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David Harbour gave an excellent performance as Chief Jim Hopper on “Stranger Things.” But did you know that the actor had originally auditioned for a different role?
In a new Funny or Die sketch, Harbour is seen auditioning for the role of Eleven, a character he was really keen on playing.
“When the Duffer Brothers sent me the script I was really excited. I’m like a hardcore, sci-fi type of guy,” says Harbour, who had high hopes of becoming Eleven. “I mean, so rarely do you connect so deeply with a role. This silent strength, coupled with this vulnerability in seeing this person change over the course of 8 episodes. Clearly I had a very strong vision for this character.”
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While the creators of the series never intended for him to take on the role of the supernatural girl, he did think that his Eleven “added a dimension to the character” that was not seen on screen. Unfortunately for him, the part went to newcomer Millie Bobby Brown, who has since become a breakout star.
“Look, I’m not bitter,” explains Harbour. “I mean, Millie did an okay job playing Eleven, you know. But my Eleven was…,” as the video segues to a clip of his audition. “But look, if you want real ‘80s, hardcore sci-fi, I want you to check out my new Netflix series coming next fall.”
READ MORE: ‘Stranger Things’ Gets Re-Imagined as an 8-Bit Video Game
Check out the hilarious clip below and a “sneak peek” at his new __show “New Eleven.”
The first season of “Stranger Things” is available to stream on Netflix. Season 2 will be released next year.
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