A Stranger Things Star Thinks They Should Have Died in Season 1 (& May Be Right)

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In the beginning, before Jim Hopper became known as everyone’s beloved gruff yet affectionate police chief in “Stranger Things”, actor David Harbour had a unique idea for Hopper’s storyline. During a recent interview with GQ, he revealed that he initially thought Hopper should have met a sad end during the first season of Netflix’s hit sci-fi series. Surprisingly, Harbour believed that Hopper’s character arc would be more impactful if it ended with a selfless sacrifice. This revelation gives us a peek into how differently “Stranger Things” might have developed and poses thought-provoking questions about whether the show’s decision to spare its main characters could have affected its dramatic intensity.

In the beginning, Harbour contemplated that if Stranger Things was just going to last one season, Hopper should take his own life as an act of apology towards his daughter Sara, whose passing from cancer precedes the series and lingers over Hopper throughout it. However, the show turned out to be a huge success, and Hopper lived on for several seasons, with a seemingly fatal ending in season three followed by his reappearance in season four.

There’s a shared concern among several cast members, including Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin) and Millie Bobby Brown, about the way the show handles character mortality. They believe that increasing the danger levels could enhance the storyline, making it more thrilling. Gaten once commented, “The show would be so much more engaging if the stakes were significantly higher – as if any of these kids could die at any moment.” Millie Bobby Brown echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the series should take a cue from ‘Game of Thrones’ in terms of character deaths.

As a devoted film enthusiast, I’ve always admired the Duffer Brothers’ creative prowess, particularly their work on Stranger Things. They’ve consistently justified their storytelling methods as logical rather than overly sentimental. Yet, as we eagerly await the fifth and final season, intriguing questions about the narrative’s climax persist. What will become of our beloved Hawkins gang in this grand finale? Only time will tell.

Harbour’s admission is quite remarkable given the significant impact the role has had on his career. Prior to ‘Stranger Things’, Harbour felt he would only be the fifth actor called for scenes, not a leading man. He candidly admitted this to a magazine, stating, “I knew I was never going to be featured in GQ. I was one of those guys.” For the role of Hopper, Harbour made a deliberate choice to let go of vanity, reasoning, “I stopped working out. I ate doughnuts, just like a Midwest cop would. I didn’t shave. And I thought, ‘F it.’ He’s a mess. Let him be a mess. And let me be a mess while we’re filming.

As a dedicated film enthusiast, I found myself deeply moved by this genuine portrayal, which propelled Harbour into fame and landed him coveted roles in significant film series, even earning him a spot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing none other than Red Guardian.

As the final episodes of “Stranger Things” are set to air in 2025, fans ponder if any beloved characters might meet their fate. The show has consistently hinted at peril while maintaining an impressive survival rate among its primary characters – a trait that both sets it apart and could lessen its emotional impact. Regardless of whether Hopper’s character should have died in the first season of “Stranger Things”, this potential twist sparks intriguing “what if” discussions about one of streaming’s most popular series.

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2025-04-26 00:12