Stranger Things creators have revealed new details about Linda Hamilton’s role in the show’s fifth and final season. Hamilton will portray Dr. Kay, a new government figure who’s leading the investigation into Upside Down. As the series moves toward its conclusion, the Duffers teased Dr. Kay’s approach following Dr. Brenner’s death.
Duffer bros on Linda Hamilton’s role in Stranger Things Season 5
Matt and Ross Duffer, the creators of Stranger Things, have opened up about Linda Hamilton’s role in the highly anticipated fifth and final season. The actress, best known for her performance as Sarah Connor in The Terminator franchise, joins the cast as Dr. Kay. Her character is introduced following the death of Dr. Martin Brenner, portrayed by Matthew Modine.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the Duffers revealed that Hamilton’s casting was suggested by their casting director, Carmen Cuba. Ross said, “When Carmen Cuba, our casting director, suggested Linda, we got really excited because she’s very, very different from Modine.” He added, “She’s equally intimidating and intelligent, but she can fight. If it comes down to it, she can shoot a gun, she can get in a fist fight, she can kick your a–.”
Matt Duffer noted that Dr. Kay brings an “unhinged quality” that sets her apart from Dr. Brenner. Describing Dr. Kay as “scary,” he added, “She, unlike Dr. Brenner, has no emotional connection to Eleven. There was that paternal quality that Brenner had. Dr. Kay has none of those feelings. She really views her just as a weapon that needs to be acquired.”
The upcoming fifth season is set in the fall of 1987, taking place over a year after the dramatic events of Season 4. Hawkins remains under government surveillance while Eleven lies low, training for Vecna’s return. In the recently released trailer, Dr. Kay is seen firing at what appears to be Demogorgons.
