Embracing its nostalgic 1980s backdrop, Stranger Things strategically enlists actors who gained fame during that era. Season 2 features Sean Astin, best known for his role in The Goonies prior to The Lord of the Rings, in a supporting capacity. The renowned Freddy Krueger himself, Robert Englund, made an appearance in season 4.
Additionally, Winona Ryder, an iconic figure from the late ’80s and ’90s, holds a significant role as Joyce Byers within the main cast. One of the most notable outcomes of the show has been Ryder’s impressive career resurgence. Although Matthew Modine didn’t achieve teen idol status as Ryder did, his breakthrough movie, Full Metal Jacket, made its debut in 1987.
Matthew Modine Didn’t Like His Character
In the climactic Stranger Things season 1 finale, Brenner confronts the extradimensional creature the kids refer to as the Demogorgon. Remarkably, there was no definitive death scene, and after a notable absence spanning two seasons, Brenner makes his reappearance in season 4. This time around, his role as an antagonist is considerably diminished compared to his presence in season 1. In season 4, Eleven, in need of reclaiming her powers, finds an unexpected ally in Brenner, who aids her in the process.
Nevertheless, it’s not so much that his character underwent a significant transformation, but rather that the circumstances shifted around him. Throughout the season, glimpses into the past shed a revealing light on his unsettling experiments. Modine found the experience unsettling, confessing to Men’s Health that some of Brenner’s actions left him feeling “sick to his stomach.”
“Your body doesn’t know it’s acting. Even though I’m memorizing lines and I understand the physical aspects of acting, you put your body through whatever that character is going through. It can be very destructive to your body. I don’t ever want to get in the skin of someone like Dr. Brenner again.”
The conclusion of Season 4 finds Brenner meeting his permanent demise, with Eleven resolutely rebuffing her “Papa’s” final appeals for love and forgiveness. Once filming wrapped, Modine went to great lengths to detach himself from the character: “I cut my hair off when I’m finished. I went into a lot of saunas to sweat this guy out.“
As Mathew Modine bids farewell to the series, his only lament is the prospect of seeing Milly Bobby Brown less often.
Will Byers Could Take Up Lead Role In Season 5
Crafted by the visionary Duffer Brothers, this science-fiction horror-drama television series has embarked on a daring venture for its fifth season, placing the narrative spotlight squarely on the shoulders of Noah Schnapp’s character, Will Byers. Discussing this upcoming season, Ross Duffer commented,
“Will really takes center stage again in 5. This emotional arc for him is what we feel is going to hopefully tie the whole series together. Will is used to being the young one, the introverted one, the one that’s being protected. So part of his journey, it’s not just sexuality — it’s Will coming into his own as a young man.”
Initially, the actor’s shooting schedule for the forthcoming season was set for the summer. However, due to a writers’ strike, production has been halted.
Source: Slashfilm
