Millie Bobby Brown Opens Up About Feeling Protected by David Harbour on “Stranger Things” Set
If you’ve been following the unfolding drama around “Stranger Things’s” final season, recent days have brought confusing headlines — from alleged on-set bullying to heartfelt denials. Amid all that, series star Millie Bobby Brown offered a candid and warm reflection on her off-camera relationship with co-star David Harbour, making it clear: for her, working with Harbour doesn’t just feel professional — it feels safe.
A Decade of Working Together — and Trust Built Over Time
In a new interview with Deadline, Millie Bobby Brown addressed recent media reports claiming she had filed a bullying and harassment complaint against Harbour before production of season 5. Despite the controversy, she made it clear she never doubted the safety of the set. She said, “Of course I felt safe. I mean, we’ve worked together for 10 years. I feel safe with everyone on that set.”
Brown added that because she and Harbour portray a father and daughter on-screen, their off-screen bond naturally developed deeper than with other castmates. “We also play father and daughter, so naturally you have a closer bond than the rest, because we have had some really intense scenes together, especially in season two.”
Millie Bobby Brown: Intense Scenes, Shared History
For many fans, the emotional weight of several scenes between their characters — particularly from earlier seasons — is part of what made their dynamic so compelling. Millie Bobby Brown acknowledged that off-screen, that intensity translated into a strong sense of responsibility and care.
That bond, built through shared experiences and long hours of filming, seems to underlie Brown’s sense of safety. She described their work as a “labor of love,” praising Harbour’s professionalism and his consistent support as she’s grown up in the spotlight.
David Harbour’s Own Words: Feeling Protective, Feeling Fatherly
It’s not just Millie Bobby Brown who has opened up about their connection. Harbour has previously spoken about feeling a deep, parental-like concern for Brown. In an article on People:
“Millie and I have always had sort of a special relationship because I knew her when she was so young. I knew her before any of this big fame hit,” he said on a podcast in 2021. “I have a real protective feeling for her. I have a real, like, worry…I worry about her and the fame and all that she has to struggle with. And I’ve just always felt this kind of deep fatherly affection for her,” he said.
For years, their off-screen bond seemed to mirror the on-screen father–daughter relationship — giving their performances an added layer of authenticity and care.
Addressing the Rumors — and What This All Really Means
All of Millie Bobby Brown’s recent remarks come in the wake of a confusing swirl of media reports. Earlier this month, a report claimed she had filed a bullying and harassment complaint against Harbour, which sparked speculation about tension and off-set conflict.
Despite those headlines, Brown’s current statements stand in stark contrast. By emphasizing how safe and supported she felt working with him, she reframes their relationship not as one of conflict, but as one grounded in trust, respect, and shared history. And perhaps most importantly: she makes it clear that, for her, Harbour wasn’t just a co-star. He was a protector.
For longtime fans of “Stranger Things”, this is more than behind-the-scenes gossip — it’s a reminder of why their on-screen pairing has resonated for so long: because the trust, care, and emotional connection have always run deeper than just scripted lines.
