The main cast of Stranger Things has grown and evolved quite a bit since the series first debuted on Netflix in 2016. And while some characters have suffered unfortunate fates (sorry, Barb), others have managed to stay alive well past the series creators' original plans.
During the Stranger Things: Unlocked panel at Geeked Week, creators Matt and Ross Duffer revealed that Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) was never supposed to become a lead character in Season 4. Ross explained that the original plan was to kill Steve in the Season 1 finale.
Although Matt couldn't quite recall that Steve was going to die, he did say that it wasn't supposed to be Steve who returns to the Byers' house with a bat to help Nancy and Jonathan fight the Demogorgon in the Season 1 finale. That was actually originally going to be Jonathan's dad.
Like any great creators, the Duffer brothers had a road map for the series, but it was never set in stone. The duo credit Joe Keery's performance for impacting how the narrative evolved. “You’re learning what works and what doesn’t work. The cast is impacting where you take the narrative, the other writers and directors … it’s this living thing.”
Having now experienced four seasons of Stranger Things, it's hard to envision the series without Steve. While Keery's character started off as an extremely shallow jerk, he's grown to become a charming, fan-favorite of the series. Not only is he the group's designated babysitter and chauffeur, but he's also got an incredible platonic relationship with Robin. And his friendship with Dustin as the sort of older sibling is always hilarious to watch. Plus, it would appear based on this last season, that there may still be a spark between him and Nancy. Knowing all this now, it sounds crazy that this wasn't always the plan for Steve.
Of course, knowing that the creators originally intended for Steve to die, it leaves us a bit fearful for what may happen to him in the final two episodes of Season 4. Stranger Things Season 4, Volume 2 returns on July 1.
Fear HQ, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.