After almost a decade, the final chapter of the popular supernatural series “Stranger Things” is set to air on TV schedules later this year, available through your Netflix subscription. The fifth and concluding season will bring Eleven, Will, Lucas, Mike, Dustin, Max, and their friends into one last confrontation with the formidable Vecna and his ominous minions. Joining them in this dangerous adventure once more will be Jim Hopper, El’s gritty but caring adoptive father, portrayed by David Harbour. For several years, Harbour was warned about starring in the series by friends, but he didn’t believe it until he experienced it himself.
What Did David Harbour’s Friends Tell Him About Starring In Stranger Things That It Took Him Years To Believe?
Before taking on the iconic role of Chief Hopper in Stranger Things, which premiered in 2016, I had already made a name for myself in TV and films. However, this show propelled me and my talented young co-stars to unprecedented fame almost overnight. Despite my past achievements, I hadn’t secured a permanent spot on a successful prime-time series yet. It seems that some of my friends had cautioned me about the potential consequences of staying with one show for an extended period. As I shared with Scarlett Johansson during our recent interview, here’s how I put it:
“My buddies warned me that if I stuck to a single series for too long, things might get… well, a bit repetitive.
Initially, my passion for cinema knew no bounds. Friends who’d been in TV productions for decades warned me, “By the third or fourth season, you’ll be calling the shots.” I laughed it off, thinking, “Me? Never! I adore this team too much.” But then, a point came where I found myself questioning, “How many more stories can we tell?” The monotony of replaying similar themes started to feel stale. A restless urge stirred within me, whispering, “I yearn for a challenge. I crave to explore uncharted territories and surprise my audience with something new.” So, after a decade, I finally conceded, “Alright, let’s shake things up a bit.
As a devoted fan of Stranger Things, it’s been heartwarming to witness the strong bond between the cast members over the years. This camaraderie often develops when you share such an extraordinary journey – from childhood to stardom – all while working tirelessly on something that has touched so many lives. The filming for Season 5 wrapped up in December 2024, and since then, some of the stars have shared their poignant feelings about those bittersweet farewells. Finn Wolfhard confessed to experiencing an “emotional hangover” after wrapping up the show, while Millie Bobby Brown openly admitted she shed tears on her second-to-last day on set. By April of this year, Joe Keery was already expressing nostalgia for his time on the chilling series.
During the intense emotions surrounding their final days on set, it’s understandable that the Red Guardian actor might initially believe he would never tire of the work with his Marvel Studios comrades as Hopper. However, those who had been in similar situations before were right in their assessment. It took some time (possibly due to most series not taking nearly a decade to complete just five seasons), but Harbour has now fully embraced the idea of moving on.
Fortunately, the enthusiasts won’t need to venture past our Hawkins gang for now, as “Stranger Things” Season 5 is set to premiere on November 26. And, although David Harbour seems eager to part ways with this chapter, it appears that everyone will be able to say goodbye after a “fulfilling” conclusion.
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2025-06-11 23:10