Weeks before Millie Bobby Brown’s harassment and bullying claims came to light, Stranger Things star David Harbour opened up about the close and paternal bond he shared with the show’s younger cast members.
In an interview with Esquire Spain, the 50-year-old actor reflected on his experience working alongside the younger generation of Netflix stars and offered heartfelt advice on how they could navigate fame while staying true to their craft.
David Harbour’s Guidance for Young Cast Members
Harbour spoke fondly of his younger Stranger Things co-stars — Millie Bobby Brown (21), Finn Wolfhard (22), Noah Schnapp (21), Caleb McLaughlin (24), Sadie Sink (23), and Gaten Matarazzo (23) — praising their professionalism and growth since the show’s debut.
“They’re all pretty good kids,” Harbour said, recalling his experience watching them mature both on and off-screen.
When asked about his advice to them, Harbour emphasized the importance of artistic purpose over fame and external validation.
“One of the real ropes to hang on to in this business for me has been the artistry of what you’re doing,” he explained. “One of the things that you can control is your particular passion for storytelling, for art, for what you want to say, your voice.”
Harbour went on to express his hopes for the young cast’s long-term artistic growth, saying: “I would love to see Gaten [Matarazzo] play King Lear when he’s 70 years old. I would like to see those kinds of careers out of them.”
The actor’s comments, made weeks before the controversy, are now resurfacing as the Netflix show’s final season heads into production under the shadow of allegations.
Millie Bobby Brown’s Allegations Against David Harbour
According to a report by the Mail on Sunday, an internal inquiry was launched into Harbour’s behavior after Millie Bobby Brown raised concerns about alleged harassment and bullying prior to the filming of Stranger Things’ final season.
The publication reported that the investigation included “pages and pages of allegations,” leading Brown to have a personal representative present on set during filming for her safety and comfort.
While details of the inquiry remain undisclosed, sources suggest that the review was conducted quietly within production circles. Neither Netflix nor Harbour’s representatives have released a formal statement on the matter.
Harbour’s Reputation and Response
David Harbour, known for his role as Jim Hopper in Stranger Things, has long been seen as a mentor to the young cast. His comments about protecting artistic integrity and developing longevity in acting are now being reassessed in light of recent reports.
The timing of his Esquire interview—just weeks before Brown’s allegations surfaced—has drawn public attention, sparking conversations across social media about the complexities of mentorship, fame, and power dynamics in Hollywood productions.
At the time of publication, no official charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
