Millie Bobby Brown has addressed speculation about her working relationship with David Harbour on the set of Stranger Things, reiterating that she feels supported and safe during their time together. Speaking shortly after the start of the show’s much-anticipated fifth season, Brown dismissed rumors of on-set tension, emphasizing the strong dynamic between them, particularly as they play the central roles of surrogate father Jim Hopper and Eleven.
Addressing Rumors Surrounding David Harbour on Stranger Things
As the return of the popular series generated renewed interest, rumors surfaced regarding Brown’s past interactions with Harbour. The focus keyword, David Harbour Stranger Things, trended as fans speculated about the authenticity of their on-screen father-daughter dynamic. Brown, now 21, and Harbour, 50, have portrayed Eleven and Hopper for nearly a decade, forming one of the show’s most compelling relationships. Addressing the topic during a recent interview, Millie Bobby Brown made it clear that negative whispers about Harbour’s behavior were unfounded.
“I mean, we’ve worked together for 10 years. I feel safe with everyone on that set,”
Millie Bobby Brown explained, referring to her close working bond with Harbour and the wider Stranger Things cast. – Millie Bobby Brown, Actress
She elaborated that their bond extends beyond the script, due to the emotional weight of the stories their characters shared, especially during earlier seasons.

“You naturally just… you know, you’ve been doing it for so long. We also play father and daughter so naturally, we have a closer bond than the rest because we have had some really intense scenes together, especially in Season 2.”
– Millie Bobby Brown, Actress
Highlighting Chemistry and Trust on Set
Millie Bobby Brown underscored the professional relationship she shares with David Harbour, making it clear that mutual respect and preparation are key to their performances.
“David and I have a great relationship, we work really closely together in the scenes and preparing for the scenes and I really am excited to see — for everyone to see the labor of love and hard work we’ve put into the closure of our relationship and what that looks like.”
– Millie Bobby Brown, Actress
With Stranger Things season 5 launching earlier this week, fans are anticipating how Eleven and Hopper’s final story will unfold. The next set of episodes is scheduled to arrive on Christmas Day, keeping audiences eager for the conclusion of one of television’s most iconic surrogate father-daughter stories.
The Enduring Friendship Behind the Scenes
The talented young actress, recently seen in The Electric State, further expressed her enthusiasm for working alongside Harbour.
“Those scenes that I feel, I think, are going to be quite impactful. I love it. It makes me want to bring my A game every single time I see that I’m on the call sheet working with him because I know he’s bringing it right back,”
she shared. – Millie Bobby Brown, Actress
Brown also reflected in other interviews on how much she and Harbour truly value their genuine friendship beyond the cameras. Their recent reunion at the Stranger Things NYC premiere, which was filled with warmth and camaraderie, solidified that their relationship remains strong, despite any rumors suggesting otherwise. The public displays and affirmations have reassured fans that the trust and affection depicted between Jim Hopper and Eleven stem from a real connection off-screen as well.
With the show moving toward its conclusion and the closure of these beloved characters’ journeys, both Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour’s teamwork continues to shape the heart of Stranger Things. Their collaboration, mutual support, and enduring friendship set the stage for an impactful finish, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and ensuring the true spirit of the series endures.
