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From Hawkins To Hollywood: 5 Shocking New Projects That Prove Dacre Montgomery (Billy From Stranger Things) Is Just Getting Started

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Dacre Montgomery, the Australian actor who infamously played the menacing, yet complex, Billy Hargrove in the Netflix phenomenon *Stranger Things*, has made a definitive return to the screen, pivoting away from major Hollywood franchises to focus on challenging, independent projects. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, Montgomery is charting a new, highly ambitious path that includes starring alongside Oscar-winning legends, leading a chilling psychological drama, and even stepping behind the camera for his own directorial debut. This dramatic shift highlights his commitment to creative control and a desire to move beyond the iconic, troubled character that cemented his global fame. The captivating performance of Billy Hargrove, particularly in *Stranger Things* Season 3, left an indelible mark on pop culture, but the actor himself briefly stepped "off the map" following the show's success. Now, the new wave of announcements surrounding his career confirms that this hiatus was merely a strategic pause. Fans eager to see what the actor has been working on will be surprised by the sheer variety and prestige of his upcoming filmography.

Dacre Montgomery: Complete Biography and Profile

Dacre Montgomery, full name Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey, is an Australian actor whose career has rapidly ascended from local productions to global blockbusters. His intense screen presence and ability to portray deeply flawed characters have made him one of his generation's most compelling performers.

  • Full Name: Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey
  • Date of Birth: November 22, 1994
  • Age (as of December 2025): 31
  • Place of Birth: Perth, Western Australia, Australia
  • Nationality: Australian
  • Known For: Billy Hargrove in *Stranger Things* (2017–2022) and Jason Lee Scott / Red Ranger in *Power Rangers* (2017).
  • Career Start: Began acting in short films as a teenager; graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
  • Notable Roles: Billy Hargrove, Jason Lee Scott, Jack in *Went Up the Hill*.
  • Current Focus: Independent film, directing, and creative control over projects.

The Post-Hawkins Pivot: Dacre Montgomery's New Creative Direction

The role of Billy Hargrove—the charismatic, volatile stepbrother of Max Mayfield—was Dacre Montgomery's breakout performance, showcasing his dramatic range as a villain turned tragic hero. However, the actor revealed that the whirlwind of fame led him to step away from Hollywood for a period, choosing to focus on smaller, more meaningful projects. This strategic pause was not a retirement, but a reset, and the results are now emerging as his most ambitious work to date.

Montgomery's career trajectory is a deliberate move toward becoming a serious, versatile filmmaker, not just a blockbuster actor. He has expressed a strong desire to be "in control" of the creative process, a sentiment that is evident in his choice of recent roles and his newest venture as a director.

1. Leading a Chilling Psychological Drama: *Went Up the Hill* (2024)

One of Montgomery's most significant recent projects is the psychological drama *Went Up the Hill*, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). This film is a definitive departure from the supernatural action of *Stranger Things*, offering a haunting, character-driven narrative. The film, which was scheduled for a theatrical release around August 15, 2024, is a true testament to his new focus on indie cinema.

In the film, Montgomery plays the central character, Jack, a man who travels to a remote region of New Zealand to attend the wake of his estranged mother, Elizabeth. The story quickly evolves into a chilling ghost story, exploring themes of grief, family secrets, and the supernatural in a deeply atmospheric setting. His performance as Jack, grappling with his mother's haunting presence, showcases a raw vulnerability rarely seen in his earlier, more aggressive roles.

2. Starring in Gus Van Sant's Star-Studded Thriller: *Dead Man's Wire*

Perhaps the most high-profile project on his slate is the upcoming thriller *Dead Man's Wire*, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Gus Van Sant. This project immediately elevates Montgomery's standing in the film world, placing him in a prestigious ensemble cast. The film is described as a hostage thriller.

Montgomery is set to star alongside a powerhouse cast that includes Bill Skarsgård, Colman Domingo, and the legendary Al Pacino. The involvement of such high-caliber talent, particularly Oscar-winner Gus Van Sant, signals Montgomery's successful transition into serious, auteur-driven cinema. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and is anticipated to be a major event in the coming year.

3. The New Role: Director and Star of *The Engagement Party*

In a move that solidifies his commitment to creative control, Dacre Montgomery is making his directorial debut with a feature film titled *The Engagement Party*. Not only is he directing, but he is also starring in the film, which he describes as a "four-hander" and a chamber piece.

The film is a comedy that unfolds over the course of a single night, a format that allows for intense character study and dialogue-driven performance. *The Engagement Party* commenced filming in Western Australia, returning the local actor to his roots in Perth and the State's South West. This pivot to directing proves that the actor is interested in more than just performing; he wants to shape the final product, a clear evolution from his time as the Red Ranger in *Power Rangers* to an independent filmmaker.

The Legacy of Billy Hargrove and Future Prospects

While Dacre Montgomery is moving on to new entities and projects, his portrayal of Billy Hargrove remains a critical part of his legacy. The character's complex relationship with his father, Neil Hargrove, and his sister, Max Mayfield, provided some of the most emotionally resonant moments in *Stranger Things* Season 3. Billy's ultimate sacrifice to protect the kids of Hawkins, Indiana, solidified his place as a fan-favorite anti-hero.

Looking ahead, Montgomery's deliberate choices—from the indie ghost story of *Went Up the Hill* to the high-stakes thriller *Dead Man's Wire*—suggest a career focused on versatility and quality over pure commercial appeal. His forthcoming directorial debut, *The Engagement Party*, is the ultimate sign of a performer who has found his voice and is ready to take full creative ownership of his future in Hollywood and beyond. Fans should expect to see Dacre Montgomery's name appear in a wide range of genres, confirming that the intensity he brought to Billy Hargrove was just the beginning of a fascinating career.

billy from stranger things actor
billy from stranger things actor

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