Millie Bobby Brown made headlines during the London premiere of Stranger Things Season 5 as she confronted a photographer who instructed her to smile while posing on the red carpet. The Millie Bobby Brown red carpet moment underscored her unwillingness to quietly accept unsolicited directions, particularly from those photographing the cast during this high-profile Netflix event.
As Brown stood for photographs, a photographer called out, expecting her to smile, prompting the actor to directly address the demand. Unfazed, she replied back, “Smile? You smile!” This exchange quickly drew attention to the pressures faced by celebrities during major premieres, especially when under constant scrutiny from media personnel.
Millie Bobby Brown reacts to photographer telling her to “smile” at ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 London premiere:“Smile? You smile!” pic.twitter.com/OvK3FJsBYN— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) November 14, 2025
Brown’s Ongoing Struggles with Public Scrutiny
This event follows a pattern of Millie Bobby Brown pushing back against negative press coverage. Earlier in the year, Brown directly responded on Instagram to articles published by outlets such as The Daily Mail, demonstrating her discontent with media narratives focusing on her appearance and personal growth. At just 21, she reflected on growing up while constantly in the public eye, and the unique pressure that brings to young girls in the entertainment industry.
I started in this industry when I was 10 years old,
Brown said.
I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow up with me. Instead, they act like I’m supposed to stay frozen in time, like I should still look the way I did on ‘Stranger Things’ Season 1, and because I don’t, I’m now a target.
These challenges have also been addressed in her interviews, where she acknowledges the invasive nature of paparazzi while calling for more responsible journalism, particularly regarding younger celebrities.
I respect journalism. I love reading articles on my favorite people and hearing what they’re up to,
Brown said.
I understand that there’s paparazzi, even though it’s invasive, even though it feels like s–t to me – I know that’s your job. But don’t, in your headline, slam me at the get-go. It is so wrong and it is bullying, especially to young girls who are new to this industry and are already questioning everything about it.
Final Season Arrives Amid Ongoing Attention
Brown is concluding her role on Stranger Things with Season 5, wrapping up nearly a decade with the Netflix series. The show’s release follows a unique schedule, with the first four episodes set for Thanksgiving, followed by a second batch on Christmas Day, and a grand finale planned for New Year’s Eve in select theaters and on Netflix. As the highly anticipated closing episodes approach, Brown’s candidness continues to highlight the pressures faced by young women in entertainment, bringing added focus to issues of media behavior and celebrity treatment both on and off the red carpet.
Millie Bobby Brown reacts to photographer telling her to “smile” at ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 London premiere:
“Smile? You smile!”
— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) November 14, 2025
