'Stranger Things' 4 teaser reveals Jim Hopper is alive

Netflix has confirmed that David Harbour’s Hopper is alive and will return for the fourth series of Stranger Things.

Jim Hopper was presumed dead when the third series of the hit sci-fi horror drama wrapped last year, although fans had guessed that it might not be true.

A clip of what’s coming up has now confirmed that the chief of police is alive in series four, which has gone into production.

Read more: Stranger Things renewed for series four

However, all isn’t well in Hopper’s world as he is being held as a prisoner in Russia.

The teaser trailer, entitled From Russia With Love, shows a group of men working on a railway track in a blizzard. One of them pulls off his woolly hat and reveals himself to be Hopper.

Stranger Things creators the Duffer Brothers said in a statement: "We're excited to officially confirm that production on Stranger Things four is now under way - and even more excited to announce the return of Hopper!

"Although it's not all good news for our American; he is imprisoned far from home in the snowy wasteland of Kamchatka, where he will face dangers both human... and other.

"Meanwhile, back in the States, a new horror is beginning to surface - something long buried, something that connects everything...”

Read more: David Barbour says he and Millie Bobby Brown argue like father and daughter

The pair said the next series was “shaping up to be the biggest and most frightening season yet”, adding: “We cannot wait for everyone to see more.”

“In the meantime – pray for the American,” they said.

“From Russia with love, The Duffer Brothers."

The 80s-set series starring Winona Ryder and Millie Bobby Brown follows the attempts made by a group of teens and adults as they try to battle an evil monster who comes from the underworld known as the Upside Down.

It debuted in 2016 and became a huge hit. A second series followed in 2017 and the show’s third run aired last year.

The premiere date of season four has yet to be announced.