In the latest season of “Stranger Things,” Karen Wheeler, played by Cara Buono, finally gets her moment to shine. Known for her clueless yet devoted portrayal as the mom of Mike, Nancy, and Holly Wheeler, Karen steps into the action when a Demogorgon threatens her youngest child. Armed with maternal protectiveness and a broken wine bottle, Karen bravely tries to fend off the other-worldly creature, but unfortunately, she ends up severely injured in the process.
Cara Buono, a seasoned actress with an impressive career in theater, film, and television, has portrayed Karen since the show’s inception in 2016. Her character has often been kept in the dark about the supernatural occurrences in Hawkins, but in Season 5, Karen’s character takes a dramatic turn as she fights back against the Demogorgon.
Reflecting on her time on the show, Buono shares her excitement about finally getting to showcase Karen’s strength and courage. She reveals that she had always hoped for her character to be more involved in the storyline and was thrilled when the Duffer Brothers wrote a powerful scene for Karen in the script.
Throughout the interview, Buono discusses her approach to playing Karen, including her interpretation of the character as a functioning alcoholic coping with her dissatisfaction in life. She also shares behind-the-scenes details of filming the intense bathroom scene and the emotional hospital scene, where Karen struggles to communicate crucial information to her children.
Looking ahead to the second volume of the season, Buono teases that viewers can expect to see more of Karen’s hidden strength and determination. She expresses gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a special and meaningful show and reflects on the emotional final days of filming.
As the interview comes to a close, Buono emphasizes the unique bond shared by the cast and crew of “Stranger Things,” highlighting the deep impact the show has had on her life and career. The interview concludes with a list of related articles for fans to explore, providing a comprehensive look at the final season of this beloved series.
