Among the many announcements over Netflix’s Tudum fan event in São Paulo, Brazil, comes the news that Linda Hamilton is joining the cast of Stranger Things for its fifth and final season. No details have yet been revealed regarding the actress’ role.

Linda Hamilton is best known for her role as Sarah Connor in the Terminator franchise, most recently having dominated the screen in 2019’s Terminator: Dark Fate.

Due to the ongoing writers strike and the delays in production, it’s still unclear when Stranger Things 5 might release on Netflix. Though all scripts have reportedly been written, the series’ August 2nd production start date has been scrapped, with no update on when cameras might begin rolling.

Stranger Things 4 ended with big bad Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) defeating Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and the rest of the Hawkins crew. The gate to the Upside Down has been opened, lettings its monsters roam free in the real world.

Discussing season 4’s finale and hinting at what season 5 might hold, the Duffer Brothers wrote:

“… Because this is the penultimate season, we wanted an Empire Strikes Back style ending — meaning, it ends on a down note, with our characters experiencing real defeat for the first time. 

The bad guy wins. Friends (heroes) die, or are badly wounded. We felt this led to some incredibly devastating performances from our cast, as they come face to face with death and loss, a feeling which will cast a dark cloud over the final season. 

Like a lot of people, high school was a very challenging time for us — you’re facing the pressure of figuring out your future at the same time you are trying to fit in, or even just trying to understand who you are. It’s a lot to take on at that age and it can leave you feeling hopeless, like there’s no end to the uncertainty in sight.

This emotional truth was at the center of Vecna. In many ways a physical representation of anxiety and depression, he is an evil force that leeches on youth’s frailty. The devil on your shoulder, the dark whisper in your ear.

We hope that the show ultimately gives hope to kids that, with the help of loved ones, you can overcome anything. You can run your way up that hill, out of darkness and into the light.”