With most fans tearing through Stranger Things Season 2 over the weekend, we're left with a long wait for Season 3. But there’s good news, and it's that work is already underway. As co-creator Ross Duffer confirmed to Deadline, writing has begun as the Duffer brothers set out to maintain the franchise’s momentum.
Below is a summary of everything we can expect from a third season based on what has happened in the show so far and what rumors and tidbits of information are circulating online.
The premiere date
There was 15 months between the premieres of Stranger Things seasons 1 and 2. Due to the fact that the show’s cast is becoming more and more in demand (and rightly so), scheduling will be the biggest hurdle to get season three wrapped up in a timely fashion.
Cast members are starring in IT 2, Hellboy and Godzilla: King of Monsters amongst others, meaning a 2018 release for Season 3 already seems very unlikely. If we follow the pattern from Season 1 to Season 2, we’re looking at a release in early 2019.
Season 4 might be the last
In an interview with Vulture, Matt and Ross Duffer confirmed that they didn’t want Stranger Things turning into “one of those shows that runs out of gas and they lose it because they’re losing interest. You wanna end when you’re on top.”
In what is the most concrete hint thus far, Ross reveals: “We’re thinking it will be a four-season thing and then out.” By that time the kids will be getting ready for college, making it more difficult to keep the story going.
When will it be set?
With more than a year between seasons, the Duffer brothers have already confirmed that there will be a significant time shift in between Seasons 2 and 3 to keep up with Stranger Things’ young and growing cast members. A jump of at least a year is to be expected, which would see the gang starting their freshman year at Hawkins High.
A new villain
It looks like the the giant shadow, referred to by the kids as the “Mind Flayer”, will be the main villain in season three. How it will get from the Upside Down to Hawkins is still unclear, however.
Another possibility is Eleven’s sister/cousin Eight, whose vengefulness and special abilities could see her on a collision course with the kids in Hawkins, Indiana.
What happens to Steve?
Steve, the only senior in the main cast, is set to graduate and go to college next year. But with his character taking a sharp turn for the better and developing into a lowkey fan favorite, Stranger Things wouldn’t be the same without him.
In the past, TV shows have come up with convoluted excuses as to why characters stay in town beyond graduation. Season 2, episode one, plants the idea that Steve could skip college and work for his old man. We wouldn’t be against it if it meant having Steve around for one more season.
Stay tuned for more updates and, while you wait, check out Twitter’s reactions to Season 2.
