The trailer also makes time for prominent appearances from the show’s two breakout stars: Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven and David Harbour as Jim Hopper. Eleven is being held back by men in suits (who had better hope that her psychokinetic powers don’t suddenly return). Then we get to see Jim Hopper, hair shaved, wearing a red, white, and blue jacket, and wielding…a freaking flamethrower!
It would appear that Chief Jim Hopper’s time in a Soviet prison has changed him. This character’s evolution from schlubby but lovable small town sheriff to full-on action hero has been one of Stranger Things’ true delights. His fashion evolution has pretty closely matched each year of the show’s ‘80s progression as well. Season 3 saw Hopper wearing a Miami Vice-style Hawaiian shirt. Now he’s wearing a distinctive puffy jacket like many of his fellow ‘80s film protagonists. Think of An American Werewolf in London’s red jacket or Marty McFly’s puffy orange vest.
While the trailer is light on actual details regarding the plot of season 4, we can all safely assume it will be pretty epic. In speaking to Den of Geek for his upcoming film Free Guy, Stranger Things producer Shawn Levy deploys the word “epic” not once, but twice to describe the show’s fourth season.
“Absolutely epic. Sprawling, epic storytelling,” Levy says.
Levy’s hype statement corroborates what creators and showrunners the Duffer Brothers have said about the season previously. After three seasons in Hawkins, Indiana, Stranger Things’ storytelling goals can no longer be bound to one small Midwestern town. Though the sight of Hawkins High School cheerleaders in the teaser confirm that the show will season some time in Hawkins, the season is set to include multiple other locales.
After all, somebody’s gotta get action hero Jim Hopper out of Kamchatka.