‘Stranger Things’ Season 3 Will Take Cues From a Chevy Chase Comedy

The series star David Harbour revealed the upcoming season is inspired by the 1985 action-comedy 'Fletch.'

One of the most appreciated elements of Stranger Things is its sheer volume of nostalgic references. The Netflix original series has included nods to countless films from the 1980s, like Ghostbusters, E.T., Aliens, and The Goonies—all of which are right in line with the show’s sci-fi adventure plots. But for Stranger Things’ upcoming season, creators Matt and Ross Duffer have apparently drawn inspiration from an unlikely source: the 1985 comedy-action movie Fletch.

Stranger Things star David Harbour (Chief Jim Hopper) revealed this information an exclusive interview with Variety. The 43-year-old actor said he, too, was surprised by the reference.

“The Duffers are so specific each year with the movies,” he told the outlet. “And Fletch is one movie we get to play around and have some fun with this season, which you wouldn’t expect from Stranger Things and you wouldn’t expect from the Spielberg universe and you certainly wouldn’t expect from a darker season.”

For those who are unfamiliar, Fletch is an action-comedy directed by Michael Ritchie and starring Chevy Chase. The film tells the story about a Los Angeles-based reporter who goes undercover as a homeless man and is eventually hired to kill a wealthy businessman. We know, it sounds dark, but it’s a pretty good movie filled with deadpan comedy.

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Though Harbour didn’t reveal how Fletch will tie into Stranger Things season 3, it’s safe to assume it’ll have something to do with Jake Busey’s new role as a reporter for the Hawkins Post.

You can read Harbour’s full interview at Variety.

Stranger Things season 3 is currently in production and expected to premiere next summer.

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