Chase Stokes has become known worldwide for his portrayal of John B. in Netflix’s Outer Banks, but he almost starred in a very different hit teen drama from the streamer.
Access Hollywood recently caught up with Stokes at Poguelandia, the special interactive Outer Banks fan event hosted by Netflix in Huntington Beach, California, on February 18. While speaking to the outlet, he revealed that he had auditioned way back when to play Hawkins’s very own Steve Harrington in Stranger Things, a role that eventually went to Joe Keery. If Stokes’s words are to be believed, he never really stood a chance because he “absolutely effed up” his audition.
“I forgot all the lines,” Stokes said. “I drove eight hours from Atlanta back to Orlando, regretting every moment of my life on that…. I wish I would have said at least two words, but Joe Keery is an absolute legend, and he is so good as Steve Harrington. I’m super proud of him.”
Stokes might not have landed the role, but he did get cast in the first season of Stranger Things. He appears in episode six of the show’s debut season as a guy named Reed, but much like his original audition, his character didn’t get a chance to speak. Even so, Stokes is extremely grateful for the opportunity.
