Stranger Things Almost Killed Off These Characters — Writers Explain Why They Changed Their Minds

The Stranger Things universe has delivered some of television’s most jaw-dropping twists, but fans may be shocked to learn just how close two beloved characters came to being killed off.

According to the Duffer Brothers, both Jim Hopper and Steve Harrington were nearly written out of the series — decisions that could have changed the emotional tone of the show forever.

Hopper’s Near-Death in Season 3

At the end of Season 3, Hopper was presumed dead in the mall explosion.

The writers revealed they debated keeping him gone but ultimately decided his survival was crucial for future character development. They wanted to avoid using death solely for shock value, ensuring the story remained heartfelt rather than bleak.

Steve Harrington’s Shocking Season 1 Fate

In Season 1, Steve Harrington was originally on the chopping block.

But after seeing Joe Keery’s performance, the creators grew fond of his portrayal and decided to keep him alive. This choice transformed Steve into one of the show’s most viral and beloved characters.

Why the Writers Changed Their Minds

The Duffer Brothers explained that killing main characters is a “hypothetical” they approach with caution.

They prefer to use death sparingly and only when it carries significant repercussions, as seen with emotional losses like Eddie and Bob.

“We don’t want the show to feel overly depressing,” they noted, emphasizing that character deaths must serve the story in meaningful ways.

Fan Reactions

Fans have called the revelations “shocking” and “jaw-dropping.” One viral comment read: “Imagine Stranger Things without Steve — it would be a completely different show.”

Another added: “Hopper’s survival gave us some of the most heartfelt moments in Season 4. Thank goodness they kept him.”

Why It’s Trending

The Stranger Things Hopper and Steve death debate is trending because it highlights how close the series came to losing two of its most iconic characters.

By sparing them, the writers ensured the show retained its emotional balance — blending shocking twists with heartfelt storytelling.

By keeping Hopper and Steve alive, Stranger Things preserved the emotional heart of the series — proving that sometimes the most shocking decision is not killing a character at all.