Duffer Brothers Share That Billy Crudup Was Initially Considered for Hopper in ‘Stranger Things’ and Discuss Their Journey
David Harbour Reveals Surprising Casting Backstory for ‘Stranger Things’ Role
David Harbour, known for his portrayal of Chief Jim Hopper in the popular Netflix series Stranger Things, recently uncovered that he was not the first choice for the iconic role. The show’s creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, disclosed this intriguing detail during a discussion on Josh Horowitz’s podcast, Happy Sad Confused.
During the interview, Harbour himself inquired about the casting process, expressing curiosity about who had originally been considered for the role. "I’m pretty sure I was second choice, and I don’t know who I was second choice to," he said. "Maybe I was third choice? But would you please answer the question of how I came to be cast as Chief Hopper, and who had to say no to allow me to do that wonderful, incredible role?"
Matt Duffer clarified that it was actor Billy Crudup who initially turned down the part. "It was Billy Crudup, which is a very different — like, everything happens for a reason, right? So it’s like, once it kind of clicks into place," he remarked. Duffer noted that Crudup was not particularly active in television at that time.
Following that casting decision, Harbour’s path to the role became clear. Ross Duffer recalled, "David just — honestly — he just came in, and one of our casting directors thought he could be great for the role. But he came and read, and it was just so clear, instantly: This is Hopper. And we just cast him right then and there."
Stranger Things debuted in 2016, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon and concluding its five-season run in 2025. The series garnered multiple accolades, including a dozen Emmy wins, and remains a significant contender this year. In addition to its success, Stranger Things has inspired an animated spinoff, Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85, which has been renewed for a second season, and a Broadway prequel show set for future release.
