Stranger Things 3: Will Kali be back?

Stranger Things 3 trailers and images have given us a first-look at key and supporting characters, with the exception of one. Will Kali return in season 3?

One main character has been missing from all the Stranger Things 3 promotion: Kali.

If you need a quick refresher, we don’t blame you (too much). Kali, aka Eight (portrayed by Linnea Berthelsen), only appeared in three episodes in Stranger Things 2. Still, the role she plays in Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown) life is rather significant.

As you’re already aware, Eleven was part of an experiment at the Hawkins National Lab, but she wasn’t the only one. Kali is her “sister,” and the two grew pretty close while they were together. Even though this subplot didn’t sit well with all viewers, all three episodes featuring Kali/Eight, receiving mixed reviews, you can’t deny Kali is a big part of Eleven’s life and who she is.

Kali was not a good influence on Eleven, and we’re glad Eleven realized this quick enough to safely return to Hawkins. Will we see Kali return in season 3? More than likely as most signs indicate that the character will be back.

For starters, Stranger Things co-creator Matt Duffer definitely wants her back, telling Cinemablend in an interview, “it feels weird to me that we wouldn’t solve [Kali’s] storyline. I would say chances are very high she comes back.”

Getting a “very high” from a co-creator is a great sign, but before you get your hopes up, please note that this interview is from two years ago! Yeah, that’s a long time. In fact, all interviews and teases on Kali’s return are not recent. Should we be worried? Not at all!

In another interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Duffer also revealed Kali was initially supposed to be a man, Eleven’s brother instead of a sister. It didn’t feel right to them, though, so they completely switched it up. If you ask me, this much work wouldn’t be put on a character only intended for a three-episode arc.

It doesn’t help our hopes of Kali’s return that she is not listed on IMDb, but let’s remember that the site isn’t always accurate. The way I see it, Kali is likely set up to be one of the many surprises Stranger Things 3 has in store for fans. Not to mention, the dangers Eleven and her friends face are becoming greater, Kali may just need to come out of the shadows and help out.

Stranger Things 3 premieres July 4, 2019.