The cast of Stranger Things keeps growing, and for its fifth and final season, it will count on the presence of sci-fi legend Linda Hamilton – but who is she playing in Stranger Things season 5? After a long wait, Stranger Things season 4 arrived to answer the biggest questions left by season 3 and solve some of the series' most intriguing mysteries, but it also left many more for season 5 to solve. Stranger Things will see its end with season 5, and after the heartbreaking and disturbing cliffhanger finale of season 4, the series’ final episodes will have a lot to cover and solve.
Of course, Stranger Things season 5 is expected to introduce new characters, both adults and teenagers, that will either the fight of the Hawkins crew against Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) and the Upside Down or the enemy’s side. At this point in Stranger Things’ history, Eleven and company have various enemies, both human and supernatural, and more could be added to the mix in season 5, though they could also meet new allies. Now ing the never-ending action in Hawkins is Linda Hamilton, who is now confirmed to be part of the cast of Stranger Things season 5 – but who will she play?
What We Know About Linda Hamilton's Stranger Things Character
During Netflix’s Tudum event, the streaming giant revealed that Linda Hamilton has ed the cast of Stranger Things season 5. However, and as expected when casting announcements for Stranger Things are made, no details were given about Hamilton’s character, and it’s unclear when these details will be announced. Stranger Things season 5 was scheduled to begin filming in May 2023, but it has been delayed indefinitely due to the Writers Guild of America strike. With this in mind, Hamilton’s character – or, at least, details about her – will most likely be revealed once filming of Stranger Things season 5 officially begins, along with other casting announcements, as she surely won’t be the only addition to the series.
What Past Stranger Things Legend Roles Reveal About Linda Hamilton's Character
Stranger Things has had big stars in its cast since its first season, and they have played characters on both the side of the heroes and that of the enemies and monsters (both human and supernatural). Winona Ryder has played Joyce Byers since season 1, Matthew Modine played the heartless Dr. Martin Brenner in seasons 1 and 4, and season 2 brought on board Sean Astin as Joyce’s boyfriend Bob Newby (who was sadly killed by the demodogs), and Paul Reiser as Dr. Sam Owens, who even though worked for Hawkins Lab, didn’t have the same sinister intentions as Dr. Brenner. Stranger Things season 3 welcomed Cary Elwes as mayor Larry Kline (one of season 3’s antagonists), and season 4 was a major treat for horror fans with the casting of Robert Englund as Victor Creel.
Stranger Things has been quite balanced when it comes to the roles it gives to its biggest actors, so Linda Hamilton’s character could be on either side of the fight. However, seeing where things were at the end of Stranger Things season 4, Hamilton could be on the side of the enemies. As the Upside Down takes over Hawkins, all as part of Vecna’s plan, on the human side of the conflict, Colonel Sullivan is still alive and will surely continue with his plans to capture Eleven. Hamilton, then, could be part of Sullivan’s team, meaning that she will be a threat that Eleven and the rest will have to defeat. Hopefully, Linda Hamilton will be given a bigger role in Stranger Things season 5 than those of Robert Englund and Cary Elwes, allowing her to fully display her talents.
