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David Harbour thought his character Jim Hooper in 'Stranger Things' would end after Season One

ANI April 24, 2025 191 views

David Harbour originally thought his Stranger Things character, Jim Hopper, should have died in Season 1. He believed a suicide would have been the perfect tragic ending for Hopper’s redemption arc. Fans later connected deeply with his Season 3 sacrifice, even as hints suggested his survival. The show’s final season premieres on Netflix soon.

"Before it became a phenomenon, I thought Hopper should die by suicide to apologize to his daughter." – David Harbour"
Washington DC, April 24: Actor David Harbour reflects on his role as Jim Hooper in the popular Netflix show 'Stranger Things'.

Key Points

1

Harbour initially expected Hopper to die in Season 1

2

He envisioned a tragic suicide as redemption

3

Fans embraced his Season 3 sacrifice

4

Stranger Things final season arrives this year

The actor believed that his character arc in the show had a small run and was convinced that Hooper would've met his end in Season one before it became a global phenomenon, as reported by Variety.

In a new interview with British GQ, as quoted by Variety, Harbour looked back at his role in Stranger Things and offered a surprising insight as to how he thought his arc should have ended much earlier.

"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 apologise to his daughter," said Harbour as quoted by Variety.

As per the show, Hopper is the adoptive father of Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), a young girl with supernatural telepathic powers. Her mysterious arrival in the small town of Hawkins leads to sci-fi adventures and danger.

There was one instance in the season three final when Harbour was shown meeting his end, sacrificing 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.

The final season of 'Stranger Things' debuts on Netflix later this year.

Reader Comments

S
Sarah T.
Wow, I can't imagine Stranger Things without Hopper! His character development has been one of the best parts of the show. That suicide ending would've been so dark though 😳
M
Mike L.
Harbour's performance as Hopper has been phenomenal. The emotional depth he brings to the role is incredible. Can't wait to see how his story concludes in the final season!
J
Jasmine K.
Interesting perspective from Harbour, but I'm glad the writers kept him around. His relationship with Eleven is the heart of the show 💕
R
Ryan P.
While I love Hopper's character, I do think the show has struggled to give him meaningful storylines in later seasons. His arc in season 1 was perfect, and maybe it would've been better to end it there.
T
Tyler G.
Hopper's "death" in season 3 had me BAWLING. Even knowing he might come back, that scene was so powerful. Harbour deserves all the awards 👏
E
Emma S.
The father-daughter dynamic between Hopper and Eleven is everything! So glad the show kept him around. Also, can we talk about how Harbour absolutely nails that gruff-but-loving vibe?

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