‘Millie Bobby Brown Talks Exciting Dynamics With David Harbour in “Stranger Things” Season 5’

WARNING: This article contains spoilers for the first four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1.

Jim Hopper (played by David Harbour) and his adopted daughter Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) make a dynamic return in the climactic fifth season of Stranger Things.

Amidst whispers of off-screen disputes and a notable harassment complaint lodged against Harbour by Brown, the young actress has shared her thoughts on their collaboration, particularly as they navigate the challenges in The Upside Down during the early episodes of the season.

“David and I share a wonderful working dynamic. We invest a lot in our scenes together, from preparation to execution. I’m eager for our fans, especially those who adore Hopper and Eleven, to witness the evolution of our characters’ bond. Working with David always pushes me to excel,” Brown expressed in a conversation with Deadline.

Brown also commented on feeling secure working with Harbour, especially when exploring the deeper, more vulnerable aspects of Eleven’s character, who faces significant threats and challenges.

“Of course, I felt safe. After a decade of working together, I trust him and everyone else on the set. Our roles as father and daughter bring us closer, and we’ve tackled some intense scenes since Season 2,” she added.

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The story of Hopper and Eleven began in Season 2, following her heroic actions in the Season 1 finale. Their relationship has been complex, highlighted by confrontations and deep emotional exchanges, particularly when Eleven felt trapped by Hopper’s protective actions.

“Filming annually means you constantly ask yourself how much energy you can give each day. It’s demanding. So, managing your performance across scenes—identifying which require more emotional depth versus those that are more straightforward—is crucial. I use a color-coded system for my scripts to plan my weeks and gauge the emotional intensity needed,” Brown explained.

Besides the dramatic scenes, Brown faces demanding physical stunts as Eleven’s powers have grown significantly.

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“I genuinely enjoy the stunt work. It’s a crucial part of Eleven’s character, and it has taught me a lot about resilience. Performing stunts for hours, especially in cold weather, is physically taxing as your body doesn’t realize it’s just acting,” she said.

“Being physically active in stunts is one thing, but ensuring your facial expressions and physical movements align perfectly is another. It’s similar to horseback riding; the horse senses every move of the rider. This season, more than ever, I’ve immersed myself fully into that aspect of my role,” Brown concluded.