David Harbour Recalls ‘Stranger Things’ Kids Farting During Takes in Season 1

David Harbour says working on the first season of Stranger Things was one of the best experiences of his career, thanks in large part to the young cast’s natural behavior on set.

Speaking at a Stranger Things event in Los Angeles, Harbour said the child actors were “just kids” rather than overly polished performers. He joked that they would even fart during takes without feeling embarrassed, something he found surprisingly refreshing.

Harbour, who plays police chief Jim Hopper, said the relaxed atmosphere helped balance the emotional weight of his character, a grieving alcoholic haunted by the death of his daughter.

The Duffer Brothers also revealed that actor Billy Crudup was originally considered for the role of Hopper before Harbour auditioned. Ross Duffer said Harbour’s audition immediately convinced them he was the right choice.

Harbour, who had worked as an actor for more than 20 years before Stranger Things became a hit, called the first season “a miraculous time” and said he has rarely felt so fulfilled by a project.