It's no mean feat to make an impact as a newcomer to a series with an established cast of beloved characters, but Maya Hawke managed it.
The Stranger Things actress (and daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke ) plays Steve Harrington's new work colleague and fellow student, Robin, who is a bit edgier than your average Hawkins student.
Later in the third season, while many might have expected Robin and Steve (Joe Keery) to be the next big couple of the series, Robin revealed her own truth to him after he professed his feelings for her: she's gay.
Now star Maya Hawke has spoken to The Hollywood Reporter about the scene with Steve.
Hawke said: "The great thing about Stranger Things is it has such a reach and so many people watch it in the middle of the country. Even a little gesture like having a gay character is a big deal."
"It feels wonderful to have a piece of that humanity involved in this giant action-packed drama."
Hawke also praised show creators The Duffer Brothers for the execution of the reveal.
She added: "It's such an amazing thing the Duffer Brothers did, stopping the whole show — there's an action scene going on [elsewhere in the episode] — and it stops for a seven-minute conversation between two people who really care about each other.
"It's a really beautiful thing. I feel really lucky that I got to play that."
Here's to seeing much more of Robin and Steve's friendship!
Stranger Things 3 is on Netflix now.
