David Harbour Considers Moving On from Stranger Things After Ten Years

It’s hard to believe, but it’s been nearly a decade since David Harbour first stepped into the role of Chief Jim Hopper on the hit series Stranger Things. As the show’s fifth and final season approaches, Harbour has openly shared his thoughts on wrapping up his character’s story and the series as a whole.

Why Harbour Is Ready to Say Goodbye

During an interview with Scarlett Johansson, Harbour expressed that he’s reached a point where he’s questioning how much more story there is to tell. “You get to a certain point where you’re like, ‘How much more story is there?’ You’re playing a lot of the same beats,” he explained. “And there’s a feeling where you’re like, ‘I want to take a risk. I want to do something that people haven’t seen me do before.’ So yeah, after 10 years, it’s like, ‘Okay.’”

Although he’s contemplating the end, Harbour reflected on the early days of filming with enthusiasm. “When I started, I loved it so much,” he shared. “Friends of mine who’d done long-running TV shows told me, ‘By season three or four, you’ll be running,’ and I was like, ‘Never! I love all these guys so much.’”

Harbour’s Journey from Enthusiast to Veteran

Harbour’s deep commitment to his role has been evident throughout the series. His dedication mirrors that of other actors who have spent years building their characters. His experience in the Stranger Things universe spans from its inception, but Harbour also has a notable career outside the series, including his role as Red Guardian in Marvel’s Black Widow and Thunderbolts.

Shared Insights on Identity and Franchise Commitment

During their conversation, Johansson noted how her long-standing association with Marvel has sometimes made it difficult to change her appearance or pursue different roles. Harbour agreed, comparing it to the challenges of evolving within a beloved franchise. “It’s the same thing with this show,” he said. “There are seasons where you feel like, ‘I want to go in a different direction,’ but a part of your psyche is still tied to this group of people and storyline. I don’t paint my nails, but I get the feeling of ‘I can’t get a haircut’ or ‘I can’t shave this mustache.’”

The Final Season and Its Premiere Details

Fans of Stranger Things can look forward to the series finale, which is set to premiere on Netflix on November 26. However, this will only mark the beginning of the conclusion, with the season divided into two parts. The first part will include four episodes, while the remaining three will drop on Christmas Day. The final episode will air on New Year’s Eve, wrapping up the beloved series.

Additional Notes

Photo credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images.

Lex Briscuso is a film and television critic as well as a freelance entertainment writer. Follow her on social media for more updates and insights into the entertainment world.

Alex Hunter

Alex is a passionate gamer with over a decade of experience exploring everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. He specializes in uncovering hidden secrets, mastering complex mechanics, and creating in-depth walkthroughs. Whether it’s a challenging boss fight or a puzzling questline, Alex breaks it all down in a way that’s fun, clear, and engaging for readers of all levels.