Had the Duffers Brothers, the writers, directors, and producers of the fictional horror series, not found Stranger Things a home on Netflix, Hopper’s story would have looked very different.
The basic script for Stranger Things was almost tossed in the bin even before the series underwent production. In addition, the Duffer brothers had a hard time selling their original sci-fi series’ concept. Every person they met suggested some fundamental changes to the show’s premise.
If the sci-fi thriller series hadn’t found a place on Netflix, high chances were that Stranger Things would have turned out very differently than what we see today.
Heads Up! Stranger Things away from Netflix, hypothetically speaking
- How hitting pop culture changed the fate of Stranger Things.
- When Stranger Things was on the verge of never happening.
- Hopper’s character destination.
How Pop Culture changed the fate of Stranger Things?
The American fictional horror series Stranger Things first launched on Netflix in the first half of 2016. Set in the 1980s, the show focuses on a group of kids who have now become an international sensation. The viewers resonate with the teen actors and the remarkable level of nostalgia that the series builds on has worked globally to rope in English-speaking audience.
The fan base of Stranger Things continued to increase with the premiere of season 2 in October 2017. Following the release of season 3 in July 2019, over 64 million households viewed the third instalment in its first month.
As per the current trends, it is safe to say that Stranger Things is Netflix’s most popular and valued asset to date. Having that said, there was a time when the Duffer brother’s production wasn’t even categorized as a potential story to be streamed on any platform.
WATCH: Why Was Stranger Things Rejected
However, Netflix adopted Stranger Things and gave it a vision that reverberates through global audiences.
The different networks that the Duffer brothers approached with their script suggested that they make Jim Hopper the pivot of the show and not the kids. However, this essential change to the script would have changed the narrative and as per the duo, definitely ruined the series.
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Hopper Is Not Alive, Duffer Brothers Are Just Messing Around
Hopper’s character would be a far cry from what it is today
Network executives weren’t convinced with the idea of Stranger Things revolving around a bunch of newcomer kids. For reasons not revealed, they felt that the series wouldn’t be a universal watch if centred on teenage characters.
In a Rolling Stone interview from 2016, the Duffer brothers recall that they were told to either turn it into a kid’s show or make it all about Jim Hopper. But they relented. And the rest is history.
Hopper is a detective in Stranger Things who investigates paranormal incidents striking in the town. Well, making Lucas, Will, Eleven, Dustin and Mike as the driving force of the show earned them several awards and accolades. In hindsight, we can vouch for the Duffer brothers and their foresight in not getting bogged down and shifting the plot to being Jim Hopper-centered. They stood their ground and it was the right decision.
Fortunately, the Duffer brothers came in contact with Shawn Levy who absolutely adored the script, including its plot surrounding teenagers. The producer bought the script and contacted Netflix. Fortunately for millions of fans, it developed into a full-fledged series.
Once the final draft for the show was set, the Duffer brothers made slight changes to the script to tune the mannerisms and strengths of each character, especially with regards to the kids.
Hopper’s appeal
Jim Hopper, the Chief of Police has been the most popular character with the fans since season 1. Interestingly, Hopper’s relationship with Eleven served as an added advantage for Stranger Things.
So we can say with confidence, Stranger Things wouldn’t have developed into such a rage had the Duffer brothers compromised on their vision by setting the kids aside and bringing Hopper to the centerstrage.
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