The character Will Byers, portrayed by Noah Schnapp, has explored his identity throughout the run of Stranger Things. This journey has captivated both fans and the show’s cast members.
When Stranger Things premiered in 2016, Will was introduced as the boy who mysteriously vanished in Hawkins, Indiana. He largely remained off-screen until his escape from the Upside Down in the first season finale.
Will struggled to return to normalcy after his traumatic experience, even as his world changed and Upside Down monsters reappeared. Speculation about his sexuality began in Season 3. This followed a confrontation with Mike (Finn Wolfhard), who stated, "It’s not my fault you don’t like girls."
Viewers continued to question if Will’s sexuality would be further explored in Season 4. In Volume 1, Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) hinted at Will’s potential interest in someone while writing a letter to Mike. Will later displayed discomfort when a girl flirted with him. He also selected gay mathematician Alan Turing as his hero for a class exhibition.
Season 4, released in May 2022, further suggested a significant meaning behind Will’s painting for Mike. After resolving a conflict with his best friend, Will offered Mike advice that hinted at his own experiences.
Will told Mike, "Sometimes, I think it’s scary to open up like that, to say how you really feel, especially with the people you care about most. Because, what if they don’t like the truth?"
In January 2023, Schnapp revealed that his role in Stranger Things played a part in his own journey of coming out as gay. He posted on TikTok, "I think I’m more similar to Will than I thought."