Stranger Things Season 3: Release date, cast and plot theories – here’s everything we know so far

If you already can’t wait for summer, then prepare to get excited because Netflix is about to drop the much anticipated third season of Stranger Things.

The nostalgic 80s thriller was a sure-fire hit when it debuted in 2016, before going on to inspire everything from Lego sets to cans of Coca Cola.

Netflix this week released an exclusive preview of the new series showing some of its best-known characters soaking up the sun in Hawkins.

But, as always, things are not as they seem in the small Indiana town, and if show creators Ross and Matt Duffer have anything to do with it, the new season will be full of twists and turns.

Here’s everything we know so far about season 3:

When is Stranger Things season 3 being released in the UK?

Stranger Things will be available to watch in full on Netflix from July 4 – which is also Independence Day in the US. Coincidence? We’ll have to wait and see.

Who will be starring?

Much to the delight of Stranger Things fans, all of the original cast will be back for the new episodes, including Millie Bobbie Brown as Eleven, Finn Wolfhard (Mike), Winona Ryder (Joyce), Noah Schnapp (Will), Caleb Mclaughlin (Lucas), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Natalia Dyer (Nancy), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan) and Joe Keery (Steve).

Max (Sadie Sink) and Billy (Dacre Montogomery) from season two are also making a comeback.

Are there any new characters?

A new season means new faces! Maya Thurman-Hawke, who recently starred in the BBC adaption of Little Women, will be joining the cast as Robin. We don't know much about her character, but the official description reveals that she uncovers a “dark secret” in Hawkins.

Also lined up is Jake Busey (Storm Troopers) and Bruce Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride), who will play Bruce and Mayor Kline respectively, as well as Francesca Reale (Haters Back Off) whose character will be a lifeguard called Heather.

Do we know the episode titles?

Although the execs are keeping tight-lipped on the plotline, we do know the names of each of the eight episodes:

• Suzie, Do You Copy?

• The Mall Rats

• The Case of the Missing Lifeguard

• The Sauna Test

• The Source

• The Birthday

• The Bite

• The Battle of Starcourt

What will happen in Stranger Things season 3?

Again, no hints on the official plot line but thanks to a behind-the-scenes book called Words Turned Upside Down, we know that the series will be set in 1985 - less than a year after the events of season 2.

In the book, Ross Duffer says: “It’s really the final summer of their childhood. 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.”

And, as the eerie final scene of season 2 implied, the Mind Flayer could be making a troublesome return.

“They’ve shut the door on the Mind Flayer, but not only is it still there in the Upside Down, it’s very much aware of the kids, and particularly Eleven,” Ross told The Hollywood Reporter.

“It had not encountered her and her powers until that final episode. Now, it knows that she’s out there. We wanted to end on a little bit of an ominous note.”

Is there a trailer?

Yep – Netflix unveiled the first full trailer on March 20. Watch it below:

Stranger Things returns to Netflix on Thursday, July 4