Stranger Things Season 2 had even more license to honor its ‘80s movie past, recruiting actual Goonies and Aliens stars like Sean Astin and Paul Reiser. The latter’s role as a mysterious scientist remains some what fuzzy, but Reiser at least confirms a surprising Aliens connection, and what separates him from Matthew Modine’s Season 1 villain.

Entertainment Weekly had a chance to speak with both Reiser and Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer, who revealed that their original Season 2 pitch likened Dr. Owens to “Paul Reiser” in the first place, or rather his duplicitous Aliens character, Carter Burke. That isn’t to say that the new scientist handling the paranormal in Hawkins is exactly like his predecessor, Dr. Brenner (Modine), as Reiser’s role is appropriately more ambiguous:

There’s a little more humanity. Modine’s character had very few lines so he was this looming, powerful presence. My guy is much more hands-on and sort of among his many degrees is that he has a bedside manner that Modine’s character did not have. I know coming into this what this community has gone through and my job is to try and walk them through their mistrust.

Elsewhere of Stranger Things Season 2, we know shooting will take place in Atlanta through April for a Halloween premiere. The story will pick up in the fall of 1984, while creators Matt and Ross Duffer have teased a James Cameron sequel influence in crafting the second chapter.

We’ll also learn more about the Demogorgon and Upside Down, as teased in our exclusive concept art piece, while Sadie Sink (visible above) and Power Rangers star Dacre Montgomery have been added to the cast in regular roles, along with Brett Gelman, Goonies alum Sean Astin, Aliens baddie Reiser, and actress Linnea Berthelsen. The full list of directors has also been revealed, including Finding Dory helmer Andrew Stanton.

We’ll learn more of Stranger Things Season 2 in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for additional details, and check out the teaser again below.

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