Stranger Things Star Reveals Unsettling Experience with Fans' Unrelenting Hopper Obsession

Summary

Stranger Things star David Harbour expresses discomfort with being associated only with his character Hopper, despite his love for the show and the character.

Harbour aims to demonstrate his versatility as an actor and delve into fresh and diverse roles. He desires to break away from the sole identification with his Hopper character and the constant street recognition accompanied by people loudly calling out his character's name.

Despite the immense popularity of Hopper, predominantly for his heroic actions, poignant past, romantic involvement with Joyce, and the nurturing connection shared with Eleven, in Stranger Things.

Stranger Things star David Harbour has expressed his discomfort with being constantly called "Hopper" on the street, as he is concerned about being solely associated with one character. Stranger Things, created by Matt and Ross Duffer, premiered on Netflix in 2016 and quickly became one of the streaming platform's biggest hits. The show's success can be attributed in large part to its talented cast and compelling characters, including Harbour's beloved police chief, Jim Hopper.

Despite this, Harbour recently spoke to Insider about the upcoming conclusion of Stranger Things and bidding farewell to Hopper (the interview took place prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike). While Hopper will always hold a special place in Harbour's heart, the actor emphasizes his eagerness to embark on a new chapter in his career. Read Harbour's complete statement below:

During the first year of 'Stranger Things,' I had a conversation with a publicist who suggested that I might not want to be heavily associated with the show. However, I strongly disagreed. I have a genuine admiration for both the show and the character I portray. Nevertheless, I don't want to be solely defined by that character or the show. I want to explore other opportunities and showcase different aspects of my talent. It's a delicate balance because I don't want to disappoint the fans who appreciate me for this role that I also hold dear. However, I also yearn to spread my wings and demonstrate my versatility. Continuously being recognized and addressed as 'Hopper' wherever I go could become tiresome in the long run.

Why Hopper Is So Beloved In Stranger Things

Stranger Things captivates its audience with astounding visual effects and unexpected plot twists. However, without relatable and compelling characters, this would all be meaningless. The show places significant emphasis on a group of young protagonists, including Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), and Will (Noah Schnapp). These youngsters remain the heart of the series, although storylines involving adults like Hopper and Joyce (Winona Ryder) also hold considerable importance.

In the first season of Stranger Things, Hopper is introduced as a heavy drinker and smoker who carries the burden of his daughter's tragic demise. As the show progresses, Hopper experiences moments of heroism, yet beneath his tough exterior lies a tender side, particularly when it concerns certain individuals. Hopper's feelings for Joyce, for instance, sometimes resemble an adolescent crush, adding an additional layer to his character.

Not only does Harbour bring humor to the role, but Hopper also has a profound affection for Eleven and essentially becomes like her adoptive father. The strong bond between the two as father and daughter makes it even more compelling to support Hopper, and it is evident that he possesses a great capacity for love and care towards the significant individuals in his life. As for what lies ahead for Hopper in Stranger Things season 5, it remains uncertain. Nonetheless, bidding farewell to the beloved police chief will undoubtedly be a mixture of both sadness and sweetness for Harbour.