Just as Stranger Things fans are still processing the show's final season, one of its most underrated stars is already lining up her next big role. Cara Buono, who portrayed the ever-patient Karen Wheeler across 38 episodes of the Netflix sci-fi phenomenon, has signed on for Hulu's gritty new neo-Western series Southern Bastards.
The show, which is based on the acclaimed graphic novel series by Jason Aaron and Jason Latour, already boasts a powerhouse cast led by Kevin Bacon. Buono joins a roster that includes country music icon Tim McGraw, Erin Kellyman (28 Years Later: The Bone Temple), Ethan Suplee (The Wolf of Wall Street), Jonathan Tucker, and Derek Luke. Details about Buono's character are being kept under wraps, but fans can expect her to bring the same grounded intensity she lent to the Wheeler household in Hawkins.
What Is Southern Bastards About?
The series follows a military veteran who returns to the backwoods of Craw County, Alabama, searching for her estranged father. But her homecoming takes a dark turn when she stumbles into a web of organized crime run by the most successful high school football coach in state history. Kellyman will play the veteran, Bacon will portray her father Earl, and McGraw will step into the cleats of the crime boss/coach.
The graphic novel source material is known for its raw, Southern Gothic storytelling and morally complex characters, making it a perfect fit for the current wave of neo-Westerns. For fans of the genre, the show promises to deliver the kind of tense, character-driven drama that has made shows like Yellowstone and Justified so popular. If you're looking for more classic entries, check out our list of The 8 Most Universally Beloved Western Movies of All Time, Ranked.
Buono's Next Chapter After Hawkins
While Stranger Things wrapped its run this year after a four-year gap between seasons, Buono is wasting no time moving forward. Her role as Karen Wheeler gave her several standout moments, especially in the final season, where she navigated the chaos of her kids' supernatural adventures and her own complicated feelings. Now, she's trading the Upside Down for the dangerous backwoods of Alabama.
The casting news comes just weeks after McGraw was announced, signaling that Hulu is building a deep bench for this project. With Bacon leading the charge, Southern Bastards is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated streaming dramas of the year.
Stay tuned for more updates on Southern Bastards, coming soon to Hulu.
