In the dimly lit setting of the hit series “Stranger Things,” the character Kali has sparked endless discussions among fans. Was she truly meant to be a villain? According to actress Linnea Berthelsen, who brought the complex character to life, that was never the intention.
In an exclusive interview, Berthelsen reveals her approach to Kali, explaining that she never saw her as an antagonist. Instead, she felt a deep sense of protectiveness towards the character she portrayed on screen.
“I’m hired to protect the character,” Berthelsen shares. “So in my world, she could never be a villain.”
While acknowledging the existence of clear villains within the series, Berthelsen firmly believes that Kali does not fit that mold. To her, Kali’s actions were driven by a need for survival rather than a desire to harm others or gain power.
The actress explains that at the core of Kali’s motivations was a profound connection to Eleven, weaving a narrative of yearning for acceptance and love.
“It was always about Eleven,” Berthelsen reflects. “It was about finding a way to be worthy of unconditional love.”
Despite the acknowledgement of some flawed decision-making on Kali’s part, Berthelsen emphasizes that the character’s intentions were always rooted in protection, particularly when it came to Eleven.
As the narrative of “Stranger Things” unfolds, Berthelsen dives into how Kali’s arc fits into the broader story. She discloses that the transitions planned by series creators Matt and Ross Duffer were essential in shaping the character and setting the stage for what was to come.
Dispelling long-standing fan theories about Kali’s alignment with darkness or certain villains, Berthelsen maintains a simple stance – she has never viewed the character as a villain, but rather as a deeply scarred individual.
In the enigmatic world of “Stranger Things,” Kali’s character may not always be perceived as Berthelsen sees her, but one thing remains clear – to the actress, Kali was never a villain. She was a soul struggling to protect Eleven and navigate the challenges life presented.
As all episodes of “Stranger Things” continue to stream, viewers are invited to delve deeper into the layered complexities of characters like Kali, brought to life by talented performers like Linnea Berthelsen.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.