Heeeere’s… Billy? Stranger Things season 2’s new bully on how The Shining influences his role

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Stranger Things season 2 already has an avalanche of pop-culture references (and ‘80s music) to keep even the most eagle-eyed fan on the lookout for some background content. This season’s new “antagonist” (his words, not mine) is even falling back on The Shining for his inspiration. Just don’t bring an axe to Hawkins, yeah?

In an interview with Screen Rant, ex-Power Ranger Dacre Montgomery opened up about what makes his character, Billy, tick: “He’s a bit of an antagonist to be honest. The reference from these boys over here, the Duffer Brothers, was kind of like Jack Nicholson in the Shining. Somebody with an unpredictable nature. Somebody who sorts of unnerves the audience.”

He's not a Hawkins native so, as an outsider looking in after the eerie goings-on, he’s bound to rattle a few cages this year. Montgomery says as much himself, mentioning he’s “a bit of spice placed in this amazing recipe that has been so tasty and so successful. He blows through town, He comes from out of town, from California. He ruffles a few feathers and I think that sums him up without giving too much away.”

A Golden State version of Jack Torrance? Sign me up.

You want more Stranger Things season 2 content, right? After all, all work and no Eggos makes everyone feel a little dull. Here’s our spoiler-free review of the entire second season. There’s even an exclusive Stranger Things season 2 image showing some neat Ghostbusters costumes. Who you gonna call? GamesRadar! (It fits, so I’m going with it).

Image: Netflix

Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.