As the final episodes of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” approach, series star David Harbour is reflecting on his role as chief-of-police Jim Hopper. In a new interview with British GQ, Harbour — who is currently in the press cycle for the upcoming Marvel movie “Thunderbolts” — looked back at the character and offered surprising insight as to how he thought his arc should have ended much earlier.
In the show, Hopper is the adoptive father of Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), the telepathic young girl whose mysterious arrival in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, kicks off sci-fi adventures and danger. Yet Harbour initially thought his character should have bowed out of the series even sooner.
“As for ‘Stranger Things,’ saying goodbye to Hopper this late in the story is something Harbour initially didn’t think should have happened,” the profile reads. “Before it became a phenomenon for Netflix, and there was a high chance it would run for only one season like any other show, Harbour read the scripts and was convinced the first season should have ended with Hopper dying by suicide. To him, it was the only way Hopper could apologize to his daughter.”
Even though his character made it to the upcoming fifth and final season, there was a cliffhanger at the end of season three where it looked like Hopper may have sacrificed his life for his loved ones. Despite a teaser scene at the end of the finale that hinted Hopper might not be dead, Harbour says many fans preferred to think of him making that sacrifice.
“I think they were just committed to the beauty of that moment of his death,” Harbour says. “It was so moving that I think they almost didn’t want him to be alive.”
The final season of “Stranger Things” debuts on Netflix later this year.
In a separate interview, Harbour elaborated on the physical demands of his role in the upcoming season. He mentioned that the shooting schedule involved many night shoots and intense action sequences. “We shot a lot of nights, and there is a lot of action, and we’re fighting evil in a very direct way,” said Harbour. “Hopper is a man of action — there’s a lot of running around.”
“Stranger Things” follows a group of friends in 1980s Hawkins, Indiana, who uncover a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces, and one strange little girl after a young boy disappears. The series also stars Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery.
Earlier this week, around April 21-23, 2025, at the opening of “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” on Broadway, Noah Schnapp teased to The Hollywood Reporter that “people are going to be truly devastated” when it comes to watching the last season unfold. This sentiment adds to the growing anticipation and emotional weight surrounding the conclusion of the beloved series.
As fans gear up for the final season, the stakes are higher than ever, and the emotional arcs of the characters promise to be as gripping as the supernatural elements that have captivated audiences since the show first premiered in 2016. Harbour’s reflections and the hints dropped by other cast members suggest that the series finale will not only tie up loose ends but also deliver a powerful emotional punch.
With the Duffer brothers at the helm, known for their intricate storytelling and character development, viewers can expect a fitting conclusion to a series that has left an indelible mark on popular culture. The anticipation for the final season is palpable, and as the release date approaches, fans are left wondering how the journey of Jim Hopper and the rest of the gang will come to an end.
As “Stranger Things” prepares to close its chapter, Harbour’s insights into his character's journey resonate with the themes of sacrifice and redemption that have been prevalent throughout the series. The actor’s belief that Hopper should have met his end earlier reflects the deep emotional connections that fans have formed with the characters over the years.
In a world filled with supernatural threats and government conspiracies, the heart of “Stranger Things” has always been about the relationships between its characters. As the final season approaches, the question remains: how will these relationships evolve, and what sacrifices will be made to protect those they love?
The upcoming season promises to deliver not only thrilling action and suspense but also the emotional depth that has characterized the series from the beginning. With Harbour’s reflections serving as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved, fans are left eagerly awaiting the conclusion of this iconic series.
As the release of the final season draws near, it’s clear that “Stranger Things” will leave a lasting legacy in the realm of television, and the journey of Jim Hopper will be remembered as one of its most compelling narratives.
If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
