As fans eagerly await the final season of Stranger Things, the looming possibility of significant character deaths hangs over us. Just think back to Eddie’s heroic exit in the previous season. The stakes have never felt higher, and it’s clear that lead character deaths are now a genuine concern. But did you know that the show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, almost made some drastic changes much earlier? They revealed they were very close to killing off two beloved characters but ultimately changed course.
Hopper Almost Met His Death in Stranger Things Season 3
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the Duffer Brothers discussed the future of Stranger Things and hinted at unexpected character fates. While they kept mum about potential deaths in the upcoming season, they did reveal that Hopper was nearly killed off at the end of Season 3.
At the end of Season 3, viewers were led to believe Hopper had died after a catastrophic explosion in the hidden Russian lab under Starcourt Mall. However, the teaser for Season 4 later revealed he survived, albeit captured by Russian forces and imprisoned in a POW camp in Kamchatka, Russia.
Ross Duffer affirmed that it would have been easy to eliminate Hopper, but they felt his character still had more to accomplish. He shared, “Hopper at the end of season 3…there was a version where he perished. It would’ve been easy to kill him, but Hopper still had growing to do. It’s important to finish the stories we want to finish and not just kill off characters for shock value.”
Steve Harrington Was Also on the Duffer Brothers’ Hitlist in Stranger Things Season 1
Another character nearly facing the chopping block is Steve Harrington, played by Joe Keery. Surprisingly, he was close to being killed off during Season 1. The Duffer Brothers admitted that while they were ready to write him out, their fondness for Keery led them to reconsider.
Matt Duffer stated, “That was close. We just fell in love with Joe Keery, but had we not liked him, Steve would’ve been gone.”
This compulsion to reassess character arcs is not uncommon among the creators. They continuously contemplate potential character deaths and their ramifications. Personally, I’m relieved they opted against eliminating characters like Steve and Hopper, given how they’ve evolved throughout the series. Can you imagine how different things would be without them? How would you react if these changes had happened? Share your thoughts below!
What characters are at risk of dying in Stranger Things Season 5? Speculation surrounding character deaths has been rampant given the narrative’s upward trajectory. While the Duffer Brothers remain tight-lipped, fans are left to wonder who might face their end.
Why are major character deaths impactful in shows like Stranger Things? Character deaths often serve to heighten drama and invest viewers emotionally in the storyline. They affect character relationships and overall plot trajectories, creating deeper connections with the audience.
Will Hopper return in Season 5 after his dramatic Season 4 reveal? Based on recent teasers and plot lines, Hopper’s return is highly anticipated. His character’s survival intertwines with many ongoing narratives, leaving fans eager for his role in the impending finale.
What role does character development play in Stranger Things? Strong character development is vital, as it keeps viewers engaged and allows them to form deeper emotional connections. It’s what makes us care when characters are at risk of harm or death.
In conclusion, the potential for death in Stranger Things only adds to the excitement and intrigue as we head into the final season. While the Duffer Brothers have spared some fan-favorites, who knows what lies ahead? If you’re eager for more insights and updates about your favorite shows, be sure to continue exploring related content on Moyens I/O!