Along with Netflix finally confirming its hit sci fi series Stranger Things for a second season, came a simple teaser with the episode titles, which only served to fuel speculations about the characters and the Upside Down, which series creators Matt and Ross Duffer promised to extensively explore.
In an interview with executive producer Dan Cohen, he promised that the show will not simply rely on the gains established by the first season but instead push the envelope more and expand the universe further.
"We'll be doing more than just a rehash of Season 1. We're coming back with a few new characters, expanding storylines and mythologies, so it'll feel like the stakes are raised and more is going on and really delivering on the promise and pushing for more. We want a sequel that feels like it's bigger and badder and darker, while answering more of the questions and getting deeper into what's going on. [The Duffer Brothers] want it to be that great sequel that is satisfying and yet expands the world," he said.
While the Duffer brothers stated that they have future seasons well and truly covered with a 30 page document about the Upside Down, fans are already pitching their theories about what the nine episode season will bring.
In the premiere episode entitled MadMax, it is expected that there will be plenty of references to George Miller's film Mad Max and its sequel which would have already come out by the timeline of the show in 1984. It will also introduce a new character Max, her older brother Billy and another character named Roman, reported ScreenRant.
The second episode will likely focus on Will as it is entitled The Boy Who Came Back to Life while the third episode, entitled The Pumpkin Patch will most likely have something to do with Halloween.
The fourth episode entitled The Palace could have something to do with Nancy as theories connect Mike's reference to a proud princess at the end of the first season to the episode title.
The fifth episode, "The Storm" may be taken figuratively or literally and may refer to some foreshadowing of danger for residents of Hawkins.
The Pollywog may explain the origins of the slugs that came out of the Upside Down and Will at the final episode of season 1. It could also refer to a new person crossing over to the Upside Down as Pollywog is also a naval term which refers to a sailor who has yet to cross the equator.
The Secret Cabin and the Brain may have something to do with Hawkins' Lab or explore Eleven's psychokinetic powers after the experiments conducted on her by the secret facility.
The finale episode entitled The Lost Brother, meanwhile could refer to any of the characters who have a male sibling which in this case could refer to either Jonathan, Will, Mike or Max's brother.
Season 2 of Stranger Things is expected to be released by Netflix next year.
