Linda Hamilton on 'Stranger Things' Cast Spoiling Season 5: Why She Won't Watch

Linda Hamilton playfully remarks that her involvement with the Stranger Things cast "spoiled" the show for her, expressing her decision not to watch season 5

By M Muzamil Shami

The lead actress of "Terminator" grapples with impostor syndrome as she takes on a mysterious role in the series' ultimate chapter.

Being part of Stranger Things has completely changed Linda Hamilton's perspective, leading her to announce that she won't be following season 5.

The legendary Terminator star, who has joined the popular 1980s-themed series in a mysterious role, recently quipped about the challenge of maintaining her avid fan status while working alongside the show's established cast.

"I've eagerly devoured every season. I genuinely adore it," Hamilton revealed to Us Weekly in a recent interview. "But it's like experiencing imposter syndrome, being part of it now."

She elaborated, "When you're truly invested in something, it's hard to see yourself within it. So, in a way, it's altered my view of the show. Once I'm involved in a project, I can't bring myself to watch it. It would disconnect me from the authenticity of the experience to see myself there. Thus, I'll be skipping season 5."

       Winona Ryder starring in 'Stranger Things', alongside Linda Hamilton. Image credits: Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection; Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty

Hamilton is among the select few fresh faces to join the cast for the conclusive chapter of the series. Details about her character remain tightly guarded, with even Hamilton herself left in the dark regarding the full scope of her role. According to the actress, creators Matt and Ross Duffer initially provided her with an outline of her character but withheld details about the overall storyline.

“They are meticulously safeguarding their narrative," she explained. "So, I'm still in the dark about its conclusion. It requires considerable restraint to remain unaware of its trajectory. Yet, it's a necessary measure to preserve the suspense for eager audiences.”

Following delays caused by industry strikes in 2023, filming for the final season of the sci-fi saga commenced on Jan. 8. The official Stranger Things Instagram account celebrated the occasion by sharing a snapshot featuring familiar faces such as Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, Charlie Heaton, Natalia Dyer, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Cara Buono, Brett Gelman, and Priah Ferguson. Hamilton was also pictured alongside Jamie Campbell Bower, who portrays Vecna, and Amybeth McNulty, playing Robin's romantic interest, Vickie.

Regrettably, Hamilton has chosen a particularly suspenseful moment to abstain from viewing the series. At the close of season 4, Hawkins was embroiled in chaos, with Max (Sink) in a coma following an encounter with Vecna, while the reunited group grappled with the encroaching influence of the Upside Down on their town.