented a significant early milestone: a major studio production that placed him firmly on Hollywood’s radar.
A Stylish Hollywood Project: Elvis
Montgomery also appeared in Baz Luhrmann’s ambitious biographical film Elvis in 2022. Though his role was smaller compared to the film’s leads, his appearance allowed him to participate in one of the most visually distinctive musical biopics of the decade.
Working within Luhrmann’s stylized cinematic world added another layer to Montgomery’s résumé and demonstrated his ability to fit into large-scale Hollywood productions.
Expanding His Range: Went Up the Hill
By 2025, Montgomery had begun gravitating toward more introspective material. One of the clearest examples is Went Up the Hill, a haunting psychological drama released in the United States on August 15, 2025.
The film explores grief, identity, and memory through an intimate narrative, and Montgomery delivers a restrained yet emotionally powerful performance. Compared with the explosive intensity of Billy Hargrove, the role reveals a quieter and more nuanced side of his acting abilities.
Projects like Went Up the Hill suggest an actor interested not only in blockbuster visibility but also in challenging roles that explore the complexities of human emotion.
Earlier Work and Comedic Range
Another project that helped shape Montgomery’s early career was the 2017 comedy A Few Less Men. While lighter in tone than many of his later performances, the film allowed Montgomery to display comedic instincts and on-screen charm.
For actors building careers, these early roles often serve as essential stepping stones. In Montgomery’s case, they demonstrated his ability to move between genres while refining the screen presence that would later make his dramatic performances so compelling.
A Personal Message to Fans
Montgomery has also built a strong connection with fans beyond his on-screen work. In 2019, he shared a widely discussed post on Instagram reflecting on his experiences with bullying during childhood.
In the post, he described feeling discouraged while growing up and recalled a teacher who once talked down to him at school. Rather than letting those experiences define him, Montgomery used them as motivation.
His message to young fans was clear: never give up on your dreams.
By sharing his own journey—from being discouraged at school to starring in a global hit series—Montgomery offered an encouraging reminder that perseverance can overcome early setbacks.
Mental Health and the Modern Reality of Fame
By 2025, Montgomery had also begun speaking more openly about the pressures of the entertainment industry. He discussed stepping away from certain projects in order to focus on mental health and personal balance.
The decision reflects a growing awareness among actors about the psychological demands of fame and the importance of maintaining well-being in an industry known for its intense pace.
Montgomery has also expressed thoughtful views about how Hollywood stardom has changed in the social-media era. In his view, the mystery that once surrounded movie stars has largely disappeared in an age when audiences can see celebrities’ daily lives online.
Still, he approaches the industry on his own terms.
“I’m not trying to compete with anyone else, I’m living my truth,” Montgomery has said. “And hopefully being able to pay the rent while I’m doing it.”
A Rising Talent in Modern Hollywood
From blockbuster franchises to independent drama, Dacre Montgomery has demonstrated a willingness to embrace emotionally complex roles and explore different corners of the film and television landscape.
His breakthrough as Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things introduced him to a worldwide audience, but his growing body of work suggests an actor determined to keep evolving.
If the trajectory of his career so far is any indication, Montgomery’s blend of charisma, vulnerability, and artistic curiosity may keep audiences watching for years to come.
