Stranger Things Finale Brings Emotional Tension To Fore

As the curtain begins to fall on Netflix’s cultural phenomenon Stranger Things, the world is watching not only for supernatural showdowns but for the deeply human, sometimes messy relationships that have defined the series. In the final stretch leading to the much-anticipated premiere of Season 5, Volume 3 on December 31, 2025, the spotlight shines brightest on the evolving bond between Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven and David Harbour’s Jim Hopper—a relationship now more complicated than ever, according to the show’s creators and recent reports from PEOPLE and other outlets.

Season 5, Volume 2, which aired earlier this month, left fans reeling. In a pivotal moment, Eleven discovers Hopper’s secret suicide plan—a desperate failsafe he’d kept hidden for months. The revelation shatters her trust, leaving her furious and feeling betrayed. According to the Duffer Brothers, the sibling creators behind Stranger Things, this breach is not just a dramatic device but the emotional core of the show’s final act. "It's just a dynamic that we really wanted to explore, which is this dynamic of a parent and their child, who's actually no longer really a child anymore, is actually a young adult, becoming an adult—and how do you deal with that?" Matt Duffer told PEOPLE. The question lingers: how does a parent let go, especially when that parent is as protective as Hopper?

Ross Duffer echoed these sentiments, explaining that Hopper has faced this challenge repeatedly, especially since adopting Eleven as his own daughter. Each season, he’s had to confront the dilemma of keeping her close versus letting her grow. But Volume 2 raises the stakes. Hopper’s greatest fear, as reported by Hungama Express, isn’t the monsters from the Upside Down—it’s losing Eleven, emotionally or otherwise, as she steps into adulthood and independence.

The tension between Hopper and Eleven isn’t just a plot twist; it’s the culmination of years of storytelling about found family, trauma, and the messy transition from childhood to adulthood. Hopper’s secret, though intended as a last-resort measure, created a rift that Eight (Kali) exploits, drawing Eleven toward a risky, potentially self-destructive path as the series nears its climax. The show’s creators have been clear: this is the emotional battleground where the final episodes will be fought.

Visually, the dynamic between Hopper and Eleven is underscored by their physical differences, a fact that’s become a talking point among fans and media alike. David Harbour, standing at a commanding 6 feet 3 inches, towers over his younger costars—Millie Bobby Brown and Winona Ryder both stand at 5 feet 3 inches, while Linnea Berthelsen (Kali) is just 5 feet tall. As reported by Screen Rant, Harbour’s imposing stature is no camera trick; he is literally a foot taller than Brown and Ryder, and over a foot taller than Berthelsen. This height difference plays well into the show’s themes, visually reinforcing Hopper’s role as protector while reminding viewers that size isn’t everything—after all, Eleven and Kali possess powers that far surpass Hopper’s physical strength.

The full cast of Season 5 showcases a wide range of heights, from Alex Breaux, the tallest at 6 feet 4 inches, to Priah Ferguson and Linnea Berthelsen, both at 5 feet. Harbour, once the tallest in the main ensemble, now ranks second with Breaux’s addition as Lieutenant Akers. These differences, while fun trivia for fans, also highlight the diverse group that has grown up on screen over the past nine years.

And grown up they have. When Stranger Things debuted in 2016, its young cast were relative unknowns—children and teenagers stepping into the spotlight. Nine years later, they’re household names, each forging their own path beyond Hawkins, Indiana. Millie Bobby Brown, who began as a 12-year-old British actress, is now what she calls a “multidisciplinary entrepreneurial force.” She runs Florence by Mills, a vegan, cruelty-free beauty brand, and has expanded into loungewear and even literature, authoring the novel Nineteen Steps based on her great-grandmother’s life. Brown’s personal life has also made headlines: she married Jake Bongiovi, son of Jon Bon Jovi, after a scuba-diving proposal, updated her name to Millie Bonnie Bongiovi, and adopted a baby—decisions that have sparked both admiration and curiosity.

Brown’s co-star, David Harbour, has experienced a late-career renaissance. Before landing the role of Hopper at age 41, Harbour had a two-decade resume in theatre and film but lacked global recognition. Stranger Things changed that, reportedly boosting his salary to $350,000 per episode. He’s since joined major franchises, playing the Red Guardian in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and starring in films such as Violent Night and We Have a Ghost. Harbour’s personal life has also attracted attention, particularly after his former partner Lily Allen released an album with songs alleging emotional abuse and infidelity. The public drama fueled rumors of tension between Harbour and Brown, though the two have appeared cordial at red-carpet events. Despite these challenges—and his absence from parts of the final season’s promotional tour—Harbour’s career remains robust, with upcoming projects like Evil Genius on the horizon.

The rest of the cast has similarly leveraged the show’s success into new ventures. Noah Schnapp, who played Will Byers, is now a student at the Wharton School and a budding entrepreneur, while also serving as a vocal advocate for LGBTQ representation. Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler) has branched into directing, music, and major film roles, choosing to remain based in Vancouver rather than Hollywood. Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield) has built a reputation for artistic integrity, starring in critically acclaimed films and fronting luxury fashion campaigns. Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley) has balanced acting, music, and voice work, while Joe Keery (Steve Harrington) has become a viral musician and respected actor. Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler) and Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers) have navigated both on-screen and real-life romance, with Dyer planning a break from acting and Heaton set for new TV and film roles.

As Stranger Things prepares for its final bow, the original cast’s journey from unknowns to global stars mirrors the coming-of-age story at the heart of the series. The show’s legacy will be measured not just by its monsters and mysteries but by the very human struggles—between parents and children, trust and betrayal, holding on and letting go—that have resonated with viewers around the world. The world waits to see how these stories, both on and off screen, will find their endings.