Stranger Things Star Shocks Fans with Intimate NYC Ceremony as Ex Spouses Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke Reunite
NEW YORK CITY – Maya Hawke, the 27-year-old Stranger Things sensation and daughter of Hollywood icons Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, married musician Christian Lee Hutson on Valentine’s Day in a surprise ceremony that has sent social media into a frenzy. The actress exchanged vows with Hutson, 35, at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Manhattan on Saturday, February 14, in an intimate affair that doubled as an unofficial Stranger Things reunion and brought together her divorced parents in a rare public appearance. The secret wedding has reignited conversations about celebrity privacy in an age of oversharing, with fans expressing shock that they didn’t even know the couple was engaged.
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The Couple: From Studio Sessions to ‘I Do’
Maya Hawke, daughter of Hollywood icons Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, married Christian Lee Hutson, a singer-songwriter and collaborator of indie darling Phoebe Bridgers. The couple’s love story began in the recording studio years ago, where artistic collaboration gradually evolved into romance. Hutson co-produced Maya Hawke’s critically acclaimed 2024 album “Chaos Angel,” while she contributed vocals to his album “Paradise Pop. 10.”
The couple kept their relationship largely out of the public eye, with Hutson confirming their engagement in 2025. They were first photographed kissing in New York City in 2023, but maintained a deliberately low profile until their Broadway red carpet debut in April 2025.
The wedding featured a star-studded guest list that brought together both Hollywood royalty and the next generation of Netflix stars. Both of Hawke’s famous parents attended, marking a significant reunion for the former couple, who divorced in 2005. Thurman wore an elegant light blue gown while Ethan Hawke walked his daughter down the aisle in a classic black suit, holding a bouquet of white flowers.
A Stranger Things Family Reunion
The ceremony transformed into an impromptu cast reunion for the recently concluded Netflix series. Joe Keery, Natalia Dyer, Sadie Sink, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, and Charlie Heaton were all present to celebrate. Notably absent were stars Millie Bobby Brown and Noah Schnapp, while David Harbour’s absence sparked intense speculation after he was photographed with a mystery woman elsewhere in the city on the same day.
Social media erupted with questions about who made the cut. “Stranger Things cast truly live this life together, and it shows like wdym ALL of them attended Maya Hawke’s wedding,” one fan posted on Twitter, capturing the collective amazement at the cast’s real-life bond.
Other attendees included actors Kathryn Newton, Sam Nivola, Iris Apatow, and Maya Hawke’s brother Levon Roan Thurman-Hawke, along with one of the Duffer Brothers who created Stranger Things.
Maya Hawke Bridal Look: Vintage Elegance Meets NYC Cool
Maya Hawke braved the cold in a modern, sculptural gown with a sleeveless bodice and high bateau neckline, paired with layers of sheer tulle that created a voluminous, architectural silhouette. Fashion critics immediately drew comparisons to Carrie Bradshaw, praising the vintage-inspired aesthetic. She topped the ensemble with an oversized feathery white coat to combat New York’s February chill, while white pointed-toe stilettos completed the look.
Fans flooded social media with praise. “10/10 no notes. Absolutely stunning,” one admirer wrote, while another noted, “That’s a very late 90s style wedding dress. Love it.” The consensus? A refreshingly elegant departure from overproduced celebrity weddings.
Why Now? The Power of Privacy in Public Life
The Valentine’s Day timing felt symbolic, bold, and slightly whimsical, earnest in a way that doesn’t feel engineered for virality. For a couple who could have monetized every milestone with exclusive magazine spreads and brand partnerships, the choice to marry quietly speaks volumes.
“I cannot recommend dating your friends highly enough,” Maya Hawke said on a 2024 episode of The Zach Sang Show. “They know you as a person, not as an idea. They see your feelings, your history, your reality”. This philosophy of authenticity extended to their wedding celebration.
The ceremony at St. George’s Episcopal Church was followed by a reception at The Players, an exclusive members’ club in Gramercy Park, where guests celebrated for hours into the night. The entire event maintained the couple’s signature understated approach to fame.
Internet Reactions: From Shock to Admiration
The internet’s response has been a fascinating mix of surprise, admiration, and cultural commentary. Many fans didn’t even know Maya Hawke was engaged, let alone planning a wedding.
“I didn’t even know they were engaged, but she looks absolutely gorgeous,” one fan confessed on social media, while another questioned, “Omg how long were they dating before this ?? Why did I have zero idea she had a bf?”
The loudest part of the reaction was the realization that the public fan base wasn’t part of the rollout. This wasn’t a secret in her real life; it was simply private from ours. In an era where celebrity weddings have become content marketing campaigns, complete with teaser posts and strategic reveals, Hawke’s approach felt revolutionary.
“This is an example of a gorgeous, understated NYC wedding,” one admirer noted, while others praised the couple for choosing intimacy over spectacle. “Maya and Uma are both so stunning!” gushed another, captivated by the multigenerational glamour on display.
The David Harbour Mystery
However, not all reactions were celebratory. David Harbour’s absence became its own subplot, with fans questioning whether the Stranger Things patriarch was even invited. According to Page Six, Harbour was spotted out with a mystery woman in New York City on Valentine’s Day at the same time as Maya Hawke wedding.
Social media quickly buzzed with speculation. “‘Skipped,’ Was he invited?” fans wondered, while others referenced his recent divorce from Lily Allen and past controversies. The timing raised eyebrows, especially given Harbour’s absence from recent Stranger Things promotional events.
A Career in Full Bloom
Between a star-studded Valentine’s Day wedding and a stacked slate of projects, 2026 is looking like a very big year for Maya Hawke. She’s preparing for roles in romantic comedy “Wishful Thinking” and drama “One Night Only,” but her most anticipated project is “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” a prequel where she’ll play Wiress.
Her father recently said he was “so proud” of her and called Robin his favorite character while praising the final season of Stranger Things, which concluded in January 2026 after a decade-long run.
What This Wedding Really Means
In a celebrity culture that often avoids overt sentimentality, Maya Hawke’s choice feels refreshing. For someone caught in the “nepo baby” conversation, she could easily monetize every milestone but chose intimacy instead. The wedding represents something increasingly rare: genuine privacy while living publicly. Maya Hawke has never felt like a spectacle-driven celebrity. She gives thoughtful interviews, releases indie music, and disappears again. There’s something almost old Hollywood about that restraint. As one commentator noted, “This wedding is a reminder that not everything has to be public to be real.” In an age of performed intimacy, that authenticity resonates powerfully.
