David Harbour exits Behemoth! over Stranger Things 'burnout'; fans link it to Lily Allen divorce, Millie Bobby Brown harassment rumours

In a bombshell turn of events, Stranger Things’ beloved gritty sheriff has bowed out of Behemoth!, the much-anticipated Tony Gilroy drama from Searchlight Pictures. Variety confirmed that David Harbour is no longer attached to the project he was set to lead opposite the likes of Pedro Pascal and Olivia Wilde. According to the report, Harbour’s departure wasn’t because of creative clashes; it was burnout. However, some fans have now linked his exit to earlier rumours, including his divorce from Lily Allen and Millie Bobby Brown's harassment claims.





According to industry sources, Harbour’s exit from Behemoth! came not because of scheduling conflicts but due to what insiders described as “total exhaustion”. After spending months filming the final chapters of Stranger Things, battling press tours, reunion hype, spoiler chatter and fan scrutiny, Harbour reportedly felt he’d hit a wall. The production’s intense schedule and the emotional weight of ending a decade-long role left him drained, and in need of a break from back-to-back projects.



Searchlight Pictures confirmed the role has already been recast, though the new actor’s name hasn’t been publicly announced yet.



For fans who’ve been watching the Stranger Things finale rollout, Harbour’s decision comes at a very interesting moment. The show’s final season has been a major media event, and some outlets have connected Harbour’s burnout to the emotional high of wrapping up the beloved sci-fi saga, especially after spending a decade with the cast.



But that’s not all stirring the pot. There have been unconfirmed reports that Brown, who grew from child star to global sensation on the show—filed a harassment and bullying complaint against Harbour before season five began, sparking an internal Netflix investigation that lasted months. Neither Brown nor Harbour publicly confirmed the details, and Netflix stayed silent, but the rumour mill has been buzzing.



If Behemoth! was supposed to be Harbour’s next big move, life had other plans. His highly publicised split from Allen after four years of marriage has been everywhere, especially after she dropped her album West End Girl, an emotional tracklist widely interpreted as referencing betrayal and the couple’s “open” relationship gone wrong. Some songs hint at infidelity and broken boundaries, and fans have been dissecting lyrics for clues about Harbour’s private life.



Add in the alleged behind-the-scenes tension with Brown, reported to involve detailed accusations of bullying and harassment that sparked internal reviews, and Harbour suddenly went from beloved on-screen father figure to tabloid punchline. The exact outcome of the internal investigation hasn’t been made public, but it intensified speculation about his career trajectory and mental state.



Industry chatter suggests Harbour may be reevaluating his pace and priorities as these rumours about his personal life pile up. Some insiders believe the combination of personal upheaval and a high-pressure wrap on Stranger Things drove him to take a breather, while others hint that his public image has taken enough hits that stepping back might be strategic.