'Stranger Things' Actress Natalia Dyer Talks Sexism in Season 3

Stranger Things Season 3 has seen a number of interesting new developments in its lead characters as they struggle to face both inter-dimensional threats and the even-more-nefarious threat of adulthood. One of the most interesting storylines was that of Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer), who worked through misogynistic treatment at work--and this week, Dyer spoke out about the storyline.

In the opening of Season 3, the show establishes that Nancy and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) have begun working at The Hawkins Post, where Nancy is the target of belittling and marginalization by her co-workers in ways that Jonathan is not.

“It was happening then, it's still happening,” Dyer told The Hollywood Reporter. “I'm glad they threw that in there and gave Nancy this chance to push up against a different kind of conflict. Because she's grown into a woman who's confident and she knows she’s smart, but this is one of the first times that the world is pushing back."

Dyer also added that the storyline felt “relatable” and that she was able to draw from personal experience to play it. “Of course, it's a period show — and to see that and be like, 'Oh yeah, the '80s.' But to recognize that people are obviously still feeling this so much. It's easy for a woman, for me, to go in there. I know what this feels like," she said. "I do know what this feels like to be looked down upon by older men and underestimated, and I think that's a very relatable thing. So I'm very curious to see how people will react."

We’re glad to see that Dyer views the storyline with the same nuance and personal knowledge that the show does--it makes it feel that much more authentic. While we contemplate it, we may just re-watch Stranger Things Season 3, streaming on Netflix now.