'Stranger Things' Star Paul Reiser Previews His Character

Mysterious new faces are coming to “Stranger Things” Season 2, and it turns out, the nature of these characters may still be a mystery even to the people who play them.

In particular, there’s little to no info on Paul Reiser’s character, Dr. Owens, who may or may not be based on Reiser’s character from the “Aliens” movie.

“[The Duffer brothers] told me who I was playing and they told me what they had in mind. It was sort of nebulous — is he a good guy or a bad guy?” Reiser recently told EW about Dr. Owens. “To be honest, I’ve only read a few of the scripts so I still don’t know and I’m not sure they know.”

Also Read: 'Riverdale' Shouts Out 'Stranger Things' Barb With #JusticeforEthel

Dr. Owens is described as a high-ranking member within the Department of Energy on a “clean-up” assignment, tasked with containing the events of last year. The character worked under the name “Paul Reiser” when the Duffers were conceiving the arcs of Season 2.

Reiser is also well aware that his “Aliens” character could cloud people’s expectations about Dr. Owens.

“I think part of what they were tickled by was, to whatever extent people know me from Aliens, they’re automatically going, ‘Oh this guy is no good,'” he said. “I don’t know where they’re going with it but it’s a fun thing to play.”

And, of course, “Stranger Things” has already done the mad scientist thing before, with Matthew Modine’s Dr. Brenner in Season 1.

Also Read: 'Stranger Things' Season 2 Details Are Revealed by Cast and Creators

“There’s a little more humanity,” Reiser said of Dr. Owens. “Modine’s character had very few lines so he was this looming, powerful presence. My guy is much more hands-on and sort of among his many degrees is that he has a bedside manner that Modine’s character did not have. I know coming into this what this community has gone through and my job is to try and walk them through their mistrust.”

“Stranger Things” Season 2 will be released on Halloween, October 31, 2017.

17 Breakout TV Stars to Watch for In 2017, From Ricky Whittle to Rose Leslie (Photos)

Another year, another crop of TV stars ready to steal audiences' hearts and attentions. Here are 17 up-and-comers we're keeping an eye on in 2017.
Camila Mendes, "Riverdale"
The entire cast of The CW's teen drama are about to become huge stars, but our safe bet is on Mendes, the new Veronica Lodge, the troubled bad girl whose arrival in town coincides with some big changes for Archie and his friends.
The CW
Corey Hawkins, "24: Legacy"
Stepping into Kiefer Sutherland's shoes is no small task, but could reap big rewards for Hawkins, who's been poised for a breakout since last summer's hit "Straight Outta Compton."
Fox
Sonequa Martin-Green, "Star Trek Discovery"
We don't know anything about the new "Star Trek" series ... but it's a new "Star Trek" series, and if you're the star of it, you're going to have a big breakout moment.
Getty
Ricky Whittle, "American Gods"
Bringing a sizable fanbase from "The 100" with him, Whittle is set to endear a whole new set of rabid fans in Bryan Fuller's Neil Gaiman adaptation.
Starz
Rachel Keller, "Legion"
After impressing Noah Hawley on "Fargo," the showrunner is giving Keller an even bigger breakout platform, as the female lead opposite Dan Stevens in FX's X-Men superhero series.
FX
Finn Jones, "Iron Fist"
Marvel's latest superhero will do his best to keep up with the likes of "Daredevil," "Jessica Jones" and "Luke Cage," all of whom have been breakout stars and critical and fan favorites.
Netflix
Adria Arjona, "Emerald City"
"Wizard of Oz" fans, get ready to meet your new Dorothy. From director Tarsem, NBC's new fantasy drama should be visually stunning if nothing else.
NBC
Jermaine Fowler, "Superior Donuts"
CBS has been high on the stand-up comedian and retooled this sitcom for him twice before ordering it to series - time for the world to see Fowler's talents.
CBS
Rose Leslie, "The Good Fight"
This "Game of Thrones" alum no longer has to share the spotlight with a cast of thousands as the lead of CBS All Access' "The Good Wife" spinoff.
CBS
Jacob Lofland, "The Son"
As the younger version of the central character, Lofland is central to the sprawling Texas-set family drama, setting the groundwork for his character to grow up to be Pierce Brosnan.
AMC
Allison Tolman, "Downward Dog"
After her impressive turn on "Fargo," it's about time Tolman got her own show - hopefully that talking pooch doesn't hog all the limelight.
ABC
Austin P. Mckenzie, "When We Rise"
The Broadway alum plays a young LGBT activist in Dustin Lance Black's chronicle of the early days of the gay movement.
ABC
Logan Browning, "Dear White People"
The Justin Simien movie made Tessa Thompson a breakout star, and Browning is set to take over the role in the Netflix series.
Netflix
Dylan Minnette, "13 Reasons Why"
The "Goosebumps" star plays the lead in the long-gestating Jay Asher YA novel, from producer Selena Gomez.
Getty
Pearl Mackie, "Doctor Who"
The new Doctor's Companion should prepare herself to become a star. Just ask her predecessors Karen Gillan and Jenna Coleman.
BBC
Freddie Stroma, "Time After Time"
After endearing audiences on "UnREAL," Stroma takes a lead role as H.G. Wells in Kevin Williamson's "Time After Time."
ABC
Jodie Comer, "The White Princess"
The star of the sequel to "The White Queen" could find herself becoming the next Rebecca Ferguson.
Starz