When Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 dropped its gripping closing episodes on November 26, fans were left breathless. The finale scenes deepened the Hawkins crisis, leaving Hopper’s fate uncertain and Vecna’s threat escalating. Hopper with Eleven, prepared for the final confrontation with the Upside Down. But he was seen being stuck there along with Kali, sparking intense fan debate and widespread anticipation for Volume 2. 

That same feverish energy carried over off-screen, with a Stranger Things: The Final Season Celebration event slated in New York City to honor the series’ journey. But the event suddenly looks markedly different with two of its most iconic stars now confirmed absent.

With the curtain poised to fall on one of Netflix’s most beloved franchises, why are Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour, two pillars of the series, missing from this milestone celebration?

For Millie Bobby Brown, the road to the Stranger Things finale celebration has taken an unexpected detour. The actress behind Eleven is currently recovering from a fall. The injury that, according to a Paley Center spokesperson, has made it impossible for her to walk the carpet or join the onstage conversations.

At just 21, Brown has already scaled the heights of global fame, but for now, healing takes priority. The same injury has also kept her away from recent promo stops like Good Morning America. Meanwhile, David Harbour’s absence is for all the wrong reasons. 

The man who turned Jim Hopper into one of Hawkins’ most enduring heroes is no longer listed among the event’s attendees. Organizers have pointed to scheduling conflicts as the official reason. Yet his quiet withdrawal follows a wave of headlines about erratic public behavior.  

In early December, video footage emerged from a California gastropub showing Harbour grabbing another patron’s hat and exiting the venue in an unusual exchange, per a report by TMZ that drew attention online. The brief incident, which did not turn physical, was described by eyewitnesses as odd.

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Their no-shows have inevitably reignited discussion about past rumors and controversies surrounding the cast - but how much of that is true?

Last month, in November, reports swirled that Millie Bobby Brown filed a bullying and harassment complaint against David Harbour prior to the start of filming of Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1. However, their joint appearance at the premiere in Los Angeles, posing for photos. This served as a reminder of their decade-long on-screen partnership and hinted that any behind-the-scenes issues were resolved enough to celebrate the show’s momentum together.

The earlier reports of filed complaints of bullying and harassment against Harbour was an allegation that reportedly prompted an internal investigation. Despite these media stories, both actors publicly maintained professional solidarity during promotional events. 

As Stranger Things hurtles toward its climactic conclusion with Volume 2 streaming on December 25 and the series finale on December 31, the absence of Brown and Harbour from this landmark event only adds intrigue.

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Will you miss Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour's absence at the finale event? Share your take below.