‘Stranger Things’ Season 3: Netflix Teases Start of Production — Watch
Ross and Matt Duffer have reassembled their favorite fictional residents of Hawkins, Indiana — meaning production is back underway on “Stranger Things.” Netflix made the announcement Friday on social media, almost five months after the ’80s-era juggernaut was renewed. Season three’s first table read occurred April 20, captured in a behind-the-scenes teaser.
To build anticipation, the cast members’ faces are mostly obscured in the 90-second, black-and-white clip, which relies on shots of actors’ coifs, shoes, and name placards. Last month, Netflix revealed additions to this year’s ensemble, including Cary Elwes (“The Princess Bride”) playing corrupt Mayor Kline. His fellow newbies both have famous parents. Jake Busey — who has a role in the forthcoming “The Predator” — is the son of Gary Busey, and will portray a Hawkins Post reporter named Bruce. Less is know about Robin, a character who unearths shockers about the town. 20-year-old Maya Hawke (PBS’ “Little Women”), Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke’s daughter, steps into that part.
Priah Ferguson guest starred as Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin)’s sister in four 2017 episodes, will have a bigger role this season. A native of Atlanta, where “Stranger Things” is shot, she gives side-eye to the camera and delivers the clip’s only line, played out by composers Michael Stein and Kyle Dixon’s theme song.
The Duffers had a bit of a tumultuous hiatus. In early March, former “Stranger Things” camera department crew member Peyton Brown accused the series’ creators, directors, and producers of verbal harassment against numerous women. “We are deeply upset to learn that someone felt uncomfortable on our set,” they said in a statement. “Due to the high-stress nature of production, tempers occasionally get frayed, and for that, we apologize. However, we think it is important not to mischaracterize our set, where we believe strongly in treating everyone fairly regardless of gender, orientation, race, religion, or anything else. We remain totally committed to providing a safe and collaborative working environment for everyone on our productions.”
This month, Charlie Kessler alleged in a lawsuit that the brothers stole the “Stranger Things” concept from one of his short films. An attorney for Matt and Ross Duffer declared the filing “completely meritless.”
TV Line reports that eight episodes will comprise the next batch, the same as season one (but one less than season two). Season three does not yet have a debut date. Watch Netflix’s teaser below.
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