David Harbour, the acclaimed actor behind Hawkins' beloved Chief Jim Hopper, has made a surprising confession that's sending ripples through the Stranger Things fandom. While many would assume his closest bond formed with Millie Bobby Brown, who plays his on-screen adoptive daughter Eleven, Harbour reveals a different co-star holds the top spot in his heart.
The Unexpected Choice That Surprised Fans
During a candid interview, Harbour didn't hesitate when asked about his favourite person to share scenes with throughout the hit Netflix series' five-season run. While his dynamic with Brown's Eleven provided some of the show's most emotional moments, Harbour's choice went in a completely different direction.
'There's just something about working with Brett that clicks perfectly,' Harbour revealed, referring to Brett Gelman, who plays the eccentric journalist Murray Bauman. 'The energy between Hopper and Murray creates this fantastic balance of humour and heart that I've always cherished.'
Behind-the-Scenes Chemistry
The actor elaborated on what makes his scenes with Gelman so special, explaining that their characters' unlikely friendship mirrors their real-life dynamic. 'Brett brings this incredible comedic timing that contrasts beautifully with Hopper's gruff exterior,' Harbour shared. 'Those moments where we're bickering like an old married couple? That's pure joy to film.'
This revelation comes as particular surprise given the powerful father-daughter relationship Harbour's Hopper developed with Brown's Eleven, which became a cornerstone of the series' emotional core. Their scenes together, especially in seasons 3 and 4, delivered some of the most heart-wrenching moments in television.
A Bond That Transcends the Screen
Harbour was quick to clarify that his choice reflects the unique dynamic of working with Gelman rather than any lack of affection for Brown. 'Millie is phenomenal, an incredible talent who I've watched grow into an amazing young woman,' he emphasised. 'But if we're talking pure scene chemistry, Brett and I have this rhythm that just works.'
The actor's confession provides fascinating insight into the complex web of relationships that form during long-running productions like Stranger Things. Sometimes the most powerful on-screen connections aren't the obvious ones, but rather those unexpected partnerships that bring unexpected depth and humour to a series.
As Stranger Things prepares to conclude with its highly anticipated fifth season, fans will undoubtedly be watching Harbour and Gelman's scenes with renewed appreciation, knowing they're witnessing the actor's personal favourite partnership in action.
