The Netflix series created by the Duffer Brothers has featured many main and supporting characters, each of whom has won over a segment of the audience for one reason or another. Among them, Hawkins Sheriff Jim Hopper is one of the most beloved and important characters in all of Stranger Things.
Portrayed as a grumpy middle-aged man, he ends up becoming Eleven’s surrogate father, opening up to her and revealing a humanity that will grow exponentially by the end of the fifth and final season. Now, we know full well that David Harbour became famous largely thanks to his role in the hit series. Before that, he was little more than a bit player on Broadway. Not bad, you might say, but nothing compared to the global popularity that the Netflix production has brought him, and which has allowed him to take on other major film projects.
Recently, the actor who plays Jim Hopper spoke again about his role, specifically focusing on the journey that led him to the set of Stranger Things: “I’m pretty sure I was the second choice,” Harbour told Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. “Maybe I was the third choice? But could you please answer the question of how I was cast as Chief Hopper and who had to turn it down so I could play that wonderful, incredible role?” he asked the Duffer brothers, who replied:
“It was Billy Crudup, and it would have been very different. And then David… honestly… he just showed up, and one of our casting directors thought he might be perfect for the role,“ Ross Duffer added. ”He came in, did an audition, and shot a single take. We weren’t even there; we watched the video, and it was immediately clear: this is Hopper. And we cast him immediately, on the spot.”
The Duffers’ intuition has certainly paid off. Thanks in part to Hopper’s role, the Netflix series stood out immediately, generating unexpected success with millions and millions of viewers flocking to the web to discuss the new episodes. From 2016 to 2026, the series has won a dozen Emmys, and this year, that number will likely rise even further. While we wait to see if it wins more awards, here are the best affordable Stranger Things-themed gadgets.
Source: Deadline
