The Stranger Things 'What If': Joe Keery Almost Played Jonathan Byers!

Can you even imagine Stranger Things without Joe Keery as the lovable, bat-wielding babysitter, Steve Harrington? It feels almost unthinkable, doesn't it? Steve's journey from a quintessential high school jock to a fan-favorite protective figure is one of the show's most beloved character arcs, and Keery’s portrayal is absolutely central to that magic. Yet, believe it or not, the entire course of Stranger Things – and Keery's career – nearly took a dramatically different turn.

Funnily enough, before he became the iconic Steve Harrington, Joe Keery had his sights set on a completely different role in Hawkins, Indiana: Jonathan Byers. Yes, the brooding, artistic, and fiercely loyal older brother of Will Byers. It’s quite a head-scratcher, isn’t it? To think of Keery, with his naturally charming demeanor and distinctive hair, embodying Jonathan's quieter, more introspective persona. But that's exactly where he started his audition journey for the Duffer Brothers' sci-fi phenomenon.

Apparently, the casting process for a show as monumental as Stranger Things involves countless permutations and possibilities. Actors read for various parts, and sometimes, the perfect fit isn't immediately obvious to anyone, even the actor themselves. Keery initially auditioned and read for Jonathan, even going through some screen tests alongside Natalia Dyer, who, of course, brilliantly portrays Nancy Wheeler. Picture that scene in your mind: Joe Keery, not as Nancy's on-again-off-again boyfriend, but as her future romantic interest Jonathan.

However, as these things often go in the fickle world of Hollywood, fate had other plans. Or perhaps, more accurately, the Duffer Brothers and their keen-eyed casting director, Carmen Cuba, saw something else. They recognized a certain spark, an underlying vulnerability, and a potential for growth in Keery that they believed was a perfect match for Steve Harrington. And boy, were they right!

The switch from Jonathan to Steve wasn't just a minor casting change; it was a pivotal moment for the show's dynamic. Steve Harrington began as a rather typical antagonist – the popular, slightly arrogant boyfriend. But thanks to Keery's nuanced performance and the writers' evolving vision, Steve transformed. He shed his superficial layers, became a fierce protector, a loyal friend, and ultimately, the best damn babysitter in Hawkins. This evolution resonated deeply with audiences, cementing Steve's place as a cornerstone of the Stranger Things universe.

It's truly fascinating to look back and consider how one subtle shift in the casting room can ripple out and completely reshape a beloved series. Joe Keery was destined to be a part of Stranger Things, but his landing in the role of Steve Harrington feels less like a coincidence and more like a stroke of genius. It was the right actor, in the right role, at the right time, allowing for a character arc that has delighted millions. Sometimes, the path you don't expect leads you exactly where you're meant to be, making for truly unforgettable television.