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You Won’t Believe the Dark Fate David Harbour Wanted for Hopper in Stranger Things S1

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Actor David Harbour shares the unexpectedly tragic ending he envisioned for Hopper way back in season 1 of the popular Netflix series “Stranger Things,” co-created by Matt and Ross Duffer. This show, which premiered in 2016, captivated audiences with its blend of fantasy, horror, and intriguing characters such as Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), a gifted young girl with telekinetic abilities; a group of endearing misfits; and the troubled police chief of Hawkins, Jim Hopper. Despite his transformation into a protective figure for Eleven in later seasons, Hopper initially portrays a deeply tormented character due to the loss of his daughter, Sara.

In a recent chat with GQ, David Harbour shared that the enduring sorrow from the loss of his character’s daughter Sara, inspired him to propose Hopper’s death in Stranger Things’ first season. According to Harbour, the suicide of Hopper served as a means for the character to express remorse towards his deceased daughter. These ideas about Hopper had emerged when Harbour initially went through the scripts, much before the show gained massive popularity and when it was still speculated that it might only last for one season.

In Harbour’s explanation, he tackles the apparent death of Hopper in the Season 3 finale, which initially appeared to be final. Although a post-credit sequence hinted at his survival in Russia, it was perceived as temporary at that point in time.

It seems viewers were deeply captivated by the poignant spectacle of his final moments. The emotional impact was so profound, I believe it was as if they wished for him not to survive.

What This Means For Stranger Things

Hopper’s Season 1 Death Would Have Totally Changed The Show

The show, filled with fantastical creatures and alternate realms, doesn’t hesitate to eliminate cherished characters in grisly ways. Despite its dark moments, the series often maintains a playful, enjoyable tone, particularly when the main cast, who were youngsters in season 1, are involved. This blend of darkness and lightness is likely why it resonates with audiences. It’s plausible that the character Hopper’s suicide might have been too much for some viewers to handle.

Hopper significantly impacts the plotline of Stranger Things, despite his prolonged imprisonment during season 4. His character plays a pivotal role not only in battling the threats from the Upside Down but also in adding emotional depth to the series. For instance, Hopper’s role as a surrogate father to Eleven is integral to the show, and his blossoming relationship with Joyce (Winona Ryder) has become a major plot point. The death of Hopper in season 1 could dramatically alter how other characters interact within the broader Stranger Things narrative.

In the fifth season of Stranger Things, it appears that Hopper may find a way to come to terms with his daughter’s passing, though it might happen in an unexpected manner. It was announced last October that the show is seeking a new actor to portray Sara, Hopper’s daughter. Consequently, it seems that Hopper’s storyline involving Sara will likely be revisited and concluded in the upcoming final season.

Our Take On This Dark Hopper Fate In Stranger Things Season 1

Why It’s For The Best That It Didn’t Happen

In a single-season scenario for “Stranger Things,” the concept of Hopper’s fate proposed by David Harbour would have been more satisfying due to the closure it provided. However, it might have overstepped the boundaries for the show and could have appeared excessively grim, contradicting the tone that the series has consistently maintained. We’ll see how Hopper’s story unfolds in “Stranger Things” season 5, but let’s hope it isn’t as bleak as Harbour originally envisioned.

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2025-04-24 20:29

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