Stranger Things Creators Reveal Linda Hamilton’s Villain Role & Long-Running Tradition

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The popular Netflix series has been lauded for its unique storyline and skillful use of 1980s references. After premiering in 2016, the show will conclude with its fifth and final season, featuring a new antagonist played by Linda Hamilton, best known for her role in ‘Terminator’.

The actress joined the cast in 2023, but details about her character were initially scarce. As the show’s release neared, creators Matt and Ross Duffer explained their decision to cast the ’80s icon and revealed what her role will be. This casting also follows a pattern established by the show’s history.

The next season will bring back beloved characters like Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, and Jamie Campbell Bower. Joining them will be new cast members Hamilton and Nell Fisher.

Ross Duffer shared that they enjoy featuring actors who were popular in the 1980s whenever possible. He explained they were all big fans of Linda Hamilton, and that her character, Sarah Connor, in The Terminator, is incredibly strong and impressive.

I’m really excited about the new season and they’ve finally explained what they’re doing with this new character. Apparently, she’s just as brilliant as Dr. Brenner – you know, Matthew Modine’s character, who she’s essentially taking over from. But here’s the cool part: unlike Brenner or even Paul Reiser’s character, she’s physically capable – she can handle a gun and actually fight! They want this villain to be genuinely scary, both in terms of brains and brawn, and it sounds like they’re achieving that.

Matt Duffer explained that they hadn’t originally planned to include actress Natalia Fisher, but as they developed season five, they wanted to recreate the feel of the first season, which focused on younger characters. Because the original cast has aged, they needed to introduce a child actor to the show.

Linda Hamilton’s Casting in Season 5 Continues a Long-Running Stranger Things Tradition

The show clearly loves the 1980s, filled with references and inspired by filmmakers like John Carpenter, Steven Spielberg, and David Lynch. It’s also brought back some of the decade’s most popular stars. For example, Winona Ryder, known for films like Heathers and Beetlejuice, joined the cast as Joyce Byers in Season 1 and has been a central figure ever since.

Season 2 welcomed Bob Newby and actor Paul Reiser, while Season 3 featured as Mayor Larry Kline. Season 4 added horror icon Robert Englund, famous for playing Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street, as Victor Creel. Linda Hamilton is an ideal choice to conclude the series, given her iconic role as Sarah Connor in The Terminator films and her extensive background in science fiction.

Season 5 of Stranger Things is back! Volume 1 will be available starting November 26th, and the final episodes will air on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

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2025-11-09 23:36