David Harbour, known for his role as Red Guardian in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), is currently embroiled in controversy following allegations made by his Stranger Things co-star Millie Bobby Brown. The situation has drawn attention ahead of Stranger Things Season 5, which is scheduled for release in late 2025, with Harbour balancing commitments for the series and the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday film. This controversy update highlights the complex dynamics behind-the-scenes and the possible implications for Harbour’s career.
Details Surrounding the Accusations Against Harbour
In the weeks before Stranger Things Season 5 premiered on Netflix, unexpected turmoil arose involving Harbour and Brown. According to initial reports by the Daily Mail, 21-year-old Millie Bobby Brown filed an extensive formal complaint against Harbour, her 50-year-old co-star. The allegations, described as numerous yet explicitly non-sexual in nature, prompted an internal investigation lasting several months. While the findings of this inquiry have not been publicly shared, sources confirmed that Harbour was subject to scrutiny by Netflix, which chose not to provide comments to the media.
The Daily Mail also noted that Brown was accompanied by a representative during the filming of Season 5, emphasizing the seriousness surrounding the production environment. Despite this legal and professional scrutiny, there has been no official confirmation of any disciplinary actions or changes to Harbour’s status within the show or related projects.
Context of Harbour and Brown’s On-Screen and Off-Screen Relationship
Harbour and Brown have been acting together since Stranger Things’ debut in 2016, portraying the strong father-daughter bond between Jim Hopper and Eleven. Harbour had previously expressed a protective stance toward Brown, describing his deep concern for her well-being amid the pressures of fame. On Dan Patrick’s podcast in 2021, he stated,
“I have a real protective feeling for her. I have a real, like, worry. I worry about her and the fame and all that she has to struggle with. And I’ve just always felt this kind of deep fatherly affection for her.”
– David Harbour, Actor
Similarly, Brown once described her relationship with Harbour and fellow co-star Winona Ryder as parental, highlighting the care they showed on set, including monitoring her interactions and personal life. In an interview with Variety in 2018, she explained:
“Winona Ryder and David Harbor are like my parents. On set, they’re like, ‘Stop running, what are you eating, why are you eating that?’ David is like, ‘Another boy?’ And in the show, if they rekindle, that means Will and Eleven will be step-siblings. I would love that because Noah [Schnapp] is my boy best friend.”
– Millie Bobby Brown, Actress
These statements illustrate a previously close and supportive dynamic between the actors, which contrasts with the nature of the recent allegations.
Influence of Personal Matters on Harbour Amid the Allegations
The allegations against Harbour surfaced shortly after his ex-wife, Lily Allen, released a new album called West End Girl, which fans speculated might allude to infidelity. Nevertheless, a source close to the matter told the Daily Mail that Allen has remained unwaveringly supportive during Harbour’s difficult experience.
“steadfastly supported her husband throughout the ‘brutal’ ordeal.”
– Source close to Lily Allen
This adds a layer of personal strain around Harbour’s public and private life coinciding with the ongoing controversy.
Upcoming Projects and Potential Impact on Harbour’s Career
Stranger Things Season 5 is shaping up to be a major event. The release schedule includes the first four episodes launching on November 26, 2025, followed by three episodes on Christmas Day, and the final episode debuting simultaneously on New Year’s Eve via Netflix and in theaters. Harbour’s character, Jim Hopper, is expected to remain central to the storyline, particularly his relationship with Brown’s character Eleven.
After Stranger Things wraps, Harbour will move on to promote and participate in Avengers: Doomsday, a highly anticipated MCU crossover set for 2026. The film features a star-studded cast including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Chris Hemsworth, and Robert Downey Jr., with Harbour reprising his role as Red Guardian.
Uncertainty Surrounding Harbour’s Role in Avengers: Doomsday Amid Controversy
It remains unclear if Harbour’s controversy will affect his character’s arc in Avengers: Doomsday or the rumored follow-up, Avengers: Secret Wars. Since the results of the investigation have not been disclosed publicly, Marvel Studios’ knowledge or involvement in these matters is uncertain. Stranger Things’ Season 5 production began in January 2024, while filming on Avengers: Doomsday started later, in April 2025, concluding in September of that year.
Because the Avengers filming finished before the controversy became public, the likelihood of Harbour’s off-screen issues dictating the fate of Red Guardian appears limited. Any significant plot decisions affecting his character are probably based on creative direction rather than external pressures stemming from the accusations.
The evolving David Harbour controversy update sheds light on the challenges he faces amid one of the busiest periods in his career, and industry observers will be watching closely to see how this affects his professional trajectory moving forward.
