The Duffer brothers' hit science-fiction drama series "Stranger Things" took Hollywood by storm with its '80s influence and perfect mix of humor and horror. Later this year, the show will be back for its second season, and director Shawn Levy has given the latest updates on the upcoming season.
The critically acclaimed show will see more of Noah Schnapp next season, the kid who portrayed the once-missing once-though-to-be-dead Will Byers.
"Will Byers is very much at the center of season two," Levy tells Mashable in an interview. "Noah steps up in the most staggering way. The Duffers and I, depending on who's directing when, we keep sending texts to each other going, 'holy shit, Noah is crushing it' and we knew he had it in him, and it's really now to get in that moment, and put him firmly in the thick of story."
To note, Schnapp only appeared in a few episodes in the pilot season of "Stranger Things," as his character was missing. Levy also shares that they purposely cast Schnapp for the role because he is "special." Although he did not have the opportunity to reveal his acting chops last season, the next will most likely put him on the spotlight.
The upcoming season will introduce new characters. One will be portrayed by "Lord of the Rings" and "Goonies" actor Sean Astin, while the other will be played by "Power Rangers" star Dacre Montgomery.
According to the director, the actors' performances play a role in their respective characters' development. For instance, Steve Harrington was supposedly a minor character with very little storyline. However, the Duffer brothers, seeing how Joe Keery has performed, reward him with more "story, nuance, and dimension."
Fans can expect to see the main cast, Noah Schnapp, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Winona Ryder, David Harbour, and others, reprise their roles for the upcoming season.
"Stranger Things" season 2 will make its debut this Halloween, Oct. 31.
