Summary
AsStranger Thingsnears its end, some cast members are preparing farewells to their respective characters. The latest to join the trend is David Harbour, who seemingly has a clear vision of where he wants to go next.
Harbour first rose to fame playingStranger Things' Jim Hopper, Hawkins' grumpy yet loyal chief of police, who happens to have a special bond with the mischievous kids. During his run as the character, which first debuted in 2016, he has also explored other projects, includingRed Guardian inBlack Widowand Santa inViolent Night. But the actor does not want his career to end here; he has plans to take it to the next step, and that does not necessarily include the role for which he is most beloved.
RELATED:David Harbour On Why He Thinks It’s Time For Stranger Things To End
TheStranger Thingsactor recently revealed in an interview withInsiderthat he is ready to leave Hopper behind. Though he says he is thankful for the acclaim he received for this role, he admits that he does not want to be known as a one-hit-wonder. “I do love the show. And I do love the character,” he explained, “but I don’t want to be just that character. I don’t want to be just that guy.” He explained that while he does not want to seem ungrateful to fans and producers alike, he believes there is more potential in him that he would like to explore. “I don’t want people yelling ‘Hopper’ on the street every five minutes for the rest of my life.”
His solution to this issue? Venture more into the film industry and leave TV behind. Before the strike, Harbour had been stacking his resume with more films,such as theHellboyrebootand the upcomingGran Turismo. Once the strike ends, he plans on continuing and expanding on that path. “I hate the word ‘brand,’ but I want there to be something you get when you see a movie I’m in,” he said, “you’ll get an emotional experience. You’ll get surprised.”
Harbour has gotten a solid start to his vision. He is set to star in theupcoming filmGran Turismo— based on the popular PlayStation game— where he will play Jack Salter, the brash American who has to train Jann Mardenborough (played by Archie Madekwe) from a gamer into a real race-car driver. He is also set to appear in Marvel Studios' new filmThunderbolts, reprising his role of Red Guardian, although that project has been halted due to the strike.
Stranger Thingsseasons 1-4 are available on Netflix.
MORE:The Stranger Things Season 4 Poster Was Better Than Most Movie Posters
