They can’t be kids forever, though they definitely deserve a break after what they’ve been through in the first two seasons of Stranger Things. Unfortunately for Dustin, Mike, Lucas, Will, Eleven, and Max, the new Season 3 trailer shows their summer vacation is going to be filled with more horror, monsters, and angst.
Spoilers for Stranger Things Season 3 below.
A New Monster
We may not see the monster until almost the end of the trailer, but the tension builds throughout.
What exactly is this in 'Stranger Things' Season 3?!
That’s also not the only threat the people of Hawkins will be facing. There’s some sort of machine and electric explosion. There are also the rats, though what’s going on with them is unclear and will probably remain as such until the episodes drop on July 4. Are they linked to the monster? Are they spreading a disease? Are they a warning sign?
An Infection
Ever since Netflix revealed the Season 3 episode titles, fans have suspected that some sort of infection could be at play. Episode 4’s “The Sauna Test” may be Stranger Things’ version of the blood test from The Thing. Episode 7’s “The Bite” could hint at how the infection is spread.
Billy's infected with something in 'Stranger Things' Season 3.
As you can see in the trailer and the photo above, it looks like Billy may be infected. He’s working as a lifeguard, so is it possible there’s something in the water at the pool? Or could he have gotten infected somewhere else?
New Locations
Fans know that Starcourt Mall is going to play a big role in the upcoming third season — and not just as Steve’s workplace and the kids’ hangout.
They haven't had it easy in 'Stranger Things' Season 3.
The Season 3 finale is titled “The Battle of Starcourt,” and it’s possible the image above of the kids looking bruised, but not defeated, is from it.
Furthermore, not everyone in Hawkins is on board with the shopping center. There are protestors with signs to “recall the mall” and insults to the mayor.
Speaking of Mayor Kline (played by Cary Elwes), he’s also the one behind the Fun Fair, another site for some sort of fight, going by Hopper’s bruised face and the guy with the gun in the fun house.
New Jobs
Steve and Billy aren’t the only ones with new jobs (at Scoops Ahoy at the Starcourt Mall and the pool, respectively). Nancy and Jonathan appear to be going the journalism route at The Hawkins Post, where we’ll meet another new character, Bruce, played by Jake Busey.
A Change in the Status Quo for the Friends?
The trailer begins with the rest of the group of friends pulling a prank on Dustin as he arrives at home. (Lucas won’t be laughing at the end, as he gets hairspray in his eyes.) However, things are going to change for the kids throughout the season.
“We’re not kids anymore,” Mike says. “I mean, what did you think? We were just going to sit in my basement all day, play games for the rest of our lives?”
"They’re dealing with growing up."
The trailer then shows Dustin being left alone. Co-creator Ross Duffer even hinted at this happening in the Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down book (via Screen Rant. “It’s really the final summer of their childhood,” he said. “They’re dealing with growing up, with these complicated new relationships. They’re starting to fall apart a little bit, and maybe they don’t love playing Dungeons & Dragons as much as they used to. Naturally, that’s going to generate conflict.”
But at least Dustin will have Steve?
Romance for Hopper and Joyce?
Near the beginning of the trailer, we see Hopper waiting for someone in what looks like a date. Is it with Joyce? If it is, she may not show up, as we next see her eating at home.
Later, he tells her he wants to make sure she feels “safe.” “I want you to feel like this can still be your home,” he says. Will they be together by the end of the season?
Stranger Things Season 3 will be available on July 4 on Netflix.
Related video: 3 Reasons Stranger Things Season 3 Will Be the Scariest Yet
