There’s a new mayor in the town of Hawkins, Indiana. Cary Elwes has been inducted into the Stranger Things fold as season 3’s Mayor Kline, while Jake Busey has also been tapped as a guest star for when the kids go back to the Upside Down.
Kline is described by Netflix as “handsome, slick, and sleazy.” He is “your classic ’80s politician — more concerned with his own image than with the people of the small town he governs.”
Cary Elwes wearing a suit and tie© Brad Barket/Getty Images; Michael Bezjian/WireImage
Elwes’ presence marks another blast from the past for this nostalgia-fueled drama series. While he was seen in shows like The Art of More and Life in Pieces, he’s still known to many as Westley from 1987’s The Princess Bride. His first memoir, released last year, was even called As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride.
As for Busey, who featured in 1997’s Starship Troopers and Contact, he joins season 3 as Bruce, a journalist for the The Hawkins Post “with questionable morals and a sick sense of humor.” The actor will be seen later this year in Shane Black’s The Predator.
Last season of Stranger Things filled its ’80s Easter eggs with Sean Astin (Goonies) and Paul Reiser (Aliens), though things didn’t quite work out so well for them.
Priah Ferguson, who became a fan favorite as Lucas’ sister Erica, will return for season 3. Maya Thurman-Hawke also joined as series regular character Robin, “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.”
“It’s very much the Stranger Things I think people know and love,” executive producer Shawn Levy teased. “It’s big and spooky. Season 3 has legitimately creepy moments and events, but it’s incredibly warm and character-based because at the end of the day, I think that’s what people love most about Stranger Things.”
