All of the (surviving) key cast members from seasons 1-3 of Stranger Things are returning for season 4, in addition to a few faces that were introduced in season 3. Stranger Things has consistently been one of Netflix's most successful and highly-viewed shows, and as such, it was only a matter of time before season 4 was announced. Although there's no specific premiere date yet, Stranger Things is expected to return for season 4 in late 2020.
Stranger Things season 3 notoriously ended on the shocking "cliffhanger" that Chief Hopper appeared to be dead, but the first season 4 teaser trailer quickly reversed that revelation. Much of season 3 circled around the mysterious Russian plot, which included homages to classic 80s movies like The Terminator. Although breakout fan-favorite Alexei was killed in the season 3 finale, it appears as if there will still be a significant Russian presence in season 4 as well.
Stranger Things' creators, the Duffer brothers, have implied that for the first time in the show's history, the majority of the season will take place outside of Hawkins, Indiana, where audiences were first introduced to the main cast all the way back in season 1. However, just because the show may be leaving Hawkins doesn't mean that it still won't follow the same set of central characters - here are all the characters returning in season 4 of Stranger Things.
Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven
Stranger Things' most iconic character, season 4 just wouldn't be the same without Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven. The surrogate daughter of Chief Hopper, Eleven was first introduced as a frightened child unsure of how to interact with the real world, but has since grown into a fiery teenager who uses her telekinetic powers to defend her friends and family. Given season 3 ended with Eleven losing her powers, it'll be fascinating to see where things take her in Stranger Things season 4.
Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler
Eleven's young paramour and another one of Stranger Things' key protagonists, Finn Wolfhard will be returning as Mike Wheeler for season 4. Mike was one of the first people to meet Eleven in season 1, and the two quickly formed a strong bond that developed into teen romance as the seasons progressed. Although more recently his romance with Eleven has been on troubled waters when push comes to shove, and the pair are now geographically separated since she's left Hawkins, Mike is still a loyal friend and a useful ally - so of course, he's coming back for another season.
Noah Schnapp as Will Byers
Close friends with Finn Wolfhard's Mike Wheeler from the beginning, Noach Schnapp's Will Byers is set to return in Stranger Things season 4. Will, of course, disappeared in season 1, and his mystery was the central plot for the first season. Since Will's return from the Upside Down, he's been troubled by visions and memories from his time away from Earth, but he's still made time to hang out with his friends. That'll prove more difficult in season 4, however, with Will and his family leaving Hawkins behind at the end of Stranger Things season 3.
Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson
Another one of the core group members is Dustin, played by Gaten Matarazzo. Dustin started out as one of the nerdiest characters on Stranger Things, but as the series has progressed, his nerdy characteristics have come in handy on several adventures, as has his aptitude with technology. Dustin went on a number of adventures with Steve Harrington over the course of season 3, so fans can look forward to seeing him again in season 4.
Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair
The fourth member of Stranger Things' main friendship gang, Caleb McLaughlin will be returning as Lucas Sinclair for season 4. Lucas has accompanied Will, Mike, and Dustin on many of their adventures, and has also gotten up to some of his own as the show has progressed. In the later seasons, Lucas began a romance with Max Mayfield, but encountered some trouble from her now-dead step-brother Billy.
Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers
One of Stranger Things' biggest characters since season 1, Winona Ryder will be continuing her portrayal of Joyce Byers for the next season. Joyce was initially introduced as the jumpy and increasingly paranoid mother of Will Byers who became desperate when her son disappeared, but has come a very long way since season 1. In addition to becoming much more capable and street-smart, Joyce has also had a series of romantic interests on the show, many of whom met untimely deaths. Heading into Stranger Things season 4, let's hope that Joyce's next love interest fares better than her last ones have.
David Harbour as Chief Jim Hopper
The biggest shocker at the end of Stranger Things season 3 was the "death" of Jim Hopper, who has been a fan-favorite and key character since season 1. In the season 3 finale, Hopper seemingly dies under the Starcourt mall, but as previously mentioned, the season 4 teaser revealed that Hopper is, in fact, alive. As such, David Harbour is obviously coming back for season 4, although he won't be with the rest of the cast when it begins given he's imprisoned in Russia.
Joe Keery as Steve Harrington
Joe Keery has been on Stranger Things since season 1, but his character, Steve Harrington, has grown significantly in that time. He began as a popular jerk who was dating Nancy, but has become an empathetic older brother figure to characters like Dustin, who puts the well being of his charges over his own. Steve's character development has been a highlight for Stranger Things fans, so it'll be interesting to see where season 4 takes him.
Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton as Nancy Wheeler and Jonathan Byers
The older siblings of Mike and Will respectively, both Nancy Wheeler and Jonathan Byers will be coming back for Stranger Things season 4. The duo has been frequently together since they began to investigate Will's disappearance in season 1, and have been close ever since. Although initially Jonathan was little more than a social outcast with a crush on Nancy, they've since become a couple, and will likely continue their relationship in season 4.
Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield
One of the few key returning characters not to have been involved since Stranger Things season 1, Sadie Sink will be back as Max Mayfield, a Hawkins teen who befriends Eleven during season 2. Max teaches Eleven how to be a normal teenager, and the two go on a series of misadventures during seasons 2 and 3 as they attempt to navigate romance with their respective love interests, Mike and Lucas. Max's step-brother Billy was killed in season 3, so she'll likely still be reeling from his death when the show picks up in season 4.
Priah Ferguson as Erica Sinclair
Also returning is Priah Ferguson as Erica Sinclair, now a series regular. Lucas's little sister, she worms her way into being brought along on more than a few escapades in season 3. Erica was a breakout character from season 2, which led to an increased role last year, and that'll likely continue in Stranger Things season 4.
Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley
Maya Hawke will be reprising her role as Robin Buckley, first introduced in Stranger Things season 3. One of Steve's coworkers at Scoops Ahoy, Robin and Steve became a firm fan-favorite pairing as they bonded over time, and she became the show's first confirmed LGBTQ+ character when she came out to Steve in a moving scene near the end of season 3.
Cara Buono as Karen Wheeler
Cara Buono will return in Stranger Things season 4 as Karen Wheeler, Mike and Nancy's mom. Although married, Karen did flirt and consider an affair with Billy in Stranger Things season 3, and it remains to be seen just how much of an impact that will have on her in season 4.
Brett Gelman as Murray Bauman
Perhaps the most surprising returning character, Brett Gelman will be back as a main cast member for Stranger Things season 4, reprising his role of Murray Bauman. Murray Bauman was introduced in season 2 as a conspiracy theorist fluent in Russian who aided Hopper and Joyce in translating for the late Russian scientist Alexei. It seemed like Murray's story would end when Alexei died, but seeing as he's returning for Stranger Things season 4, it looks like his Russian skills may come in handy again.