As Netflix prepares to close the book on Stranger Things, its final promotional moments have attracted more controversy than the streaming giant likely expected.
Two of the show’s most prominent stars were missing from a key farewell event, raising fresh questions about what has unfolded behind the scenes.
A ‘Stranger Things' Celebration Without Two Central Figures
According to People, David Harbour did not attend Stranger Things: The Final Season Celebration at the Paley Center in New York. The event brought together much of the ensemble to screen the finale and reflect on the show’s nearly decade-long run.
Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Jamie Campbell Bower, Joe Keery, and Maya Hawke were all present. Harbour was not.
His absence followed recent reports of erratic behavior, including an incident at an Encinitas, California, eatery where Harbour allegedly took another man’s hat. Witnesses reported him shouting, “C'mon, dude, f*****g get me!”
A Paley Center spokesperson told People that Harbour would “not be present due to a scheduling conflict.”
TMZ later cited a source who linked the behavior to Harbour’s bipolar disorder. “David has always been honest about managing his bipolar disorder,” the source said.
“Wouldn’t be surprised if that’s what he’s dealing with here after working non-stop all year and having his personal life under public scrutiny,” the source added.
Millie Bobby Brown also missed the Paley Center event. She reportedly injured her arm in a fall and skipped multiple in-person appearances as a result.
Brown additionally missed a scheduled appearance on Good Morning America, instead joining the program remotely via video livestream.
Taken together, the dual absences gave the show’s farewell a noticeably different tone — less ceremonial, more restrained — at a moment typically marked by unity.
Allegations Around the Final Season of ‘Stranger Things'
That altered tone follows reporting that emerged earlier this year regarding tensions during production. In November, weeks before the first installment of the final season hit Netflix, the Daily Mail reported that Brown had filed an official complaint against Harbour.
According to the British publication, Brown lodged the complaint with Netflix before filming began on the final season. The complaint allegedly accused Harbour of bullying and harassment and contained “pages and pages of accusations.”
The report stated that Netflix initiated an internal inquiry that lasted several months. The allegations reportedly did not include claims of sexual impropriety.
During production, Brown was accompanied on set by a personal representative. This included scenes shared directly with Harbour, even early in the final season.
Harbour — who is set to reprise his role of Red Guardian in Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday (2026) — was reportedly supported through the process by his ex-wife, Lily Allen.
Allen recently released the album “West End Girl,” which includes explicit references to her former partner’s behavior and infidelity during their marriage.
Both later appeared together at the world premiere for Stranger Things Season 5.
Brown addressed the decision to appear united in comments to The Hollywood Reporter. “We’ve been doing that for the last 10 years,” she said.
“I mean, we have always been united in that. We love this show with everything, and we value our friendship more than anything,” she added.
Brown also spoke positively about revisiting Eleven and Hopper’s dynamic in the final season. “It was quite nostalgic because it reminded me so much of season two and three,” she said.
“That dynamic definitely comes back into play once again, and I’m really excited for people to see that,” Brown continued. “I think some of people’s favorite scenes of Eleven are El and [Hopper].”
The Duffer Brothers were later asked about the bullying claims. Co-creator Ross Duffer told The Hollywood Reporter, “Obviously, you understand I can’t get into personal on-set matters.”
“But we’ve been doing this for 10 years with this cast, and at this point they’re family,” he added. “Nothing matters more than having a set where everyone feels safe and happy.”
Director and executive producer Shawn Levy addressed the issue more broadly. “You have to create a respectful workplace where everyone feels comfortable and safe,” he said.
“And we’re proud of the fact that we did so,” Levy continued.
As Stranger Things reaches its conclusion, the show’s final season is being defined as much by what has happened off camera as what appears on screen — a reminder that long-running franchises rarely end as cleanly as their mythology suggests.
Have you watched any of Stranger Things Season 5 yet?
