Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour reunited publicly at the Stranger Things season 5 premiere on November 6, appearing together on the red carpet amid ongoing David Harbour bullying claims. Their display of camaraderie, including hugging and joint photos with fellow cast members, has drawn attention given recent reports of an alleged harassment complaint filed by Brown during filming.
The Stranger Things stars’ reunion comes after accusations surfaced that Harbour bullied Brown on set. Neither the actors nor Netflix have issued statements addressing these claims. An anonymous crisis PR executive suggested to Variety that the actors’ public interaction may be an effort to mitigate the fallout from the reported incident, aiming to “make it no worse.”
Actors Reflect on Their On-Set Relationship
During the premiere event, both Brown and Harbour shared positive remarks about their working relationship. Brown, 21, who plays Eleven, described her connection with Harbour—who portrays Jim Hopper—as deeply meaningful. She called their partnership “amazing” and said it reflects the significant role the show has played in their lives over the past decade.
“We’re so lucky to have each other. The show means so much to the both of us, and to everyone here. This has been the last 10 years of our lives.”
Brown added,
“I’ve been living every day like it’s the first day on set, and maybe that’s what’s made me hold onto every moment for dear life.”
Harbour, 50, expressed pride in witnessing the growth of his co-stars throughout the series. He described the project as special and highlighted the deep connections formed among the cast.
“I adore her, and I’ve been proud to watch all of them grow up and become such great artists,”
he told Entertainment Tonight, continuing,
“This particular project is so special, and we’ve gotten to know each other so deeply.”
Producer Shawn Levy Addresses Workplace Environment
Stranger Things producer and director Shawn Levy addressed the allegations during the premiere, firmly denying any harassment claims. Levy emphasized the priority of maintaining a respectful and safe workplace for the entire cast and crew.
“At the end of the day, that’s the job — you have to create a respectful workplace where everyone feels comfortable and safe,”
Levy said, adding,
“We did everything to build that environment, and we’re proud of the fact that we did so.”
He also called some of the reports “wildly inaccurate” and stressed the familial bond among the team.
“There’s so much noise around it, but the truth is that we view this crew and this cast as family,”
Levy stated,
“We treat each other with respect, and that’s always been [the] bedrock.”
Insights from Past Interviews on Their Working Dynamic
Prior to the recent controversy, Brown and Harbour had spoken warmly of their on-set relationship in various magazine features. Harbour reflected on the professionalism and artistry that anchor actors in the industry despite external pressures.
“They’re all pretty good kids. Maybe it’s just because I’m sober, I’m sure everyone’s doing them, but it just feels like kids are not as substance-abusive as my generation was,”
he told Esquire UK earlier this month, continuing,
“One of the real ropes to hang on to in this business for me has been the artistry of what you’re doing.”
He elaborated further,
“There are things that are just so beyond your control — whether or not you get box office, or whether or not people like you. All of these things are way beyond your control. But one of the things that you can control is your particular passion for storytelling, for art, for what you want to say, your voice.”
Brown also recounted how their off-screen relationship informed their characters’ on-screen bond since season 1.
“I always annoyed him like a daughter or younger sister,”
she told Empire. Brown described how Harbour would respond to her playful antics, saying,
“I was always trying to climb all over him and he was always rolling his eyes and laughing at me. I think that’s kind of how the El and Hopper relationship really started to develop in the show — it was mirroring our actual lives and our actual relationship.”
Anticipation for Stranger Things Season 5
Stranger Things season 5 is set to premiere on Netflix on November 26, with fans eagerly awaiting the continuation of the series despite the recent allegations. The reunion and statements from the principal actors and producer may play a role in how the audience perceives the ongoing drama behind the scenes.
The public interactions and official comments suggest an attempt to present a united front, reinforcing the long-standing creative and personal bonds among the cast and crew, even as discussions around the bullying claims persist.
