The series ‘Stranger Things’, produced by Netflix, has undergone significant changes in its narrative and character development throughout its five seasons. One of the most notable arcs is that of Steve Harrington, played by Joe Keery, who started as the typical bully in the first season. However, the Duffer brothers’ decision not to kill Steve, initially planned, allowed the character to evolve into a beloved protector and friend of Dustin.
Change of Plans
The deviation from the original script was, according to the Duffer brothers, a matter of personal affinity towards Joe Keery. We were close to killing him off. We just fell in love with Joe Keery, but if it hadn’t been for him, Steve would have been gone, revealed Ross Duffer in an interview. This change not only gave Harrington a new role, but also modified the dynamics between the characters, steering the plot towards a more humorous and emotional approach.
In the last season, the interactions between Steve and Dustin have replaced the old rivalries, while other characters like Jim Hopper have also had notable development. Many fans still remember the end of the third season, where Hopper seemed to have met his end, only to return unexpectedly in the fourth season. Ross Duffer has commented that the character still has room to grow within the narrative, suggesting that character evolution is fundamental in ‘Stranger Things’.
With a structure that allows for the exploration of new dynamics and relationships, the series becomes a reflection of the growth of its protagonists and the complexities of adolescence. The narrative of ‘Stranger Things’ continues to intrigue the audience, showing that the future may bring more surprises in this successful science fiction production.