As one of the most buzzworthy shows going into the new year, production on Stranger Things season 2 has been a hive of activity.
Putting aside those heightened expectations and talk of the Upside Down, first up we had the addition of Sadie Sink and Dacre Montgomery, before Netflix finally confirmed that Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven would be returning via a Star Wars-esque table read picture.
Today, the latest development involves a three-fold casting coup, as Entertainment Weekly reports that Sean Astin, Paul Reiser and Linnea Berthelsen have all climbed aboard for the second season of Stranger Things. Much like Sink and Montgomery, Netflix rolled out a trio of character descriptions to properly introduce the new residents of Hawkins, Indiana. It starts with Danish star Berthelsen, who has been cast as Roman, “an emotionally damaged, magnetic young woman who suffered a great loss as a child. Although she does not live in Hawkins, she is mysteriously connected to the supernatural events at the lab…”
The Goonies and Lord of the Rings star Sean Astin has landed the role of Bob Newby, “a kindhearted former nerd who went to high school with Joyce (Winona Ryder) and Hopper (David Harbour) and now manages the local Hawkins RadioShack.” Finally, Paul Reiser (Aliens, Whiplash) will assume the role of Dr. Owens, “a high-ranking member within the Department of Energy on a ‘clean-up’ assignment, tasked with containing the events of last year.” That’s not too far removed from Matthew Modine’s manipulative Dr. Martin Brenner, which can only portend danger for Eleven and company going into season 2.
It was the summer sensation that blew past all expectations and now, Netflix is steadily piecing together the second season of Stranger Things. It’s expected to premiere mid-way through 2017.