Is Hopper Really Dead in Stranger Things?

As season 4 of Stranger Things draws to a close, one of the most pressing questions facing fans is the fate of Hopper. In the race against telemarketers, Hopper has been the central figure in the third season and a beloved character for many fans. However, his abrupt disappearance in Season 3 left many wondering if he had met a tragic end. Fortunately, the confirmation from the Duffer brothers that there will be a fifth and final season brings hope that Hopper is still with us. But let's dive into the evidence from the third season and the post-credits scene.

The Disappearance of Hopper in Season 3

During the third season of Stranger Things, the disappearance of Hopper left fans in suspense. However, a look at the official Stranger Things trailer for season 4, where we see Hopper alive and in Siberia, suggested that he was not dead. This led many to speculate that Hopper's story arc would continue and that the character would not meet a permanent end.

No Body, No Death

If there's one thing that fans know from comic books and horror movies, it's the rule that says a character is not dead unless there's a body to prove it. As fans, we were left wondering if Hopper had met his demise, but the post-credits sequence in season 3 offered a clue. In this scene, a prisoner is fed to a Demogorgon, and the guards refer to an American. This phrase, in conjunction with Hopper's significant past with the Russians, has caused many to speculate that Hopper is indeed still alive.

Stranger Things and the Post-Credits Scene

According to David Harbour, who plays Hopper, there aren't any other Americans in that post-credits sequence. When interviewed, Harbour said, #8220;Although I’m being coy about it, there isn’t any other American it can be. Hopper was kind of a jerk in Season 3, and I hope that he can make things right in Season 4.#8221; His comments suggest that Hopper might indeed be back, though the nature of his disappearance and return remains unclear.

The Coded Message

Furthermore, the sequence where Joyce turns the key and Alexei says, "It will destroy humans if they are in the same room," and Hopper nods for Joyce to go ahead, raises questions about the Russians' reaction when they say, "Not the American." This could indicate that the prisoner is not Hopper, which means Hopper is still alive. The fact that Hopper knew about the dangerous device suggests he would not want to risk himself or the humans if he were truly dead.

Finally, the Russian guards' reaction, "Not the American," could be interpreted in two ways. If Hopper is indeed the American, the guards are trying to prevent Hopper from being turned over to the Americans. If he is not, it could mean Hopper is not the prisoner, and someone else is. This adds to the intrigue and keeps fans guessing.

With the fifth and final season set to wrap up the Stranger Things story, the upcoming episodes will undoubtedly shed light on Hopper's fate. Will he make a triumphant return, or will there be a twist that fans won't see coming? Only time will tell, but the post-credits sequence suggests that Hopper is still among the living.

Stranger Things, Hopper, David Harbour

Stranger Things fans continue to eagerly anticipate what the future holds for Hopper. With the final season set to air, the speculation and theories surrounding Hopper's fate are at an all-time high. Fans are excited to see how the Duffer brothers tie up all the loose ends and bring the beloved character to a fitting conclusion. Stay tuned for the latest updates on the final season and the fate of the one and only Hopper.