Stranger Things Creators Reveal Mike Wheeler is Their Favorite Character

The creators of the global phenomenon Stranger Things have a clear favorite character, and it is not the powerful superhero Eleven. In a recent conversation, the Duffer Brothers shared a special connection with a different member of the Hawkins gang, a character who has been at the heart of the story since the very first line.

Matt and Ross Duffer, the masterminds behind the Netflix series, were asked which character they would choose to bid farewell to if they had to pick one. Ross Duffer explained that the choice was difficult, but ultimately clear.

“It’s hard. It’s like picking a favourite, we love all of them. If I had to choose one, it would be Mike, because when we wrote the show, Mike became a stand-in for the version of Matt and me at that age,” said Ross. “I don’t know exactly what we’d say to him, but I’d thank him. He allowed us to relive our childhoods in a way. I miss that time so much, and this show gave us a chance to escape back into it and play for a full decade. We’re really grateful.”

Matt Duffer echoed this sentiment, confirming that Mike Wheeler, played by Finn Wolfhard, holds a unique place in the creation of the show. “Yeah, it has to be Mike. The first lines we ever wrote, the first character we created, was Mike. As Ross said, he’s our stand-in, so he’s the one I’d say goodbye to.”

Why Mike Wheeler is the Heart of the Show

The creators’ fondness for Mike provides insight into the character’s central role in the series. Mike Wheeler is the unofficial leader of the group of friends known as “The Party.” He was the one who discovered a mysterious girl with a shaved head, Eleven, and he drove the initial search when his best friend, Will Byers, vanished into the Upside Down.

This special status was highlighted within the show itself during its fourth season. In a touching moment, Will Byers tells Mike that he is “the heart” of their group, the emotional center that keeps everyone together. This distinction now appears to be a reflection of the character’s foundational importance to the show’s creators.

Other Characters Who Almost Didn’t Make It

While Mike is the creators’ favorite, other beloved characters had very narrow escapes in earlier seasons. The Duffer Brothers have previously revealed that two major fan favorites were very close to being killed off.

Steve Harrington, played by Joe Keery, was almost a casualty in the first season. His character was initially written as more of a superficial high school flake. However, the creators had a change of heart because of the actor’s performance.

“We just fell in love with Joe Keery,” explained Matt Duffer. “But had we not liked Joe Keery, Steve would’ve been gone.”

Similarly, Police Chief Jim Hopper, portrayed by David Harbour, came extremely close to a heroic death at the end of the third season. His apparent sacrifice in destroying the Russian machine seemed to be his end. Matt Duffer stated, “Hopper at the end of season 3. I think death grazed him. There was a version where he perished at the end of 3. It’s been a while since we had those discussions, but I feel like he came the closest to dying.”

Ross Duffer added that they decided against it because Hopper’s story was not yet complete, showing their careful approach to character arcs beyond just shock value.

The Final Season Approaches

The fifth and final season of Stranger Things is set to debut on November 26, 2025. As the story concludes, the bond between the creators and their first character, Mike Wheeler, will undoubtedly influence the journey’s end. With the creators confirming that deceased characters like Eddie Munson will not be returning, the focus remains on the core group as they face their biggest threats yet.

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