Stranger Things is a thrilling watch that will captivate you from start to finish by providing non-stop entertainment throughout. The series is a massive success to several factors and has received praise for its story, direction, acting, and, notably, the nostalgic 80s vibe that represents it. Stanger Things features unique individuals and characters that are loved by all. One of those characters is Dr. Martin Brenner. The one whom Eleven calls “Papa,” who, of course, isn’t her real father in the series.
In Stranger Things, Matthew Modine portrays Dr. Brenner, the ominous scientist who opened the “Upside Down” door and developed telekinetic abilities in children like Eleven. Dr. Brenner serves as a key antagonist in season 1, driving the hunt for Eleven when she escapes to Hawkins, Indiana.
Martin Brenner was portrayed as villainous. He was the realistic counterpart to the Demogorgon and its fantastical evil endeavors. After all, it was only through the guidance of Dr. Brenner that Eleven allowed the Demogorgon to emerge into reality in the first place. So, definitely, Dr. Brenner is important to the series. Despite his importance in the story, Modine initially didn’t want to take part in the series.
Matthew Modine Didn’t Want to Play the Role of Dr. Martin Brenner
Duffer brothers (the creators of Stranger Things) had to make multiple calls to convince Modine to take the role eventually. In an interview with The Guardian, Modine shared his experience:
“I passed, but they kept ringing me up and made it really difficult for me to say no. I responded to their passion, and [Brenner] became a really interesting, complex character.”
Beyond just acting in the series, Matthew Modine also shaped Brenner’s character. However, it wasn’t an easy role for him, as he openly disliked the character’s actions. Dr. Brenner is portrayed as a sharply dressed man with impeccably white hair. The Full Metal Jacket actor said that Brenner was initially conceived as a different-looking character:
“He was unshaven, with work boots and a flannel shirt. And he had a lot of expositional dialogue, which an actor never wants.”
Modine then decided to dye his hair because, according to him, villains in anime “always have white hair” (maybe he was talking about Litch and Garou). Next, he wanted Brenner always to be wearing a suit. Modine also revealed that the Duffer Brothers hadn’t told him that Brenner would be “kidnapping kids” when he accepted the part, which is another struggle for him.
Matthew Modine Cut His Hair and Went into the Sauna to Sweat off Dr. Martin Brenner’s Character
Matthew Modine didn’t enjoy portraying Brenner’s character because some of his actions made him “sick to his stomach.” He elaborated:
“I don’t ever want to get in the skin of someone like Dr. Brenner again.”
Season 4 concludes with Brenner’s ultimate demise, as Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) firmly rejects his final pleas for love and forgiveness. After filming wrapped up, Modine went the extra mile to distance 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.”
It seems like Modine never liked the character of Dr. Martin Brenner, and it kept disgusting him even after the shoot was over.
Source: Slash Film
