David Harbour has withdrawn from an upcoming major film project, choosing to take a period of rest after concluding the monumental final season of Netflix's Stranger Things.
Departure from 'Behemoth!' Confirmed
A spokesperson for Searchlight Pictures confirmed to industry publication Variety on January 7, 2026, that Harbour is no longer attached to Behemoth!, a forthcoming drama from acclaimed writer-director Tony Gilroy. The actor had been slated to star alongside Pedro Pascal and Olivia Wilde.
Insiders close to the production have revealed that the role has already been recast, although the identity of Harbour's replacement remains under wraps. The film, still in development, is described as centering on a musician from a family of musicians who returns to Los Angeles.
The Toll of a Blockbuster Finale
According to multiple sources, Harbour's decision to step back is directly linked to the demanding conclusion of Stranger Things. The rollout for the show's fifth and final season was described as both extensive and intense, marking the end of a decade-long journey for the cast and crew.
This period was further complicated by off-screen turbulence for Harbour. During the lead-up to the final season's premiere, rumours swirled that his then-21-year-old co-star, Millie Bobby Brown, had accused him of 'bullying and harassment' on set. A report in Variety stated an investigation was conducted into the complaint, which was reportedly filed before filming of the last season began, and was later resolved.
When questioned on the red carpet at the season five premiere, co-creator Ross Duffer told The Hollywood Reporter: "Obviously, you understand I can't get into personal on-set matters, but I will say we've been doing this for 10 years with this cast, and at this point they're family and we deeply care about them. So, you know, nothing matters more than just having a set where everyone feels safe and happy."
Personal Controversies and Public Scrutiny
The professional challenges were compounded by deeply personal revelations. Harbour's ex-wife, singer Lily Allen, whom he married in 2020, made a series of explosive claims about their relationship on her hit album West End Girl.
In songs such as 'Madeline' and 'Tennis', Allen accused Harbour of cheating, gaslighting, and lying, and contemplated whether he was a 'sex addict'. She detailed discovering his 'Pussy Palace' New York apartment and alleged he crossed boundaries in an open relationship arrangement with a woman referenced as Madeline, a pseudonym for a real costume designer.
While Allen noted the album blends fact and fiction, Harbour has remained tight-lipped in response to these claims. The combined weight of these controversies has subjected the actor to significant public scrutiny, leading many to speculate that his withdrawal from Behemoth! is a strategic move to step out of the spotlight until the storm passes.
Metro has contacted representatives for David Harbour for comment.
