Stranger Things continues to expand its cast for season 3 by adding a new female lead. The show, which premiered on Netflix in 2016, has enjoyed phenomenal success and praise for its cast. A strong first season was followed up quickly with a second, which easily equaled the first for enjoyment.

Filming for Stranger Things season 3 is set to begin this spring, although the season itself is not likely to arrive on Netflix before 2019. While the series' main cast is returning once more, the show is, understandably, adding to its cast roster in order to keep things fresh.

Related: Stranger Things Won't Become a Franchise, Says Producer

Following on from news that the Duffer brothers are searching for three new cast members to join Stranger Things season 3, comes word from Netflix that Maya Thurman Hawke will be joining the show in a leading role. Daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, Hawke is playing Robin, an "alternative girl" bored of her job, and seeking something a little more entertaining. Undoubtedly, she will find that in Hawkins, Indiana, though it might be a little more than she bargained for. It is said that she uncovers a secret, and we all know that town has plenty of them.

In addition to Hawke's casting, Priah Ferguson, who appeared in season 2 as Erica, Lucas' sister, is becoming a series regular. Given fan reaction to the character, this is little surprise; she stole every scene she was in and was a true delight onscreen. Not only will Ferguson get a larger role, but she'll be bringing an army of friends, too, all of them on a mission to save Hawkins from yet another dark threat. This could tie in very well to Lucas' adventures with Eleven, Will, Mike, Dustin, and Max, with the older/younger sibling dynamic delivering some great comedic moments. Given Hawke's age, there's also the possibility of her character interacting with Nancy, Jonathan, Steve, and Billy, too, especially as those characters were all finishing high school in season 2.

For Hawke, Stranger Things will only be her second role; she made her on-screen debut at the very end of 2017 in the BBC's adaptation of Little Women, where she played Jo March. Meanwhile, Ferguson has had small roles in various shows before, but Stranger Things has been her biggest project to date, and it's now set to bring her even more prominence.

The three new Stranger Things roles we previously heard about have yet to be cast, but doubtless we will know some names in due course. They were all adult roles, though, so it's good to know the Duffer brothers are expanding the younger side as well, especially with the show's core group of kids all rapidly growing up.

MORE: Stranger Things Season 3 Episode Count Revealed

Stranger Things seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming on Netflix. Season 3 is expected to premiere in 2019.

Source: Netflix