I shouldn’t be surprised that a new look into Stranger Things season 5 would mess with my emotions, but I did not expect the footage to have me worried about Jim Hopper’s fate already. Even with a glimpse into Stranger Things season 5’s story, we still don’t have an exact release date for the final season. That said, the concluding chapter must wrap up the show’s biggest storylines, meaning the most prominent characters will (hopefully) get proper time in the spotlight. Going back to the basics with Stranger Things characters might be appealing, but it’s likely not everyone will get a happy ending.

Eight years after the show debuted on Netflix (how has it been that long already…?), the streamer released a behind-the-scenes video teasing Stranger Things season 5. The footage gives a fun look into the filming of season 5, with cast members celebrating the show’s return and reminiscing about the journey. If you’re like me, however, you were probably looking at set and character details, which could provide insight into what’s to come for the group in Hawkins. But if you were keeping an eye out for Hopper, you’d be disappointed and probably worried.

Jim Hopper Is Hardly In Stranger Things Season 5’s BTS Teaser

David Harbour Only Appears In A Quick Shot Of The Netflix Footage

Through Stranger Things‘ four seasons thus far, David Harbour’s Jim Hopper has remained an integral character and a fan favorite. The Hawkins police chief was instantly pulled into the mysteries plaguing the town before becoming an essential figure in the larger conspiracies and threats. Based on Stranger Things season 4’s ending, it makes sense to assume Harbour’s character would continue being a major player. But based on the character’s lacking presence in the BTS video, I’m now worried about Hopper’s fate in Stranger Things season 5.

I admit that the Netflix video doesn’t give too much away about the upcoming season, but it effectively teased new and returning characters relatively directly. Team-ups have always been a highlight of the show, so I quickly took note of the reunion between the original four boys–Mike, Will, Dustin, and Lucas–as well as some larger groups working together. But noticeably missing from all of those group shots was Hopper. Harbour isn’t even shown in the Stranger Things season 5 video until the end of the nearly 2-minute video when the heavily-bearded character throws his hands up through a screen on set.

What To Expect From David Harbour’s Role As Hopper In Stranger Things Season 5

Hopper Should Still Be A Core Character In The Final Season

Before I leap to any conclusions about Hopper’s potential death in Stranger Things, it’s important to remember other behind-the-scenes details. The Netflix video states that about half of the final season has been filmed, so there’s still a long way to go. Harbour had previously confirmed that he would be filming the MCU’s Thunderbolts movie at the same time as Stranger Things. Harbour’s availability could explain why Hopper is missing in teasers for Stranger Things season 5, especially if most of his scenes haven’t been filmed yet.

If Harbour couldn’t be around for some of Stranger Things season 5’s production, I surely hope the show doesn’t keep him isolated from the rest of the characters again, like with season 4’s Russia subplot. Now that Hopper and Joyce are seemingly together, fans deserve a chance to see them working side-by-side with the rest of the Hawkins crew. Though Joyce is shown working on the scene with the kids, Hopper isn’t shown. Whatever he was doing in Stranger Things‘ BTS shot, it didn’t look good. That said, if anyone has to overcome a dangerous situation and return to his family and friends, it’s Hopper.