Matthew Modine's Dr. Brenner looking intensely at El while kneeling in front of her in Stranger Things season 2
Matthew Modine is back in the world of Netflix's sci-fi horror franchise with Stranger Things: Catalyst, and it offers a very different look at the mysterious Dr. Brenner. Having been first introduced in the show's debut season, Brenner, also simply known as Papa, is the former head of the Hawkins National Laboratory who spent years experimenting on children and teenagers with psychic and telekinetic abilities.
Serving as an antagonist for much of season 1 in his efforts to bring Millie Bobby Brown's Eleven back to the lab, Brenner wasn't seen again until Stranger Things season 4, having been confirmed to be alive after being apparently killed by a Demogorgon. Season 4 continued to show Brenner as a questionable moral character, with his abusive mentality being part of what led Henry Creel to murder the other children subjects, but his techniques also helped Eleven regain her abilities, before he was fatally shot by an army sniper. Now, Modine is back as Dr. Brenner for Stranger Things: Catalyst, an immersive VR experience from Sandbox VR in which players are put into the shoes of some of Brenner's test subjects in Hawkins National Laboratory and the Rainbow Room and find themselves exploring its various mysteries, while also being whisked away to the Upside Down and using telekinetic powers to fight Demobats, Demodogs and Demogorgons. Brenner's voice helps guide the players through their journey, albeit with a potential sinister motive behind it. In honor of the experience's launch, ScreenRant's Grant Hermanns interviewed Matthew Modine to discuss Stranger Things: Catalyst. When asked about getting to play more of a supportive side of the character than the show often allowed, Modine explained that the VR experience gives fans an opportunity to"feel Dr. Brenner's presence and philosophy" by having them interact more directly with him and the world of Hawkins National Laboratory. He did, however, denote that his and Sandbox's goal wasn't"about changing Dr. Brenner," but instead offering even longtime Stranger Things viewers"new layers of him" that will make revisits of the series more intriguing for franchise fans: You sense he’s steering you through the danger, and I was excited to show more of that nurturing side to his character and give fans the chance to explore the legacy he created for themselves. Catalyst Is Part Of Stranger Things' Evolution, Which Has "Exceeded" Modine's "Dreams And Expectations" ScreenRant: This isn't the first time you've been a part of bringing the Stranger Things world to a new format, having also been part of Stranger Things VR. What were your thoughts when you were approached for the Stranger Things: Catalyst experience and having Dr. Brenner at the forefront? Matthew Modine: I was thrilled to be invited to participate. The child in me recalled the excitement of stepping into another world — like amusement parks, haunted houses, holiday parades. The opportunity for me to help usher in this new, and continually developing technology, gave me the opportunity to return to a magical, youthful mindset. ScreenRant: Sandbox VR is a very special form of VR experience in giving visitors a full-body journey through the world. Have you had the chance to check out Stranger Things: Catalyst for yourself yet? And if so, what was it like seeing Stranger Things through this lens? Matthew Modine: Not yet! I’ll be visiting some of the locations soon. While I was working with the creators and development teams at Sandbox VR — I was thrilled to hear their feedback, perspective, and excitement for their work and the world they were creating. I’m excited to see and feel the universe they’ve created. ScreenRant: While there are obviously plans for other stories, it's crazy to think Stranger Things is coming to an end. How does it feel for you to look back on your journey with the show, especially as Catalyst launches? Matthew Modine: It’s been remarkable to see how Stranger Things has evolved. It definitely exceeded my dreams and expectations. While everything comes to an end, to have Stranger Things: Catalyst launch as the series comes to a close feels poetic in a way. As told in the stories the Duffer Brothers created, it’s love, friendship, and cooperation that are necessary to overcome obstacles and that same spirit continues in Stranger Things: Catalyst, as your team must work together to survive and uncover the truth. It’s a privilege to have Dr. Brenner exist in this new medium. It allows his presence to live on as fans adventure into this new chapter of the Stranger Things universe.Stranger Things: Catalyst is now available at Sandbox VR locations worldwide, with tickets available to purchase here! Additionally, season 5 volume 1 is now streaming on Netflix, with volume 2 premiering on December 25 and the finale on December 31. 518 9.2/10 8/10 Stranger Things 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Drama Mystery Horror Science Fiction Release Date 2016 - 2025-00-00 Network Netflix Showrunner Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer Directors Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Andrew Stanton, Frank Darabont, Nimród Antal, Uta Briesewitz Writers Kate Trefry, Jessie Nickson-Lopez, Jessica Mecklenburg, Alison Tatlock 7 Images Close Cast See All Main Genre Drama Genres Drama, Mystery, Horror, Science Fiction Creator Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer Executive Producer Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen, Curtis Gwinn, Cindy Holland, Karl Gajdusek, Iain Paterson, Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer Producers Rand Geiger, Justin Doble, Lampton Enochs Seasons 5 Streaming Service Netflix Franchise Stranger Things Powered by Expand Collapse
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