
In the words of the demogorgon, "aaAAAAAHRGHHHH!!!!!" New photos from the third season of Stranger Things have arrived along with the trailer for the Netflix series, and they'll turn you, dare I say, upside down. We went from over a year of radio silence from the hit sci-fi show to a treasure trove of pictures, clues, and theories that are sure to keep us busy until the 4th July release.
Neon and scrunchies abound in the snaps from season 3, when Hawkins fully embraces its retro 80s setting. But the Insta-worthy aesthetics of the show can't disguise the darkness spreading underneath, as the almost all-grown-up kids must once again keep the evils of another dimension at bay. At the very end of the trailer, we glimpse the terrifying new creature plaguing the town, but luckily we also see a lot of fun moments before we get there.
For instance, Mama Steve (Joe Keery) is back in full force, and this time he's wearing a jaunty hat. Already we can tell he and Dustin's (Gaten Matarazzo) bromance is going to flourish this season. But, speaking of Dustin, where is he in all these group shots? Why isn't he by the gang's side like seasons past? Fans on Reddit have some ideas, not just about that, but everything that might go down this season.
Ahead, take a look at the new Stranger Things 3 pics, and what they might mean for our favourite characters' storylines.

Here's our first clue that something may be awry with Dustin. With the gang gathered outside of a hospital emergency room, the curly-haired comic relief is nowhere to be found. Could he be the one in need of said emergency services? Or is he not involved with this particular adventure? Neither option seems good.

What does seem good is this friendship. It's nice to see Max's (Sadie Sink) storyline evolving, and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) getting the female friendship that every burgeoning teen needs.

Yes, that is Mrs. Wheeler (Cara Buono) with Billy (Dacre Montgomery) at the pool. That fun scene between them in season 2 was apparently more than a joke.

Mama Steve, reporting for duty...and ice cream. Is this where Dustin's been this whole time?

I just kind of assume this is the facial expression Hopper (David Harbour) and Joyce (Winona Ryder) will be wearing this whole season — AKA, nothing's changed.

Okay, here's at least one shot of Dustin with his old pals (minus Lucas, played by Caleb McLaughlin). He's just gotten back from camp and it appears they're all catching up, but it doesn't necessarily seem like a happy reunion.

We're back to the group sans Dustin, but at least we get this fun look at Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) hanging out with the kids. It looks like in general the couple spends more time with the full group this season, and Nancy wears a particularly fun dress while doing it.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Supernatural, The Unkillable Series, Will Finally End
Is The BBC Getting Serious About Climate Change With This Documentary?