Good news for everyone awaiting the next instalment of Netflix’s D&D-inspired ‘80s nostalgia-fest: Stranger Things 4 is officially in production. After last year’s summer-of-love blowout in Stranger Things 3, the gang will return for a new season that looks set to expand the world of the show considerably – not least because (SPOILER WARNING) David Harbour’s seemingly-dead Jim Hopper is confirmed to return, having been captured by the Russians. Yes, all the speculation that the ‘American’ mentioned in the final moments of Season 3 referred to an actually-still-alive Hopper is bang on the money.
A statement from showrunners the Duffer Brothers reads: “We’re excited to officially confirm that production on Stranger Things 4 is now underway – and even more excited to announce the return of Hopper! Although it’s not all good news for our “American”; he is imprisoned far from home in the snowy wasteland of Kamchatka, where he will face dangers both human... and other. Meanwhile, back in the states, a new horror is beginning to surface, something long buried, something that connects everything… Season 4 is shaping up to be the biggest and most frightening season yet, and we cannot wait for everyone to see more. In the meantime -- pray for the American.”
Not only that, but there’s a snowy new video revealing Hopper’s return, titled ‘From Russia With Love’:
Menacing stuff, there. So yes, it seems like there will be far more Russian activity in the upcoming season – and it remains to be seen how the Byers family will factor into this season, having (SPOILER WARNING AGAIN) moved out of Hawkins, Indiana in the Season 3 finale. Will Winona Ryder’s Joyce get to find out that Hopper is alive? We’ll find out when Stranger Things 4 arrives, likely at some point in 2021.