When she was filming "Stranger Things," actress Shannon Purser never imagined her character, Barb, would develop the band of loyal followers she has.
Though her screen time is minimal, Barb, the sidekick of the story's teenage queen bee, has managed to capture the hearts of "Stranger Things" binge-watchers everywhere, with hashtags like #JusticeForBarb and #ImWithBarb trending on social media.
"We all knew this show was going to be something special, but I never even hoped that Barb would be received the way she has been," Purser told People.
"She's kind of a sad character in her mom jeans, but I think everyone feels like a Barb sometimes," she said of why her character is so relatable. "I think people also like her strength. She wears what she wants to wear. She doesn't want to go to the party. She doesn't need to be popular. They also like that she's unapologetic about who she is."
The so-called "cult of Barb" has amassed a following impressive in numbers and the celebrity status of some of its members. Most exciting to Purser was the shout-out from John Stamos.
"I grew up watching Uncle Jesse, I couldn't believe he was a fan," Purser said after he tweeted at her.
At only 19, this is Purser's first credit, though she has recently signed on to play the character Ethel Muggs in "Riverdale," based on the Archie comics series. Meanwhile,"Stranger Things" fans are left to wonder if Purser will make a comeback in the horror series.
With the promise of a second season announced Wednesday, her devotees can only hope there will finally be #JusticeForBarb.