‘Stranger Things’ is worldwide phenomenon and one of Netflix’s biggest and most successful original properties. The core cast has remained the same through 3 seasons, adding a few additions here and there. Now it seems like two fan-favorite recurring characters are being promoted to regulars. Priah Ferguson and Brett Gelman will have more to do in the upcoming season of ‘Stranger Things.’
Ferguson plays Lucas’ (Caleb McLaughlin) sister Erica. She had a small role in the second season, and then had an expanded role in season three. Variety was the first to report the promotion of Ferguson. She was a scene stealer in the third season, which is saying something, since she worked mostly with the other scene stealers of the show. It will be great to see what the show has in store for her this time around.
As for Gelman, it was Deadline that first reported his promotion. Like Ferguson, Gelman’s conspiracy theorist character Murray Bauman was first introduced in the second season. Then his role got expanded in season three. The trend continues with season 4. Gelman brought a fresh energy and dark humor to the show, and that is likely to continue. Gelman has had critical acclaim for his role in the Amazon show ‘Fleabag.’
The rest of the cast consists of Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), Noah Schnapp (Will), Finn Wolfhard (Mike), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Cara Buono (Karen), Maya Hawke (Robin), Sadie Sink (Max), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan), Natalia Dyer (Nancy), Winona Ryder (Joyce), and the return of David Harbour (Hopper).
The Duffer Brothers will once again serve as writers, directors, and showrunners. Filming is currently underway on the upcoming season.
In my opinion, ‘Stranger Things’ is one of the best shows currently happening. The mysteries are strong, the cast is charming, and the story is compelling. For existing characters to get bigger roles is not an unusual thing. It is a natural part of a well constructed story. Luckily both of these characters were highlights of season three, so more of them is a good thing. It will be fun to see them interact with other cast members that they haven’t had a chance to work with before. If you’re a fan of the show, there are combinations that sound intriguing to see on screen.
A teaser was recently released for the fourth season, but no word on when exactly it will drop on Netflix.