David Harbour on His BoxLunch Ambassadorship, Stranger Things Final Season, and More (Exclusive)

As David Harbour, stepping back into the world of Marvel and reprising my role as Alexei aka The Red Guardian, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement tinged with curiosity about that asterisk in the title. It’s like being handed a secret recipe for a legendary dish – you know it’s going to be delicious, but you have no idea what’s in it!

Last October, David Harbour, who stars in both Stranger Things and Marvel productions, was appointed as the new BoxLunch Charity Ambassador. This role perfectly aligns with Harbour’s enthusiasm for food accessibility and his desire to combat hunger in America, given his prominent position in popular culture. The partnership between him and BoxLunch proved effortless. Since then, he has featured in a marketing campaign for the brand and assisted in raising funds for Feeding America at their annual BoxLunch Holiday Gala, where he personally donated $200,000.

Recently, I had a chat with Harbour at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, where he was lending a hand on a typical day. This organization distributes approximately 36 million pounds of fresh produce every year. During our conversation with him, conducted exclusively for us, Harbour shared insights into his experiences working with BoxLunch over the past year, and how this has reshaped his understanding of food insecurity. He also discussed possible ways to combat hunger more effectively on a larger scale within the United States. Throughout the day, he worked alongside other volunteers, helping to package large containers of produce into family-friendly portions at the food bank’s center, which operates five days a week.

Have10months passedsinceyoustartedworkingasBoxLunch’sbrandambassador?Whatdoyoufeelaboutthatrolenow,andhowhasitshapedyourperspective?

David Harbour: It’s shocking to see how much food insecurity has grown in this nation, especially considering rising inflation. In fact, this very facility has boosted its production by around 60% within the last year or so. This realization of the critical role these individuals play and the staggering number of people in our country who struggle with hunger has left me feeling overwhelmed. It’s hard to grasp that America, often perceived as a prosperous nation, is home to such food insecurity. The sheer scale of these statistics can be bewildering, but they do paint a picture of… we are not as affluent as I typically believe and there is much work required to improve our situation. This revelation about the extent of work that needs to be done has been a significant aspect of my journey.

CB: Can visiting a place like this help us truly understand the impact of those numbers we often see or hear?

David Harbour: Indeed, this place is so massive and intricate that you truly grasp its scale when you witness it firsthand. Here, volunteers tirelessly work in three-hour shifts, and there’s always more to be done. The sheer amount of effort required can’t be understated. Yet, I find myself moved by the multitude of individuals who have come together to help. This facility is vast, and it continues to grow as people work full-time to expand its structure. It’s incredibly inspiring to see such dedication in person. And, seeing it with my own eyes adds a new layer of understanding – it transforms from being two-dimensional on television into a three-dimensional reality.

How about this: “I know you’ve mentioned that before, but it seems like you’ve been based in Atlanta for quite some time. I can only imagine how easily people there would recognize you due to various reasons. So, what does it feel like for you to witness this community you’ve been connected with for such a long time being active?

David Harbour: I truly enjoy being part of this, and it feels great to be on this side of things. What’s amusing is that Atlanta has grown a massive film industry, and as I commute to work, I pass through some economically struggling areas. Then I reach my luxurious studio where I’m well taken care of with excellent catering and meals. Each time I drive through these neighborhoods, I can’t help but ponder if we could be doing more. However, our focus is primarily on creating entertaining shows for people to enjoy and find release in. Yet, I believe that making a difference is equally crucial. Almost daily, while driving through these areas, I contemplate how my studio colleagues and fellow cast members can make a greater local impact. I feel it’s essential not just to work in Atlanta but to live here as well. It seems the film industry is becoming more committed to this idea.

At some point during your creative journey, you may have realized that the work you do isn’t just a job for you; it resonates with others and shapes their perspectives on the world. This recognition might not have been immediate, but as people here connect your name to shows like Stranger Things or Marvel, it becomes clear that your craft has a profound impact on them.

David Harbour: Absolutely. As an artist, I’ve always been mindful of my role. I remember getting my first professional job at a theater in Maine when I was 19, performing “Taming of the Shrew.” It’s worth mentioning that from the start, my instinct has been that we are here to serve and provide a platform for something greater than ourselves. The reason I admire talented performers is because they make me feel understood, less lonely, and more at ease with life’s peculiarities. I strive to do the same for others. I’m not too fond of the celebrity lifestyle that creates division, focusing on physical attributes or expensive clothing. While I must engage with some aspects of it as a businessman, my primary goal has always been to use art as a means to express and give focus to emotions that might be difficult to understand in everyday life, reminding us all that we share struggles. In this way, I believe the artist’s profession is honorable.

Could it be that your unique acting roles have stemmed from an early tendency that makes you stand out as a character actor?

David Harbour: Yeah, for sure.

I think that’s a compliment to be a character actor

David Harbour: Well, I agree with you, and it’s actually one of the reasons…I believe that the most captivating stories are not the typical romantic or heroic tales, but rather those that delve into the intricate nature of humanity. I live my life and experience a multitude of emotions, and when I watch a movie or TV show that acknowledges this complexity, I feel seen and understood. On the contrary, when I encounter something that seems to exclude these feelings, it’s as if they shouldn’t exist. This leaves me feeling frustrated and questioning myself. So, I aim to provide people with something that nourishes them emotionally, a form of compassion if you will. For me, this is achieved by embracing my own quirks and encouraging others to do the same, if that makes any sense.

In the fourth season of Stranger Things, your character seemed more isolated from the main group. This might have been challenging for you since you weren’t interacting with them as much as before. However, working on the fifth season may have helped make that situation less difficult.

Last season presented numerous difficulties for us. The most significant issue was the COVID-19 pandemic and its widespread impact on our industry since we specialize in close interactions. We’re all about connection, empathy, and intimacy. However, with masks, face shields, and a general fear among us, it became an extremely challenging environment. I also had to undergo some unusual weight loss regimens, which were incredibly tough. Spending time alone wasn’t too bad since it was necessary, as we’ve been together for a while, like family. Sometimes you need a break, right? So in a way, it was almost enjoyable. Luckily, I had the support of talented individuals like Tom (Wlaschiha), and the storyline was quite engaging.

Reflecting on it, the return to the original Stranger Things cast for the final season has been quite an extraordinary journey because we’ve progressed so far from the series’ initial premiere. It’s almost unbelievable, and I think that’s a unique experience for everyone involved. You see, when we began, these kids were just 11 or 12 years old. Now they’re young adults, shaving, and no longer the children they once were. Finn Wolfhard, for instance, has moved on to directing his own movie. To witness this full circle moment… Recently, we had a table read of the last episode, and there was an overwhelming amount of crying – not just tears, but deep, heartfelt sobbing from young adults that I’ve seldom seen in my life. This show has been their childhood, they were 11 years old when it started, grew up, and fought this monster together. And the emotions running high during our read through, they were a testament to that journey – a journey filled with heavy, emotional moments that I’ve never experienced before.

The final episode reading wasn’t similar to a Game of Thrones meeting where script pages were being tossed angrily around.

David Harbour: What’s intriguing is… there were cameras present, but it wasn’t for the sake of publicists or social media influencers. Instead, there was an intimacy in the way it was organized that I hope you don’t witness too often because it held a deeper significance – we are like a family. There was a level of authenticity, raw emotion, and a bittersweet feel to everything that truly resonated because we’ve been working together for nine years since they were children, and that essence really shone through. It was incredibly honest and heartfelt, with undertones of both pain and sweetness.

Have you seen the prequel play?

David Harbour: Yes, I did.

What did you think of it?

David Harbour: I mean, it was interesting.

Did it do something differently with Jim that you were surprised by?

David Harbour is expressing that the character he portrays, Jim Hopper, seems to be around sixteen years old in this new version, which feels different for him. He doesn’t claim any creative control over it and compares it to how Harrison Ford may have felt during the production of Young Indiana Jones. Essentially, David wasn’t consulted creatively about these changes. He received no input and considers this interpretation as someone else’s vision. However, he found it intriguing and supports everyone involved in the project, including the young actor playing Jim Hopper. As a gesture of goodwill, David gave his season one hat to the actor so that he could make it his own and have ownership over it. This moment was particularly meaningful for him.

After James Gunn took over DC, he mentioned that the characters from animation might be portrayed by the same actors in live-action and games. It remains to be seen if this will happen. By the way, you voice Frankenstein in Creature Commandos. Are you aware when you’ll bring him to life in a live-action setting, or are you simply hoping for that call?

David Harbour: I’m unsure if I’ve received a call about it yet, but I suspect it may happen soon. Frank (Grillo) seems to have already joined the Peacemaker project, and the project itself is fantastic. We’ll discuss it further at New York Comic Con, but it’s something quite unique and hilarious. You might have even seen the trailer for it already. It features characters like Dr. Phosphorus and the Bride, and I can’t help but think that a live-action adaptation would be amazing, although we’ll have to wait and see. All of this is just in the imaginative world of the genius James Gunn.

Are you dreading being under makeup to play that character?

As a gamer, I can’t help but ponder about it. Frankly, it doesn’t excite me much. If they were to go down this path, I think they might resort to the digital trickery, just like what they did with Taika in Thor: Ragnarok. Nowadays, it seems like there’s a whole universe of CGI out there. I do appreciate the practical effects, but unfortunately, they seem to be losing ground these days.

Following that, it’s been announced that you will be returning to the role of Thunderbolt in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. By any chance, do you happen to know the reason for the asterisk in the title?

David Harbour: Yes. (Laughs)

When did you find out why there was an asterisk in the title?

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit, it’s pretty neat how they added an extra detail (the asterisk) later on. This little addition was someone’s brainchild… Let’s just say there are some things best left unsaid, you know? *winks* Honestly, I can see why they felt the need for that asterisk, and I’m pumped for everyone to catch it when they watch! Still, I’ve got to keep quiet about the specifics.

When working on a massive Marvel film as part of an ensemble cast, do you and your colleagues ever pay attention to the online rumors regarding the movie, engage in discussions about these speculations, or the theories fans come up with, or are you all solely focused on the production at hand?

David Harbour: Indeed, I’m stepping away from all that AI-related content. Frankly, it feels like the authors are not using proper English. Yet, I worry about misinterpretations because some people might not truly understand the comics. Many experts can get quite agitated over minor details. If you dig deeper, you might find things that contradict what you’ve been told. Strangely, Red Guardian isn’t part of the Thunderbolts storyline in the comics, but they’re adding new elements to keep us on our toes. However, we’ve also made efforts to ensure accuracy with the comic books as well.

Creating a film is an experience where opinions are abundant even before the final product is viewed. People form their judgments based on posters or trailers, but it’s essential to watch the entire movie to truly understand and appreciate it. I believe people should give us a chance to showcase our work. All the speculation in the world is fascinating, much like daydreaming about something unrealized. However, until you actually see the film, all that speculation remains just that – speculation. I’m incredibly proud of this movie and the footage we’ve captured. It seems to be playing well within our team, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it. I think it will leave people pleasantly surprised. From the glimpses given in the trailer, I believe it represents a unique direction for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) currently. I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting new phase.

As a die-hard enthusiast, I was wondering if there’s any dream project or collaboration that you’ve yet to experience? Perhaps working with a particular director, embodying a specific character, or joining an iconic franchise remains on your bucket list?

I mean, there’s like a billion things that I’d like to do. In terms of your world of comicbook.com, I love working in that world and I want to continue to work in that world. Right now, I’ve done Stranger Things, Thunderbolts, Creature Commandos….and I’m looking for the next thing to be, for lack of a better word, a little more middle-aged man. Middle-aged man dealing with middle-aged man problems. That’s kind of the next thing on the agenda. But in terms of working with people, I mean, I can name a hundred. Not a hundred, I can name 15 directors that I would love to work with. And there’s so many interesting projects going on out there. I just love it all. I really approach it from, like, a little boy at a buffet attitude I just love so much of it that I want to eat it all.

2024-09-17 19:41

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