David Harbour quits new film role after being 'overwhelmed' by Stranger Things

David Harbour has stepped away from the film he was set to star in, alongside Pedro Pascal and Olivia Wilde, after becoming 'overwhelmed' by Stranger Things.

The actor had been recruited to act in Behemoth!, a drama film directed by Tony Gilroy, but he's now reportedly walked away from the role in favour of rest, following the monthslong rollout of the final season of the Netflix hit.

Harbour's decision to quit the film is reported to stem from the overwhelming commitment around the release of Stranger Things, which comes with an intense amount of attention and some criticism.

The 50-year-old has also found himself at the centre of much media attention following his co-star Millie Bobby Brown's accusations of harassment — though the pair now appear to have mended their relationship. His high-profile separation with British singer Lily Allen, whose West End Girl album is rumoured to be about the explosive downfall of their relationship, has also put the actor under increasing scrutiny.

According to Cinema Express, Harbour's role in Behemoth! has already been filled, with much speculation Will Arnett will be taking his place.

David Harbour was 'overwhelmed' by Stranger Things (Netflix)

Although details about the plot of the film are still thin on the ground, an official logline for the flick says it will follow 'a musician from a family of musicians who returns to Los Angeles,' serving as 'a love letter to the music of the movies and the people who make it'.

Harbour has previously spoken at length about his mental health, having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 26, following a very intense episode.

Back in 2022, he said he wanted to promote 'an open dialogue about mental illness,' because the centre of such conversations are often 'tragedy'.

"The colours of that dialogue need to be much broader in the sense of everything,” he told Variety at the time. "We pathologise this idea of normal and in truth, everybody has a lot of different experiences we should try to appreciate."

Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour appear to have mended their relationship (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Contributor/ Getty Stock)

Just before Christmas, it was reported that the actor would not be attending a Stranger Things event in New York, due to a recent display of 'erratic behaviour'. He was alleged to have been involved in some sort of ruckus at a Encinitas, California, the weekend before the event.

However, according to a spokesperson at The Paley Center, his absence was actually down to a clash on his calendar.

A spokesperson for the venue told People that Harbour would 'not be present due to a scheduling conflict.'

Regardless of the reason for his absence, with the Stranger Things finale currently the biggest show in the world, most would agree he deserves a well earned rest.