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Stranger Things 4: Winona Ryder Fact-Checks 80s References on the Set


After the three long years of anticipation, Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 1 has finally arrived on Netflix. Following the Hawkins gang's news adventure into the Upside Down, the latest installment also highlights Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder), who is eager to break Hopper out from the Russian prison. Joyce has been a substantial character throughout the years as his role stands as a motherly figure for the entire Hawkins gang.

However, according to a co-star, Winona Ryder also helps as a fact-checker to make sure that the show remains accurate in maintaining the 80s theme of the show.

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David Harbour, who plays Jim Hopper on the Netflix hit told Harper's Bazaar how co-star Winona Ryder was very useful as a fact-checker for the show. According to the actor, Ryder was fearless when pointing out inconsistencies about the 80s references in the show.

"It’s just kind of epic how wild her mind is and how it goes to all these different corners," Harbour said. "She'd tell them, ‘This song actually came out in ’85, and you have it in ’83.’ She knew all of these minute, tiny details they didn’t even know, and they had to change things in the script based on that."

Aside from the awesome role that Winona plays as Joyce, a motherly figure for the entire Hawkins gang in the show, she also serves as a mentor for the youngster cast in real life, as they all navigate their life through Hollywood at such a young age. Knowing that she serves as a fact-checker for the show, absolutely adds another reason for fans to love her.


Like the rest of the cast, Ryder started acting at 12 years old and landed her first major role in the 1986 film Lucas at just 14 years old. Her lifelong career that started in the 80s unquestionably qualifies her as the perfect fact-checker for the show and is also the perfect mentor for the younger casts in terms of guiding them on how to deal with fame, and of course, navigating their way through the confusing world of Hollywood.


Winona Ryder will return as Joyce Byers in Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 2, premiering on July 1. Meanwhile, all episodes of Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 1 are available to stream on Netflix.


Also read: Stranger Things Star David Harbour Teases a 'More Powerful' Hopper in Season 4 Part 2

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