David Harbour Reveals He Got Top Billing in ‘Suicide Squad’ Over Will Smith and Jared Leto

Hollywood is filled with surprising tales of how careers intersect with timing, and David Harbour has recently shared one of the most eyebrow-raising examples in recent memory.

The actor, widely recognized as the gruff yet warm-hearted Chief Jim Hopper in ‘Stranger Things’, has been on an extensive press tour, discussing significant moments from his career that spans decades in stage, film, and television. However, it’s his revelation about a minor role in a major superhero blockbuster that has sparked considerable conversation.

In a candid interview with Variety, Harbour opened up about his mental health, the conclusion of ‘Stranger Things’, and the impact of his ex-wife Lily Allen’s album ‘West End Girl’. The discussion also touched on his experience in the DC universe, where he shared a surprising detail about his billing in ‘Suicide Squad’.

Harbour disclosed that he received top billing in ‘Suicide Squad’ above Jared Leto and Will Smith, despite having only three lines throughout the film. He explained, “The reason why was because ‘Stranger Things’ had come out, and I was number two on the StarMeter.” This means that the Netflix hit had made him so prominent in the cultural conversation that his industry ranking surpassed that of one of the biggest movie stars in the world and an acclaimed Oscar-winning actor known for portraying the Joker.

The irony of this situation is striking. Harbour portrayed Dexter Tolliver in ‘Suicide Squad’, a National Security Advisor with minimal screen time. His role amounted to just a few lines, yet he contributed to the film by supporting Amanda Waller’s plan to create the Suicide Squad. Meanwhile, the film was led by Will Smith as Deadshot and Jared Leto as the Joker, two of the most notable casting choices in recent comic book movie history.

Directed by David Ayer, ‘Suicide Squad’ had a budget of $175 million and grossed over $749 million globally, making it one of the commercially successful superhero films of its time, despite mixed critical reviews. The fact that Harbour, with only a handful of scenes, received higher billing than the film’s marquee names illustrates how the streaming era has dramatically reshaped Hollywood’s traditional power dynamics.

The timing of ‘Stranger Things’ debuting in the summer of the same year as ‘Suicide Squad’ had significant implications for Harbour’s career path. ‘Stranger Things’ premiered on Netflix on July 15, 2016, receiving widespread critical and audience acclaim, turning Harbour’s portrayal of Jim Hopper into an instant fan favorite. The show, created by the Duffer Brothers, sent a cultural shockwave through popular entertainment, boosting visibility for everyone involved.

The StarMeter, which tracks a performer’s popularity on IMDb based on page views, reflects real-time audience interest rather than a calculated measure of star power or box office history. Harbour’s rise to number two on that metric while sharing the screen with Will Smith and Jared Leto highlights how deeply ‘Stranger Things’ had penetrated public consciousness shortly after its release. It was a prime example of timing that money cannot buy.

Reflecting on the ‘Suicide Squad’ billing situation now, it serves as an accidental testament to what ‘Stranger Things’ accomplished for its cast. A man with three lines and a minor role in a film filled with Hollywood stars ended up with his name above theirs, purely because an eight-episode Netflix series made him number two on the internet’s most-watched popularity tracker. This is a narrative that could only emerge in the streaming age.

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