FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

Stranger Things confirms Hopper is ALIVE in first look at season 4 set in Russia

AFTER months of uncertainty, Stranger Things bosses have confirmed that Jim Hopper survived the explosion of season 3.

A first look teaser at season 4 confirms that the Hawkins Sheriff, played by David Harbour, was indeed captured by Russians.

The new footage reveals what appears to be a labour camp, with a series of unidentified prisoners building a railway through a wooded area.

Upon zooming in, we see that among them is none other than Hopper, dressed in grey overalls.

He sports a shaved head and stubble - a far cry from the long locks and beard we've seen previously.

The clip provides the answer to the question that has been on fans' lips for months - did Hopper die in the Starcourt Mall mission?

Fans will remember that Hopper sacrificed himself while attempting to to sabotage the secret Russian base under the mall.

Along with Joyce (Winona Ryder), he managed to blow up the facility, which was attempting to reopen the rift to the nefarious Upside Down.

Hopper was preumed to have perished in the explosion, but since his body was never found, there was no concrete answer.

However, in a post-credits scene, a pair of Russian guards were seen discussing one of their prisoners.

They referred to them simply as "The American," leading many to wonder if Jim had in fact been recovered from the facility and incarerated.

Turns out that's exactly what happened and Hopper is now in Kamchatka.

However we're yet to get a glimpse of the rest of the gang, who have been divided following Joyce's decision to move her sons out of Hawkins.

Netflix have confirmed that production on season 4 is well underway, although they're yet to confirm a release date.

The clip comes after Noah Schnapp claimed he'd be surprised if season 4 was to be Stranger Things' last.

The Will Byers actor appeared on Lorraine and gushed over his friendship with co-star Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven.

He also admitted the cast never saw the global popularity of the sci-fi hit coming.

Seasons 1-3 of Stranger Things are available to stream on Netflix now.