Actor Brett Gelman made an appearance in the table read video Netflix released yesterday to celebrate the start of production on the fourth season of their hit series Stranger Things, and on the same day Deadline caught word that Gelman has been promoted to series regular status on the show.
Gelman plays journalist / conspiracy theorist Murray Bauman, a character who was introduced in a few episodes of season 2 and then was around so much in season 3 that it already seemed like he was a series regular.
That's similar to what has happened with Priah Ferguson, who plays Erica Sinclair. She was a guest star in season 2, then was promoted to recurring status for season 3, but her role in that season was so prominent it seemed like she already was a regular. But season 4 is when she's officially considered a series regular.
Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Joe Keery, Sadie Sink, Winona Ryder, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, and Maya Hawke are also back for season 4, as is David Harbour. Harbour's presence seems like a spoiler, but Netflix and show's creators the Duffer Brothers are quite happy to let us know that his character Jim Hopper has returned. They built a teaser trailer around him and released the following statement:
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.
Netflix hasn't yet announced a premiere date for season 4.