The stars of Stranger Things, Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour, put on a united front at the final season’s premiere, sharing warm words and a hug just days after reports surfaced of an alleged bullying complaint between them. The event served as a powerful visual response to the rumors, with the actors emphasizing their long-standing bond.
A United Front on the Red Carpet
At the Stranger Things Season 5 premiere on November 6 at the TCL Chinese Theatre, Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour displayed no signs of friction. The co-stars, who play father and daughter on the hit Netflix series, arrived together and were playful on the red carpet. They posed for smiling photos, shared hugs, and took selfies with fans.
Brown spoke warmly about her relationship with Harbour, telling reporters, “It’s been amazing. We’re so lucky to have each other” . She further explained their connection, stating, “I obviously had a really special bond with David because we have a father-daughter relationship, and we do every scene together… It’s been so special to have him along the journey for me” .
Harbour echoed these sentiments in his own interviews, saying of Brown, “I adore her, and I’ve been proud to watch all of them grow up and become such great artists… this particular project is so special, and we’ve gotten to know each other so deeply” . Netflix itself contributed to this narrative, posting a video on Instagram of the two laughing and celebrating “one last Stranger Things premiere” .
The Source of the Rumors
The cheerful premiere followed a report from the Daily Mail on November 1 that alleged Millie Bobby Brown had filed a formal complaint of bullying and harassment against David Harbour. According to the report, the complaint was filed before the start of production for the show’s fifth and final season .
A source claimed, “There were pages and pages of accusations. The investigation went on for months” . It was clarified that the allegations did not include any claims of sexual impropriety . The report also suggested that Brown was accompanied by a personal representative on set during the filming of the finale .
Investigation and Official Responses
Sources with knowledge of the situation have confirmed to Variety that an investigation into Brown’s complaint did occur and that it has been resolved . However, the exact outcome of that investigation has not been made public.
Representatives for Brown, Harbour, and Netflix have consistently declined to comment on the reports . When asked about the situation, Shawn Levy, an executive producer on the show, called many of the circulating reports “wildly inaccurate” .
While not addressing the actors by name, Levy and the show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, emphasized the importance of a safe set. Levy stated, “I’ve read a bunch of stories and they range from wildly inaccurate to…there’s so much noise around it. But the truth is that we view this crew and this cast as family, and so we treat each other with respect, and that’s always been bedrock” .
Ross Duffer added, “We’ve been doing this for 10 years with this cast, and at this point they’re family and we deeply care about them. So, you know, nothing matters more than just having a set where everyone feels safe and happy” .
A Decade-Long On-Screen Bond
Brown and Harbour have been central to the story of Stranger Things since it began in 2016. Brown was 12 years old when the show premiered, while Harbour was 41 . Their characters, Eleven and Police Chief Jim Hopper, formed a surrogate father-daughter relationship that became an emotional core of the series.
In the past, Harbour has often spoken publicly about his protective feelings toward Brown. In 2021, he said, “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” .
The Final Season Release
The focus at the premiere remained squarely on the culmination of the globally popular series. The highly anticipated fifth and final season will be released in three parts on Netflix. Volume 1,
containing four episodes, premieres on November 26. Volume 2 with three episodes will be released on Christmas Day, and the series finale will be available on New Year’s Eve .
The season continues the story in the fall of 1987, with the characters united to find and kill Vecna while the military quarantines Hawkins, forcing Eleven back into hiding .
