In a shocking revelation, Matt and Ross Duffer confessed that Jim Hopper’s death in Stranger Things season 3 was almost a permanent end to his character arc.
Hopper’s Near Death
At the end of season 3, viewers witnessed what seemed like a tragic demise for Chief Jim Hopper (played by David Harbour). During a massive explosion in the Russian lab beneath Starcourt Mall, Hopper was left behind, seemingly caught in the blast. However, it was later revealed in a teaser for season 4 that Hopper had survived and was imprisoned in a Russian POW camp.
“We almost let him die,” Matt Duffer admitted. “At the end of season 3, I think death grazed him.” The scene left fans in emotional turmoil, unsure whether Hopper’s death was final or just a dramatic cliffhanger.
Creative Decisions to Spare Hopper
While the death scene seemed to wrap up Hopper’s arc, the Duffer brothers ultimately decided against killing off the character. According to Ross, it “would’ve been very easy to kill him” off at that point. However, they felt that Hopper still had “growing to do,” and his character arc wasn’t complete.
Matt emphasized that the writers didn’t want to kill characters for shock value, focusing instead on ensuring that their deaths serve a greater narrative purpose. “We didn’t want to just kill him for the sake of it. We hadn’t finished his story,” he explained.
Fans were clearly relieved when Hopper returned in season 4, but the decision to keep him alive was a tough one. The Duffers debated this outcome extensively, ensuring that if Hopper did survive, it would serve a larger thematic purpose for his journey.
| Character | Season 3 Near-Death Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Hopper | Explosion at Russian Lab, presumed dead | Survived, returned in season 4 |
| Steve Harrington | Nearly killed in season 1 | Survived, remained a series regular |
Steve Harrington’s Near-Death in Season 1
While Jim Hopper’s near-death moment was an intense shock, Steve Harrington (played by Joe Keery) almost didn’t make it past Stranger Things season 1 either.
The Early Discussions on Steve’s Fate
In the show’s early days, Steve was initially introduced as a typical high school bully. However, as the series evolved, his character grew into a fan favorite, and his redemption arc became one of the heartwarming aspects of the show. Yet, during the early writing stages, the Duffers weren’t sure if Steve would survive beyond the first season.
“We just fell in love with Joe Keery,” Matt said, reflecting on how Steve’s character evolved as the show progressed. “But had we not liked Joe Keery, Steve would’ve been gone.”
This candid admission highlights how closely the writers monitored their cast chemistry and character development. Steve, originally intended to be a one-off antagonist, ended up being a central part of the show due to his charm and Keery’s stellar performance. Without that shift, Steve might not have made it past season 1.
Character Deaths Must Serve Emotional and Thematic Purposes
The Duffer brothers have frequently discussed the weight of character deaths and their impact on the storyline. They are intentional about ensuring that any major death on the show serves a greater narrative and emotional purpose. “If you kill Mike, it just makes the show rather depressing and bleak,” Matt explained. This careful consideration of death shows their commitment to telling a story that resonates emotionally with viewers rather than relying on shock tactics.
The deaths of Eddie Munson, Bob Newby, and Barb Holland all served to push the story forward, creating lasting consequences that shaped the characters around them. Eddie’s sacrifice, in particular, was a pivotal moment in season 4, as it deeply impacted Max’s character development.
Why The Duffers Weigh Character Deaths So Carefully?
The Duffer brothers are no strangers to high-stakes storytelling. In an interview, they mentioned that they often have long discussions about the long-term consequences of killing off characters. They understand that killing a beloved character, especially one who has been integral to the show for several seasons, could create a significant emotional toll for the audience. This is why they weigh each decision carefully.
“If you kill off a character, it has to mean something,” Ross noted. “We don’t want to just kill people for the sake of it. The sacrifice has to matter.”
| Character | Impact of Death | Emotional or Thematic Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Eddie Munson | Died fighting against the Demobats | Major turning point for Max’s character, showcasing sacrifice |
| Bob Newby | Died trying to protect others | Demonstrated courage, deepening the emotional stakes for Joyce and Will |
| Barb Holland | Died in the Upside Down | Marked the first real tragedy of the series, setting the tone for future losses |
Upcoming Deaths and Final Season Hopes
With Stranger Things Season 5 on the horizon, fans are already speculating about which characters might not make it through the finale. The Duffer brothers have refrained from confirming any deaths for the final season, but fans are anxious about the potential outcomes, especially as the show builds toward its conclusion.
Given the increasing peril surrounding Hawkins and the deepening conflict with the Upside Down, it’s expected that there will be significant emotional moments. Whether these moments include more character deaths or not remains to be seen, but the Duffers have made it clear that any loss will have an emotional and thematic impact.
Conclusion
The Duffer brothers’ decision to spare Jim Hopper and Steve Harrington in earlier seasons of Stranger Things speaks volumes about their commitment to character-driven storytelling. These near-death moments were pivotal in shaping the series’ emotional landscape, and the brothers’ careful consideration of character arcs ensures that the stakes remain high without sacrificing narrative depth.
As fans eagerly await Stranger Things Season 5, the Duffer brothers’ approach to character deaths will no doubt continue to influence the emotional impact of the final episodes. Who will survive, and who will fall? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain—every death will be meaningful.
FAQs
No, Hopper’s death in season 3 was originally planned to be permanent but was later reversed to keep his character arc ongoing.
Yes, Steve was almost killed off in season 1, but after the writers fell in love with Joe Keery’s portrayal, they decided to keep him alive.
The Duffer brothers focus on ensuring that character deaths serve an emotional or thematic purpose rather than just being for shock value.
While the Duffer brothers haven’t confirmed which characters might die, fans can expect that any deaths will have significant emotional consequences for the storyline.
Eddie’s death played a crucial role in Max’s character development and showcased the theme of sacrifice in the series.
