Stranger Things Season 3 is officially open for business. Ahead of a spring production date, the third installment has confirmed a Season 2 fan-favorite will have a much larger role, and added Maya Thurman-Hawke as a mysterious new player.

First and foremost, Priah Ferguson will reprise her role as Lucas’ younger sister Erica Sinclair, having made a significant impression with all the side-eye of her Season 2 role. Ferguson has been upgraded from guest star to recurring, and will come with “an army of friends” as she “finds herself on a wild mission to save Hawkins from a dangerous and unexpected new threat.” Sure!

Additionally, BBC Little Women star Maya Thurman-Hawke (daughter of Uma and Ethan) will take the role of Robin, described as “an alternative girl who is equal parts sharp and playful. Bored with her mundane day job, she just wants a little excitement in her life… and gets more than she bargained for when she uncovers a dark secret in Hawkins.” If nothing else, the inanity of the phrase “alternative girl” was not lost on Netflix:

The description doesn’t match any of the three new characters reported previously, which included Hawkins’ Mayor, an unscrupulous and misogynistic reporter, and an older woman. There’s time yet, as production is expected to begin in April for a likely 2019 premiere.

We’ll see who next joins Stranger Things for Season 3, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Eleven ‘Stranger Things’ Questions We Need Season 3 to Answer

More From Newstalk 860