Jim Hopper might be imprisoned in Kamchatka, Russia when Stranger Things season 4 launches but there's a theory regarding who could rescue him. The return of David Harbour in his role as Hopper was revealed in a special teaser video confirming that the character was indeed the "American." Based on details given in season 3, it makes sense that Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) be the one to travel to Russia to save Hopper, but with the help of Murray Bauman (Brett Gelman).

In the final episode of season 3, Hopper, Joyce, and Murray traveled to the underground facility beneath Starcourt Mall to turn off the machine that the Russians were using to open the Gate. Hopper ended up sacrificing himself so that Joyce could successfully turn off the machine which disintegrated everything in its vicinity. Hopper presumably died in the event but most viewers believed that the character escaped before the machine stopped running.

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The theories stemmed from the Stranger Things season 3 credits scene that revealed the Russians were holding an American captive in their Kamchatka base. For months, fans debated Hopper's fate until Netflix confirmed his survival in a short trailer. Though Hopper is alive, he's stuck in prisoner camp, forced to work in a chain gang. Before filming for season 4 shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, the crew shot scenes in Vilnius, Lithuania to act as the Russian setting. Rumors also suggest that Ryder and Gelman may have been involved in the Lithuania shoot. If that's the case, it adds even more evidence to the notion that Joyce and Murray go a mission to find Hopper, which was teased by a special Stranger Things Easter egg.

Stranger Things Season 3 Hinted That Joyce & Murray Thought Hopper Was Alive

Stranger Things

During Stranger Things season 3, Joyce directly mentioned Murray's home phone number. If viewers called that number, they found an open phone line that featured a message by Gelman's character to Joyce. It stated that he needed something important to share with her and for her to immediately get back to him. The message seemed to insinuate that Joyce urged Murray to investigate something, possibly Hopper's fate. With the confirmation that Hopper is alive, the notion that Joyce and Murray believed their friend was alive seems more likely.

If Joyce and Murray did find evidence that the Russians captured Hopper, it would make sense that they lead their own rescue mission. The trio had been through a lot together and they understand that the Russians are a huge threat. Saving Hopper would be a top priority, especially for Joyce, who just came to terms with her romantic feelings for her longtime friend. With a new horror emerging at home, Hopper will probably return just in time to assist while also providing insight into the Russians' involvement in the entire mess. Maybe this time, Dr. Owens and his team will be more directly involved when it comes to the Upside Down and the fight against the Russians. Fans might need to wait a little longer for details since a release date for Stranger Things season 4 is currently unknown.

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