Billy Crudup was first choice for Chief Hopper in 'Stranger Things' before David Harbour was cast
Ross Duffer recalled that Harbour did just one take on tape and the decision to cast him was instantly clear
David Harbour's portrayal of Chief Jim Hopper became one of the defining performances of Stranger Things — but the twice Emmy-nominated actor was not the original choice for the role. The Duffer Brothers have now confirmed that Billy Crudup was approached first.
Harbour asked the question himself
The revelation came during a new interview on Josh Horowitz's Happy Sad Confused podcast, in which the writer-producer duo were presented with a video question from Harbour himself.
"I'm pretty sure I was second choice, and I don't know who I was second choice to," the actor 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."
Crudup passed on the role
After dismissing the host's guess that it was Josh Brolin, Matt Duffer set the record straight. "No, 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 … But yeah, Billy Crudup passed. I don't think he was doing much TV at the time."
Crudup has since become a series regular on Apple TV+'s The Morning Show, earning two Emmy wins for the role. A year after Stranger Things first premiered, he also appeared alongside Naomi Watts in Netflix's short-lived psychological thriller Gypsy.
One take was all it took
Ross Duffer recalled how swiftly the decision to cast Harbour was made once he auditioned. "He came and read and he just did one take. We weren't even there, we just saw the tape, and it was just so clear, instantly: This is Hopper. And we just cast him right then and there," he said.
The legacy of Stranger Things
Stranger Things debuted on Netflix in 2016 and concluded its five-season run in 2025, winning twelve Emmys across its broadcast life.
The series has since expanded into an animated spinoff, Stranger Things: Tales from '85, which has recently been renewed for a second series, as well as a Broadway prequel production that has been recorded for future release as a feature film.