WARNING: Season 4 spoilers ahead…
With the world still reeling from its Mind Flayer-sized two-part season finale, the writers of Stranger Things 4 have revealed three moments from the final episode not originally in the script that were improvised entirely by the actors.
The 142-minute long episode, which dropped on Netflix on Friday and even caused the streaming service to crash, brought the curtain down on the penultimate season of the 80s-set sci-fi phenomenon. Several key questions remain unanswered, but, after the official Stranger Things writers’ room account explained on social media, the improvisational ability of its largely youthful cast is not one of them.
In a series of tweets posted on Saturday, they shared that the kiss between Winona Ryder’s Joyce and David Harbour’s Hopper was something the two actors came up with on the day of the shoot.
This kiss wasn’t scripted, Winona and David added it on the day of filming pic.twitter.com/9vSWwYliWU
— stranger writers (@strangerwriters) July 2, 2022
Another moment not included in the script is Lucas’ (Caleb McLaughlin) desperate plea to his sister Erica (Priah Ferguson) during his fight with Hawkins High-School jock, Jason Carver (played by Mason Dye).
“Erica, help” was improvised by Caleb. pic.twitter.com/9g5etO5VAz
— stranger writers (@strangerwriters) July 2, 2022
But perhaps most devastating of all the improvised lines comes from Season 4 fan-favourite Eddie Munson (British actor Joseph Quinn) whose final words to Gaten Matarazzo’s Dustin, “I love you, man”, weren’t originally written on the page.
“I love you, man” was improvised by Joe pic.twitter.com/z5gYyl18KF
— stranger writers (@strangerwriters) July 2, 2022
Quinn has been something of a breakout star since his character—an eccentric metalhead who runs the school’s D&D club—captured fans’ hearts with his humour and warm-hearted nature.
In a recent interview with Variety, Quinn revealed he had “no idea” about Eddie’s fate but admitted he believed his arc would finish this season.
“I couldn’t have imagined the manner in which he would leave,” said Quinn. “But yeah, I think it’s a weird thing. It’s kind of bittersweet.
“I feel incredibly grateful, but it’s a shame not to be able to come back. Onwards.”
George Nash is a freelance film journalist. Follow him on Twitter via @_GeorgeNash for more movie musings.
