Stranger Things star, Sadie Sink, says that the stakes in season 4 are the highest they've ever been. Created by the Duffer Brothers, the Netflix series is one of the biggest hits to come from the streaming giant since its first season premiered in 2016. Production on the highly anticipated fourth season came to a halt back in March 2020 after only two months due to the coronavirus pandemic but was able to resume in Georgia in September. Most of the main cast is set to return, including some new key players.
The 1980s-set sci-fi show has consistently introduced new characters with each season, including step-siblings Billy (Dacre Montgomery) and Max (Sadie Sink) in season 2 and sarcastic Scoops Ahoy employee, Robin (Maya Hawke), in season 3. Each season's new characters are always integral to the storylines and main characters' journeys, though Montgomery won't be returning for season 4 as his character's arc concluded in season 3. With Billy gone, fans have theorized what Max's storyline will be come season 4 as she deals with his loss as well as the absence of Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), who moved with the Byers family at the end of season 3.
Now Sink is hinting at what the audience can expect from the new season. In an interview with Collider, Sink teased that season 4 is the biggest season yet, saying that the stakes are the highest they have ever been on the show. Read Sink's full quote below:
The scale of the show just gets bigger and bigger each year so yeah, it’s just been really incredible to see where they’re going with the storyline. It’s really amazing this year. And just how the stakes are just so much higher. Higher than they’ve ever been.
The season 3 finale left a lot to explore in season 4, but the biggest question is what happened to Sheriff Jim Hopper (David Harbour). The cliffhanger left Hopper's fate uncertain, though fans guessed (and hoped) he was still alive after the post-credits scene implied that he was possibly being held in a Russian prison. This theory was confirmed earlier this year when Netflix dropped a surprise teaser showing Hopper working in what appears to be a Russian prison camp. A recent behind-the-scenes photo also showed Hopper as a Russian captive. While season 4 is expected to show how Hopper ended up in the prison in the first place, it will also introduce fans to new characters, including Freddy Krueger actor, Robert Englund, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones' Jamie Campbell Bower, and Game of Thrones' Tom Wlaschiha.
Season 1 of Stranger Things was focused around the disappearance of Will Byers, but with each season, the series has unraveled even more mysteries and has explored beyond the Hawkins Lab. Anticipation for season 4 is higher than ever, especially as Netflix has not yet confirmed a release date. While it's no surprise that the show is trying to up the ante with the new season, Sink's comment still makes the unknown season 4 plot sound even more enticing.
Source: Collider