main characters in Stranger Things. The series still has plenty of ground to cover, although we haven't yet received many major updates about the next chapter.

Stranger Things is remarkably consistent across all four seasons, which is a testament to the power of the Duffer Brothers' writing and well-laid plans. While there have been plenty of victories and iconic moments in Stranger Things, the core group have faced a fair number of devastating circumstances, too. Stranger Things has continued to raise the ante with each season, and with some losing family and friends, it's clear that the show is unafraid to make some bold choices. One major sacrifice is a distinct possibility before Stranger Things concludes — but fans can rest assured the Chief of Hawkins is safe.

Jim Hopper Has Technically Had Two Death Fakeouts In Stranger Things

Hopper Is One Of The Main Fan Favorites In Stranger Things

David Harbour's Jim Hopper has already had two close encounters with death in Stranger Things. The first instance is towards the beginning of season 2 as Hopper begins an investigation into the rotten vines spreading underneath Hawkins. Ever connected to the Upside Down, Will (Noah Schnapp) tells Joyce (Winona Ryder): "I think he's [Hopper] going to die." In the scheme of things, the threat posed to Hopper here was not particularly serious, considering Joyce quickly came to his rescue with the help of Will, Mike (Finn Wolfhard), and Bob (Sean Astin). Yet Hopper's fate was still fairly touch and go for a moment without hindsight.

The second time the Chief comes up against certain death is in the following season. After breaking and entering the secret Russian hideout, the explosion in the Starcourt Mall had serious implications for Hopper, who sacrifices himself to close the gate between dimensions. This encounter was far more grave, and we were intentionally led to believe Hopper had met his end. Hopper shares one final glance with Joyce before he vanishes, making it one of Stranger Things. After these events, it is difficult to see how the series can commit to killing Hopper during its final battle.

Why Stranger Things Can't Kill Jim Hopper After The Events Of Seasons 2 & 3

It Could Be A Cheap Tactic For Stranger Things To Kill Hopper

Although there have been several noteworthy deaths throughout Stranger Things, none of these fatalities have extended to the main cast. Despite the uncertainty around the aftermath of Max's (Sadie Sink) injuries in the lead-up to season 5, fans are worrying about Hopper's fate in the Stranger Things finale after a short teaser trailer was released for the series. However, if the show decides to write out one of Hawkins' most treasured characters in the installment, Hopper's death would completely negate the significance of his sacrifice at the end of the third season — rendering both events inconsequential and repetitive.

More importantly, Hopper's death would be far too predictable for a series finale that boasts such high stakes. Stranger Things is easily one of the most highly-anticipated releases of 2025, and the stage has been set for this climax over the span of nine years. It is not unreasonable to think season 5 will be inundated with twists and turns throughout each episode, meaning we cannot truly predict what may happen. Given the stakes involved, rehashing a prior plot device would heavily conflict with the gravity of the circumstances, and Hopper's storyline undoubtedly deserves better than that.

Jim Hopper Will Be Instrumental In The Final Events Of Stranger Things Regardless

Hopper Has Always Been An Integral Element In The Overarching Narrative

From being the first individual to believe Joyce's claims in the inaugural season, Hopper has always been heavily involved in the show's main narrative in some form. Part of what makes Stranger Things so interesting is how every character is integral to the plot, and, respectively, plays their own role in saving Hawkins/the world. However, while ing characters unveil important, but ultimately side plots, Hopper is frequently involved in the overarching narrative for the majority of Stranger Things. Working alongside Joyce for the most part, Hopper is one of the individuals most geared up for the events inclusive of Will.

Naturally, Hopper's pivotal role against Vecna will only be further cemented by his return to Hawkins, shown at the end of the previous season.

Naturally, Hopper's pivotal role against Vecna will only be further cemented by his return to Hawkins, shown at the end of the previous season. After reuniting with his adoptive daughter, Hopper has a clear goal of protecting Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and can now take a more direct role in doing so, and I'm hoping that we see him ing forces with her in the season. This is more likely now that his long-awaited relationship with the Byers' mom has been confirmed, as we know that Hopper is enormously protective of those close to him — and his newfound family will be the greatest motivation.

Jim Hopper Barely Appears In Stranger Things Season 5 BTS Teaser - But It Doesn't Hold Any Significance

Stranger Things Is Keeping Season 5 Under Wraps

Based on David Harbour's absence in the Stranger Things BTS video, there is some speculation that he may not be as involved in the series in the same capacity as before. The actor has one very brief appearance towards the end of the two-minute video. With that in mind, Netflix's short teaser really does not hold any bearing over Hopper's involvement in season 5 of Stranger Things. In truth, the clip does not give any indication as to what may be coming in the final season and ultimately condenses an entire season into a two-minute video — which is an injustice to any predictions.

Not to mention, we can make a valid assumption that the studio is withholding a lot of footage for season 5. It is important for the creators to protect and preserve their content, particularly after the prolonged and sustained popularity of the series. The clip suggests larger groups will continue to work together, but there is expectedly plenty more yet unseen. The Stranger Things season finale is going to be its biggest chapter yet, and if Hopper is involved in a good proportion of the main story, it makes sense that he would not feature heavily in the BTS video.