As the iconic Netflix series Stranger Things approaches its final chapter after nearly a decade of captivating audiences worldwide, shocking revelations have emerged about which beloved characters almost didn't survive earlier seasons. The show's creators, the Duffer brothers, have disclosed that two fan-favorite characters were dangerously close to being permanently written out of the storyline.
The Brush with Death: Jim Hopper's Near-Fatal End
In a recent disclosure that has stunned fans, Matt Duffer revealed that Jim Hopper, portrayed by David Harbour, was almost killed off permanently at the conclusion of Season 3. During internal discussions among the creative team, Hopper emerged as the character who came closest to facing a real death in the series.
Matt Duffer explained that they extensively debated the emotional and narrative consequences of such a drastic decision. The creators carefully considered how eliminating Hopper would fundamentally alter the show's tone and direction. "There was a version where [David Harbour's Jim Hopper] perished at the end of [Season] 3. It's been a while since we had those discussions, but I feel like he came the closest to dying," Matt had stated in earlier interviews.
Season 3 of Stranger Things concluded with viewers believing Hopper had died in the massive explosion at the Russian laboratory concealed beneath Hawkins' Starcourt Mall. However, the mid-credits scene cleverly hinted at his survival, and months later, Netflix officially confirmed that Hopper was alive, though imprisoned in Kamchatka, Russia. His emotional reunion with Eleven in Season 4 ultimately became one of the most memorable and heartwarming moments in the entire series.
Steve Harrington's Unexpected Redemption
Another shocking revelation concerns the character arc of Steve Harrington, played by Joe Keery. The Duffers disclosed that Steve was nearly written out of the show during its inaugural season. This decision completely shifted after the production team witnessed how Keery transformed the character beyond their original expectations.
Matt Duffer shared that the initial plan was to maintain Steve as an unlikable character throughout the series. However, the creators and crew developed such strong affection for Keery's performance that they decided against killing his character. "That was close," Matt admitted. "We just fell in love with Joe Keery, but had we not liked Joe Keery, Steve would've been gone," the Duffers confirmed to The New York Post.
Steve Harrington began his journey as the popular high-school jerk but gradually evolved into one of the show's most beloved characters. His transformation into the protective "big brother figure" to the younger kids became a defining element of his character development and a fan-favorite aspect of the series.
The Impact of Character Survival on Stranger Things
While Stranger Things has never shied away from eliminating supporting characters—including Barb, Bob, Billy, and the much-loved Eddie—the survival of Hopper and Steve proved crucial to the show's emotional core. The decisions to keep these characters alive significantly shaped the narrative direction and emotional landscape of the subsequent seasons.
The highly anticipated final season of Stranger Things premiered its first four episodes on November 26. The series finale will be released in three distinct parts: Episodes 5, 6, and 7 arrive on December 25, with the final episode scheduled for December 31. This release strategy marks the conclusion of a cultural phenomenon that has kept viewers enthralled for nearly ten years.
These revelations about the near-demise of Hopper and Steve highlight how last-minute creative decisions can dramatically alter a television series' trajectory. Fans can now appreciate how close the show came to losing two characters who became integral to the Stranger Things universe and its enduring appeal.
