The beloved babysitter of Hawkins, Steve Harrington, was never supposed to make it past the first season of Stranger Things. The show’s creators, The Duffer Brothers, originally planned to kill off the character to raise the stakes and show that no one was safe from the dangers of the Upside Down. However, the natural charm and performance of actor Joe Keery made them change their minds, a decision that fundamentally altered the show’s emotional landscape.
The Original Plan for Steve
In the initial development of Stranger Things Season 1, the Duffer Brothers wanted to create a narrative with real danger. Characters were subject to death if the plot demanded it, and in these early drafts, Steve Harrington was written as a typical high school bully. He was the handsome, conceited jerk who would have “gotten what he deserved” in a pessimistic turn of events.
Matt Duffer confirmed the character’s narrow escape, stating:
“That was close. We just fell in love with Joe Keery, but had we not liked Joe Keery, Steve would’ve been gone.”
His death was intended to demonstrate the serious threat of the Upside Down. Instead, Steve evolved from a short-lived side character into one of the show’s most popular heroes.
How Joe Keery Changed Steve’s Destiny
The entire trajectory of Steve Harrington shifted because of Joe Keery’s portrayal. What was written as a one-dimensional, flat character was infused with unexpected warmth, humor, and heart by the actor. Keery’s natural charisma and his chemistry with the rest of the cast were immediately obvious to the creators.
The Duffer Brothers have openly said they fell in love with Keery’s performance. They perceived Steve in a new light and began rewriting his destiny on the fly. Rather than becoming another casualty, Steve was allowed to live, transforming from an egotistical adolescent into a devoted and loyal companion. His role expanded to become the emotional heart of the show, balancing the group’s dynamic.
Steve’s Unlikely Transformation
The decision to keep Steve alive allowed for one of the most surprising and beloved character arcs in modern television. He started the series as Nancy Wheeler’s obnoxious crush, a popular kid who looked down on others. By the end of the first season, he was redeeming himself by fighting the Demogorgon alongside the kids.
This evolution continued, solidifying Steve as Hawkins’ ultimate babysitter—a courageous, funny, and good-hearted older-brother figure to Dustin Henderson and the rest of the younger group. His ability to be both a brave fighter and a protective guardian made him a fan favorite. The character’s journey from a “vicious, mean bully” in early drafts to a likable hero is a testament to the power of performance and flexible storytelling.
This is not the only time the Duffer Brothers have changed their plans based on an actor’s portrayal. The character of Bob Newby, played by Sean Astin, was also rewritten to be more endearing, delaying his planned death from early in Season 2 to the finale.
The Impact of a Single Decision
The choice to spare Steve had a ripple effect on the entire series. With Steve as a core member of the group, the writers were able to introduce other antagonistic characters, such as Billy, who filled the role originally envisioned for Steve. More importantly, Steve became an emotional anchor, providing both comic relief and touching moments of friendship.
His relationship with Dustin, in particular, became a highlight of the show, showcasing a bond that fans never knew they needed. It is difficult to imagine Stranger Things without Steve Harrington’s heroic moments and his iconic hair, proving that sometimes the best creative decisions are the unplanned ones.
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