New set photos from Stranger Things season 4 indicate the Netflix series could be addressing a long-running issue with the Upside Down. Production for the highly-anticipated fourth season is currently underway in Georgia. Without trailer footage or a release date at this point, fans are left with analyzing set leaks to prepare for what season 4 has in store. While the Upside Down has been a key element in the Duffer Brothers' show throughout the first three installments, it seems the parallel dimension is evolving.
Although details for Stranger Things season 4 have been few and far between, the Duffer Brothers took to social media in February 2020 to confirm Chief Jim Hopper's (David Harbour) survival. The announcement came in the form of a teaser, which also revealed Hopper's imprisonment in Kamchatka, Russia. The character's rescue will presumably be a core focus of the new season in addition to an emerging threat in Hawkins, Indiana. Aside from the return of the primary cast, Netflix announced a few newcomers, including Jamie Campbell Bower, Tom Wlaschiha, Robert Englund, Eduardo Franco, and Joseph Quinn.
The Upside Down will once again come into play in the forthcoming installment, according to recent Stranger Things set photos from Griffin, Georgia. The pictures were taken in a trailer park, showing the mobile homes engulfed by vine-like tendrils. The red and black vines will be familiar to viewers, considering the tendrils are commonly associated with the Upside Down. Characters who have traveled within the Upside Down dimension have encountered the tendrils that grow like roots. The growths were also present in the tunnels under Hawkins in Stranger Things season 2. Based on the photos, it seems as though the vines are being brought into the real world, which amplifies the threat that was previously confined to the other dimension.
The Trailer Park's Name Has A Connection To Stranger Things Season 2
It's certainly possible further special effects will be added to the trailer park setting to reveal the location is present within the actual Upside Down. Granted, the set photos hint the mysterious Stranger Things dimension is finally expanding to the real world. This also isn't some random mobile home neighborhood; the sign confirms its Forest Hills Trailer Park. Forest Hills was briefly mentioned in season 2 when Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer) and Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton) attempted to meet with Barb Holland's (Shannon Purser) mother in a public location to find out if they were being followed. The name of the trailer park is significant in that this Upside Down takeover is happening in the Hawkins area.
There's no doubt the Upside Down has been a threatening presence since Stranger Things debuted. The dark dimension void of human life has housed villainous creatures like Demogorgons and the Mind Flayer. Still, the alternate dimension hasn't been fully explored, which has been a lingering problem. By becoming a tangible threat to the real world, Stranger Things can finally provide insight into Upside Down and the Mind Flayer's goal of invading Earth. The superorganism's ability to engulf residences and towns with its winding tendrils certainly matches the tease of a new emerging threat in season 4. Fans will just need to wait and see what else the Duffer Brothers have in store for the heroes in Hawkins.