By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
Celebrating Eight Years of Stranger Things
To mark the eighth anniversary of its debut, the creators of Netflix's hit sci fi drama Stranger Things have released a behind the scenes clip from the set of its highly anticipated fifth season. The video reveals that the production is halfway through filming, sparking excitement among fans who have been eagerly awaiting the show's final episodes.
The Gang's Back Together
The two minute teaser opens with a clapperboard shot and a montage of iconic locations from the series, such as Hawkins High School. Caleb McLaughlin, who portrays Lucas, narrates, "Welcome to season five of Stranger Things," setting the stage for a nostalgic journey. Fans are thrilled to see a shot of the original group, Mike, Lucas, Will, and Dustin, reuniting after being separated for much of the fourth season. Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike, expresses his excitement about having scenes with the original four, much to the delight of long time viewers.
Growing Up Strange
The teaser also features Millie Bobby Brown, who plays the psychic character Eleven. In a poignant moment, footage of her from season one is juxtaposed with a current clip of her driving a car. "I started when I was ten years old," she reflects, adding, "I'm just turning 20 years old." Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin, also shares his sentiments, stating, "This is home," as he walks onto the set. The significant time gaps between seasons have previously drawn criticism, with actors aging more than their characters. However, the show appears to be picking up right where it left off after the dramatic conclusion of season four.
Old and New Faces
The teaser provides a glimpse of British actor Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays the villainous Vecna. His character, having escaped a climactic battle with Eleven at the end of season four, is shown approaching a make up table for his extensive prosthetic fitting. Fans are also treated to a brief appearance by Linda Hamilton, best known for her role in the Terminator films. The Duffer Brothers, the show's directors, are known for their nods to 80s pop culture, having previously featured actors like Sean Astin from The Goonies and horror icon Robert Englund, the face behind Freddy Krueger.
A Big Reaction
Within hours of its release, the teaser clip amassed over a million views across TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly known as Twitter). While the majority of fans expressed joy over the update, some voiced their displeasure regarding Noah Schnapp's continued role as Will Byers. Schnapp, who is Jewish, faced backlash for his support of Israel following the October 7 Hamas attack. Although he later clarified his stance, emphasizing his desire for "peace and safety and security for all innocent people" affected by the conflict, the controversy remains a point of contention among some fans.
As the production of Stranger Things season five progresses, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the beloved series.
