Stranger Things actor David Harbour has decided to withdraw from his upcoming movie project, Behemoth!, which was already in its production phase. The film was set to feature Pedro Pascal and Olivia Wilde alongside Harbour, but he has now exited the project.
Although the specific reason for Harbour’s departure remains undisclosed, the production has been ongoing since October 2025. While the storyline of the movie has been kept mostly confidential, it is believed to revolve around a cellist.
The character that Harbour was slated to portray in the film was not publicly known, but reports indicate that the role has been filled. Will Arnett is said to be the replacement for Harbour, joining the cast that includes Pascal, Wilde, Eva Victor, and Matthew Lillard for the Searchlight Pictures production.
Sources connected to Deadline have mentioned that the re-casting process is not expected to necessitate extensive reshoots, as Harbour had reportedly filmed only a minimal number of scenes due to his commitments to the press tour for the fifth season of Stranger Things.
The final episode of Stranger Things was released on January 1, almost a decade after the series began. Harbour played the role of police chief Jim Hopper, who found himself entangled in supernatural events in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, while investigating the disappearance of a character named Will Byers, played by Noah Schnapp.
The fifth season of the acclaimed series was divided into three parts, starting in late 2025 and concluding in January. Leading up to the release of the first part, Harbour engaged in a global press tour, which included various events like Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things Day’ celebration on November 6 and multiple premieres.
During this period, Harbour also faced a public relations challenge following the release of his ex-wife Lily Allen’s revealing album, West End Girl. The album hinted at issues in their relationship, suggesting that Harbour had pushed for an open marriage after Allen’s career success and had allegedly engaged in a long-term affair.
While Allen mentioned that parts of the album were fictional, she implied that some events were based on reality. Harbour has not responded to the album’s content or the allegations of infidelity.
Harbour and Allen were married for four years. In a prior interview with Esquire Spain, Harbour reflected on the complexities of life, emphasizing the interconnectedness of experiences and the need to accept one’s journey as a whole.
The actor chose not to attend the London premiere of Stranger Things, where his former spouse hails from, on November 13.
Representatives for Harbour were approached for a statement regarding his departure from Behemoth!.