The creators of *Stranger Things*, Matt and Ross Duffer, have shed light on the original casting process for the role of Sheriff Jim Hopper.
Before David Harbour secured the part, the role was reportedly offered to Billy Crudup, known for his work in *Almost Famous* and *The Morning Show*.
…everything happens for a reason, right?… Billy Crudup passed. I don’t think he was doing much television at the time. Then David came in, and quite honestly, one of our casting directors just had a feeling he would be perfect. He came in, read for the part, and nailed it in a single take. We weren’t even present, but after watching the tape, it was immediately clear: that’s Hopper. We cast him on the spot,
— the Duffer brothers recalled. Crudup has not commented on the casting process. *Stranger Things* premiered on Netflix in 2016 and concluded with its fifth season. Currently, the animated series *Tales from 85* is being released.
Source: Variety