David Harbour, the actor known for playing Sheriff Hopper on the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, is expressing his desire to break free from being typecast as just that character. While he eagerly awaits the filming of the show’s final season, Harbour also wants to explore other roles and genres. In an interview with Insider, he shared how he was advised early on in the show’s success to not be too closely associated with it. However, Harbour’s love for the show and his character is undeniable. Nevertheless, he doesn’t want to be solely defined by it.
Throughout his career, Harbour has taken on diverse roles outside of Stranger Things. He has portrayed Red Guardian in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, played a bloody Santa Claus in Violent Night, starred in the ill-fated Hellboy reboot, and will soon be seen as a racing coach in the upcoming Gran Turismo film. The success of Violent Night, particularly its theatrical release, opened new doors for Harbour. This experience has made him eager to delve further into the world of cinema. He now aspires to make original movies that have theatrical releases. Harbour admires how actors like George Clooney successfully transitioned from television to film, and he hopes to replicate that path.
Despite his ambitions, Harbour understands the complexity of navigating his career beyond Stranger Things. He doesn’t want to disregard the fans who love him for his portrayal of Hopper, but at the same time, he yearns to showcase his versatility as an actor. Harbour wants to demonstrate that there is more to him than just one beloved character. He strives to evolve and challenge himself artistically. However, he hopes that in doing so, he won’t have to constantly hear his character’s name shouted at him on the streets.
In conclusion, David Harbour eagerly anticipates the final season of Stranger Things while simultaneously craving the opportunity to explore a variety of roles and genres in the film industry. He aspires to break free from being typecast as Sheriff Hopper and wishes to establish himself as a versatile actor in both television and cinema. Harbour is determined to leave a lasting impact beyond his iconic character, all while remaining appreciative of the fans who have supported him throughout his career.