As the final season ofStranger Thingslooms, actor Noah Schnapp is opening up about a deeply personal journey mirrored by his character, Will Byers.
Schnapp, who portrays Will in the beloved series about battling monsters from the Upside Down, reveals that the upcoming episodes will delve further into Will’s sexuality.
Speaking alongside his co-stars, Schnapp discussed the profound impact the show has had on his own self-discovery, acknowledging the powerful connection between art and life.
Both Will Byers and Noah Schnapp identify as gay, and Schnapp credits the show with helping him embrace his true self.
Fans long suspected Will’s feelings for Mike, a storyline that came to fruition in season four, and Schnapp publicly came out as gay shortly after, sharing his truth on TikTok.
“Seeing how the world receives Will, and embraces him, has taught me through the years to feel OK in who I am,” Schnapp explained, highlighting the show’s universal message of acceptance.
He emphasized thatStranger Thingsresonates not only with the queer community, but with anyone who has ever felt different or struggled with self-acceptance.
Schnapp reflected on how fully embracing Will’s identity accelerated his own journey toward self-acceptance, a sentiment he previously shared withVariety.
The actor’s comments arrive amidst a period of controversy, as he recently addressed criticism regarding his views on current events and a social media post that sparked debate.
In a now-deleted TikTok video, Schnapp stated his thoughts had been misinterpreted and did not reflect his true beliefs.
Despite the surrounding discourse, the focus remains on the culmination of theStranger Thingssaga and the powerful story of Will Byers.
The final season will unfold in stages, with the first four episodes premiering later this month, followed by additional episodes on Christmas Day and a finale on New Year’s Eve.
