The Shocking Near-Deaths: How Stranger Things Creators Almost Wiped Out Hopper and Steve

Imagine a world where your favorite Scoop Ahoy employee never made it past Season 1, or where Hawkins' gruff but lovable sheriff didn't return from that fiery explosion. It turns out, this alternate reality was closer than you think, as the Duffer Brothers recently revealed just how many close calls fan-favorite characters Jim Hopper and Steve Harrington had with the Upside Down's ultimate demise.

TL;DR: The Scoop on Who Almost Didn't Make It

• Jim Hopper (David Harbour) was almost permanently written off at the end of Season 3, but the Duffer Brothers felt his story arc was incomplete.
• Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) nearly died in Season 1, saved largely because the creators "fell in love" with actor Joe Keery's performance.
• The creators prioritize character growth and story repercussions over shock value when deciding major character deaths, a philosophy that will be tested in the upcoming final season.

The Explosive Season 3 Finale That Nearly Ended Hopper's Journey

For fans, the Season 3 finale of Stranger Things was a nail-biter, culminating in a massive explosion at a secret Russian lab beneath the Starcourt Mall. Many were left with heavy hearts, presuming Chief Jim Hopper had perished in the blast, sacrificing himself to save Hawkins. While a post-credit scene teased his survival in a bleak Kamchatka prison, the show's creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, recently confirmed just how close David Harbour's character came to a permanent exit.

"Hopper at the end of season 3. I think death grazed him," Matt Duffer shared with Entertainment Weekly. "There was a version where he perished at the end of 3. It's been a while since we had those discussions, but I feel like he came the closest to dying."

Quote from Ross Duffer:

"It would've been very easy to kill him, but Hopper still had growing to do. We hadn't finished his story. It's important to us to be able to finish the stories we want to finish and not just be offing people for shock value."

— Ross Duffer, Entertainment Weekly (Source: Bleeding Cool, "Stranger Things 5: Duffers Bros Considered Killing Off Hopper, Steve", November 15, 2025)

This decision, as Ross Duffer explained, stemmed from their commitment to character development. Hopper's Season 4 storyline, depicting his arduous escape from the Russian prison with Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) and Murray (Brett Gelman), allowed for a deeper exploration of his past trauma and his enduring bond with Joyce. His journey was far from over; he still had growth to do, and cutting that short for mere "shock value" wasn't in the Duffer's playbook.

Steve Harrington's Charismatic Escape from an Early Demise

Before he was the beloved "Mom Steve" of the Hawkins gang, slinging ice cream at Scoops Ahoy and looking out for Dustin, Steve Harrington was, well, a bit of a jerk. Introduced as Nancy Wheeler's stereotypical popular boyfriend in Season 1, he seemed ripe for a dramatic, early exit. And guess what? He almost did.

"That was close," Matt Duffer admitted about Steve's potential Season 1 death. The reason he survived? Pure charisma. "We just fell in love with Joe Keery, but had we not liked Joe Keery, Steve would've been gone." Joe Keery's standout performance and undeniable likability transformed Steve from a one-dimensional bully into one of the show's most crucial and charming fixtures, a journey that made him an irreplaceable partner for Robin (Maya Hawke) and an adopted big brother figure for the younger kids.

Think about it: had Keery not charmed the socks off the creators, we might never have gotten iconic moments like Steve and Dustin's unlikely friendship, or his hilarious Scoops Ahoy uniform. It's a testament to how an actor's portrayal can truly shape a character's destiny, even against initial plot intentions.

The Duffer Brothers' Guiding Philosophy on Character Endings

The Duffer Brothers' approach to character deaths isn't just about who lives or dies; it's about the "repercussions" that follow. While they've certainly proven they're not afraid to kill off supporting characters—think Barb Holland in Season 1, Bob Newby in Season 2, or the much-lamented Eddie Munson in Season 4—they carefully weigh the impact on the core narrative and emotional tone of the show.

For example, Eddie's heroic death in the Upside Down, while heartbreaking, served a distinct purpose in the overall Season 4 arc and had profound effects on the characters left behind. These deaths, even for "more supporting characters," are designed to have "long-lasting repercussions on our characters" (Matt Duffer, Entertainment Weekly, Source: MovieWeb, "Stranger Things Creators Reveal Two Main Characters Were Almost Killed", November 10, 2025).

One might argue that keeping Hopper alive, only for him to endure the horrors of a Russian POW camp throughout Season 4, was a more brutal fate than a quick death in the explosion. This season-long "boondoggle," as one article described it, posed challenges, but it ultimately facilitated Hopper's profound character arc, pushing him to confront his past and reaffirm his will to fight for his family. His survival deepened his story rather than ending it prematurely, a trade-off the Duffers clearly deemed worthwhile.

Example: The Ripple Effect of a Missing Steve

Consider a plausible real-world scenario from a fan's perspective: you're binging Stranger Things for the fifth time, and you pause, imagining an alternate universe where Steve Harrington actually died in Season 1. Dustin would never have had his big brother figure, Robin might not have found her best friend and confidante, and the kids would've missed out on countless rides in Steve's car, navigating monster attacks. The show would lose a crucial layer of heart, humor, and even genuine heroism that developed precisely because Joe Keery's performance allowed Steve to evolve beyond his initial stereotype. The character's survival didn't just save Steve; it enriched the entire ensemble.

The creators are wary of killing off a central figure like Mike Wheeler, for instance, because, as Matt Duffer explained, "It just makes the show rather depressing and bleak, and it becomes entirely about that." The show's balance of horror, heart, and humor relies on maintaining a certain emotional equilibrium. Deaths must serve an "emotional and thematic purpose," not just provide a cheap thrill.

All Bets Are Off for the Final Season's Dramatic Conclusion

Now, as Stranger Things heads into its highly anticipated fifth and final season, the stakes are higher than ever. With the narrative drawing to a close, the Duffer Brothers have indicated that the gloves might finally come off. While their philosophy has always leaned towards meaningful deaths over shock value, the conclusion of such an epic saga often necessitates significant sacrifices.

Fans are bracing themselves, knowing that "everybody's fair game" as Vecna looks ready to unleash his full fury upon Hawkins. Will the commitment to "finishing stories" mean that beloved characters like Hopper and Steve have finally reached their intended narrative conclusion, or will their established importance grant them a final reprieve?

Get ready for the final battles, because Season 5 is arriving in waves:

• Part One (Episodes 1-4): Arrives November 26, 2025
• Part Two (Episodes 5-7): Streams December 25, 2025
• The Series Finale (Episode 8): Premieres December 31, 2025 (also in select theaters)

Practical Takeaways for the Final Season

• Cherish Every Moment: With the Duffer Brothers’ philosophy, any character's fate in the final season will be deeply tied to their overall arc, so pay close attention to their journeys.
• Expect Meaningful Losses: Don't anticipate deaths just for shock. If a major character falls, it will likely be a pivotal moment with lasting emotional weight.
• Appreciate the Character Development: Remember how far characters like Steve and Hopper have come. Their survival in earlier seasons allowed for incredible growth, which will undoubtedly influence their final roles.
• Prepare for an Emotional Rollercoaster: The final season promises to be a culmination of nine years of storytelling, so bring your tissues and your theories!

Frequently Asked Questions About Stranger Things Season 5

When does Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1 release?

The first four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 (Part One) will debut on Netflix on November 26, 2025.

Where can I watch Stranger Things Season 5?

The entire fifth season will be available exclusively on Netflix. The series finale will also have select theatrical screenings on December 31, 2025.

What is the expected rating for Stranger Things Season 5?

Like previous seasons, Stranger Things Season 5 is expected to maintain a TV-14 rating due to its horror elements, violence, and mature themes.

Will there be more main character deaths in Stranger Things Season 5?

While the Duffer Brothers usually avoid "shock value" deaths, the final season is expected to be an intense conclusion, and it wouldn't be surprising if some beloved characters face their ultimate fate, given the high stakes and the looming threat of Vecna.

Sources

• Bleeding Cool: "Stranger Things 5: Duffers Bros Considered Killing Off Hopper, Steve", published November 15, 2025.
• MovieWeb: "Stranger Things Creators Reveal Two Main Characters Were Almost Killed", published November 10, 2025.
• ScreenRant: "Stranger Things Creators Reveal Major Season 3 Death Plans For Hopper & Steve's Season 1 Death Was Almost Final", published November 11, 2025.