«Having To Play A Lot Of The Same Beat»: Why Stranger Things Star David Harbour Is Relieved Season 5 Is The End

Review

Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Here is a simplified version of the story contents: Here is a lighthearted take on the story contents: Explore a different perspective:

Stranger Things star David Harbour is relieved that season 5 is the end of the long-running sci-fi series, explaining why he’s happy it’s over. It’s been confirmed that Stranger Things season 5 will bring the Netflix series to a close later this year. Volume 1 will be released on Wednesday, November 26, Volume 2 on Thursday, December 25, and the series finale on Wednesday, December 31. The episodes will see the main characters from Hawkins, Indiana doing battle with Vecna one last time to save the world from the threat of the Upside Down.

During a conversation with Scarlett Johansson in Interview Magazine, Harbour, who plays Jim Hopper, explained why he’s somewhat relieved Stranger Things season 5 will end the show. The actor explained how he had fun with his role in the series and enjoyed his time while making the show. However, he also wants to «take a risk» and explore other roles after a decade of portraying the same character. Check out what Harbour had to say below:

Scarlett Johansson: But you’ve completed Stranger Things. Is that a relief?

David Harbour: When I started I loved it so much. Buddies of mine who’d done TV shows for many years said, “By season three or four you’ll be running.” And I was like, “Never! I love all these guys so much.” And then you get to a certain point where you’re like, “How much more story is there?” You’re having to play a lot of the same beat, 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.”

What Harbour's Statement Says About His Time In Stranger Things

He Loved His Role But Is Ready To Move On

Harbour has been portraying Hopper on the cast of Stranger Things since season 1, which came out in July 2016. He’s appeared in every season of the show, having a core role as the group has continued their battle with the Upside Down. However, the actor has still managed to take on other notable roles between seasons. This includes playing Red Guardian in multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, Santa Claus in Violent Night, and Jack Salter in 2023’s Gran Turismo. Despite his dedication to the sci-fi series, he’s still managed to take on these other roles in various films.

Going forward, though, he now has the opportunity to take on various roles now that his longest TV commitment is over. He’s already begun, too, having been confirmed for the upcoming Violent Night 2 and voicing Eric Frankenstein in the DC Universe’s Creature Commandos. While his only upcoming roles are reprisals of Red Guardian for the animated Marvel Zombies show and Avengers: Doomsday, leaving Stranger Things behind means he can open up more time to other roles in film and TV he wants to take.

Stranger Things season 5 started filming on January 8, 2024, and wrapped in December 2024.

Our Take On Harbour Being Relieved Stranger Things Is Over

It's Understandable That He's Ready To Move On

Given how long he’s been playing Hopper, it’s understandable why Harbour is ready to move on, opening up space for more roles beyond Stranger Things. While he’s still been able to bring plenty of memorable characters to life, his dedication to the role for nine years means he’s had to stay committed to the series for that whole time. While the ending of the show is a bittersweet moment, it also makes sense that he’s ready to move on after such a long time.

Source: Interview Magazine