As for the big idea, Robles describes it as, “Hawkins Lab science meets Upside Down matter.” As for the closed gateway, Robles teased a bit more, saying, “There’s a chain reaction to the creatures that are in our world and the things that are popping up.”

Steve and Dustin first shared a bond in the second season when Dustin needed help with the Demodogs. Steve changed from a high school bully into a protective older brother figure. The third season saw them cracking Russian codes together at Scoops Ahoy.