Netflix’s “Stranger Things” returns Thursday for another season of the Upside Down, paranormal pyrotechnics and, of course, ’80s nostalgia. And as in the first two seasons, the creators Matt and Ross Duffer have given a supporting role to a well-known actor from the era.

Following in the footsteps of past “Stranger Things” guest stars like Matthew Modine, Sean Astin and Paul Reiser is Cary Elwes, who in Season 3 plays Larry Kline, the fast-talking mayor of Hawkins, Ind. Elwes starred in hits like “Saw,” “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” “Glory” and “Days of Thunder,” but he acknowledges that he is still most recognized for one of the most beloved films of the ’80s: Rob Reiner’s “The Princess Bride.”

A longtime fan of “Stranger Things,” the actor recently discussed what joining the show meant to him, what Netflix is doing to the industry and why “The Princess Bride” is “the gift that keeps on giving.” Here are edited excerpts from the conversation.

How did you get involved with “Stranger Things”?

It was the only show I binge-watched with my wife. I wasn’t somebody who did a lot of bingeing. But that show was so gripping that we actually canceled a lot of plans that we had because we just couldn’t stop watching it. And I don’t think I was alone in that experience. So when I got the call from the Duffers — that they wanted me to come in and meet on it — I was obviously very excited.