Stranger Things' David Harbour opens up about saying "goodbye" to Hopper in season 5

The fifth and final season of Stranger Things is set to air in 2024, and David Harbour is gearing up to finish his storyline as police chief/mega dad/monster fighter Jim Hopper.

From Harbour’s comments it seems like it will be an emotional ride, but he has faith in showrunners Ross and Matt Duffer to finish the show perfectly.

Harbour opened up about his feelings, telling Collider: "It will be my goodbye to Jim Hopper, which is a big deal."

preview for Stranger Things: Season 4 Volume 2 - Trailer (Netflix)

He also pointed out the torturously long wait until the next season, which for him, is something of a relief: “Fortunately, I feel like I have a long time to say goodbye because I think we're going to take a long time shooting these episodes.”

Saying goodbye to Hopper will be as tough for fans as it is for Harbour. Like many characters, Hopper has had a huge character arc, turning from an emotionally closed-off recluse into a brave, loving character. Discovering the existence of the paranormal, being imprisoned in a Gulag, and adopting a psychokinetic kid will do that to a man.

Thankfully, Harbour trusts the Duffer brothers to get the final season right.

“I know those Duffer brothers are very specific, and I know they want to get that last season. I mean if you look at season 4, I have a feeling that season 5 may not be as long, but it certainly will be packed to the brim with good stuff that you love,” he said.

“I mean, they really are getting better at giving you that home run that the audiences love. And I think that season 5 will do that so much.”