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Stranger Things actor Matthew Modine defends Dr. Brenner, stating that Eleven has proven herself to be dangerous
Matthew Modine defends his Stranger Things character Brenner, saying that his concerns about Eleven are justified

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If you watch Stranger Things, it’s hard to feel any sympathy for Dr. Brenner. The Hawkins Lab scientist tortured and experimented on many innocent children, including Eleven. It’s hard to find any defense for his actions, but Brenner actor Matthew Modine gave it a try.
“The funny thing about it is, people always think that Brenner is a bad guy, but if you think about all the people that Eleven has killed. I’m just saying,” Modine jokes during a panel at Tampa Bay Comic Convention.
By the end of Stranger Things season four, Eleven had killed at least 21 people. However, all these deaths were scientists or soldiers who were seeking to harm her or her friends, so I’m not ready to apologize to Brenner yet.
Modine’s co-star David Harbour wasn’t buying it either. “You’ve been on this tip for eight years. Wow, what a good guy. The redemption for Brenner,” Harbour sarcastically responded.
Sorry Modine, but it doesn’t look like anyone is willing to rethink their anti-Brenner position yet. The character was killed by the military in Stranger Things season four, so unless the show has a surprise resurrection in store, the character won’t be redeeming himself anytime soon.
Stranger Things season five premieres on November 26 on Netflix.
As we all collectively wait for Stranger Things season 5, here's the keys to getting ready:
- How to watch Stranger Things in chronological or release order
- Getting to know the Stranger Things season 5 cast
- There needs to be more death in Stranger Things, says co-star Gaten Matarazzo
- The Stranger Things time jump between season 4 and 5 has been confirmed by Netflix - and it raises some serious questions
- "They land the plane," David Harbour describes the Stranger Things finale, which he calls its "best episode"
About Tampa Bay Comic Con 2025
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