The latest episodes of Stranger Things have sparked significant conversation regarding Will Byers’ sexuality. In the second installment of the show’s final season, which premiered on December 25, 2023, Will, portrayed by Noah Schnapp, reveals a long-held secret about his feelings for his best friend, Mike Wheeler, played by Finn Wolfhard.
During a pivotal scene, Will confronts the group about his identity. “I haven’t told any of you this because I don’t want you to see me differently, but the truth is I am different,” he explains. Will goes on to express his desire to fit in with his friends, sharing a list of shared interests before finally stating, “I just — I don’t like girls.” This moment marks a significant development in both Will’s character arc and the show’s exploration of LGBTQ+ themes.
The emotional weight of Will’s confession leads viewers to question whether Mike understands the implications of his friend’s words. A glance at Mike’s reaction leaves that uncertainty hanging in the air. Ross Duffer, one of the show’s creators, confirmed in an interview with People that Mike is indeed aware of Will’s crush. “That was the intent,” Duffer stated. “It’s Mike — and his friends — all realizing and understanding now for the first time, even if Mike has been somewhat oblivious over these years, what his friend is saying.”
Duffer elaborated on Mike’s evolving understanding, emphasizing that this moment is a breakthrough for Will. “It’s about Will understanding who he is and being less fearful and expressing himself to all his friends and family,” he added.
Since its debut in 2016, Stranger Things has seen Will transition from a missing child to a character grappling with deeper personal challenges. Initially introduced as a victim of the Upside Down, Will’s journey has been layered with struggles to reclaim his identity as the supernatural elements return to disrupt his life.
The discussion surrounding Will’s sexuality began to intensify during season 3, particularly following a confrontation with Mike. While speculation over Will’s orientation grew in season 4, Schnapp expressed his appreciation for the ambiguity surrounding his character. In a 2022 interview with Variety, he remarked, “I feel like [creators Ross and Matt Duffer] never really address it or blatantly say how Will is. I think that’s the beauty of it, that it’s just up to the audience’s interpretation.”
Schnapp highlighted the importance of allowing Will to navigate his feelings without the confines of a strict label. “He’s just confused and growing up. And that’s what it is to be a kid,” he argued. This sentiment aligns with the show’s broader narrative, which aims to resonate with young viewers experiencing similar struggles.
His co-star, Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven, also praised the show’s nuanced portrayal of Will’s character. During a joint interview, she remarked, “Can I just say, it’s 2022 and we don’t have to label things. I think what’s really nice about Will’s character is that he’s just a human being going through his own personal demons and issues.” Brown emphasized the significance of representing characters who reflect the complexities of adolescence, stating, “So many kids out there don’t know, and that’s OK. That’s OK to not know. And that’s OK not to label things.”
As the final season unfolds, Stranger Things continues to tackle themes of identity, friendship, and personal growth, resonating with audiences around the world. The show remains available for streaming on Netflix, inviting viewers to engage with its evolving narrative and the rich, relatable experiences of its characters.
