Matt and Ross Duffer revisited two pivotal near-death moments from Stranger Things, revealing how close fan-favorite characters came to being written off the series. The show’s creators explained why they ultimately decided to spare them, emphasizing their approach to balancing emotional impact with narrative purpose.
Hopper’s Stranger Things Season 3 death was almost permanent
Matt and Ross Duffer revealed that Jim Hopper’s death in Stranger Things Season 3 was almost permanent. “Hopper at the end of season 3. I think death grazed him,” Matt told Entertainment Weekly. “There was a version where he perished at the end of 3.” David Harbour’s character appeared to die during the explosion at the hidden Russian lab beneath Starcourt Mall, but a later teaser confirmed Hopper’s survival in a Kamchatka prison camp.
Ross explained that the creative team ultimately decided not to end Hopper’s story then. “It would’ve been very easy to kill him,” he said, adding that “Hopper still had growing to do.” He emphasized that the writers avoid “offing people for shock value,” preferring to complete their characters’ arcs.
Matt also revealed that Steve Harrington, played by Joe Keery, nearly met a similar fate in the show’s first season. “That was close,” he said. “We just fell in love with Joe Keery, but had we not liked Joe Keery, Steve would’ve been gone.” The Duffers acknowledged that early writing discussions included major death scenarios before the tone of the series and cast chemistry evolved.
Matt added that they frequently debate character deaths but weigh their long-term impact carefully. “You have to talk about the repercussions,” he explained. “If you kill Mike, it just makes the show rather depressing and bleak.” The brothers cited supporting deaths like Eddie Munson, Bob Newby, and Barb Holland as examples of lasting narrative consequences.
The Duffers concluded that deaths in Stranger Things must serve emotional and thematic purpose, noting Billy Hargrove’s sacrifice as one that deeply shaped Max’s story. Stranger Things Season 5 premieres November 26, with subsequent episodes releasing through New Year’s Eve.
