Noah Schnapp Stranger Things 5 has introduced a dramatic turn in the show‘s final season, as Will Byers, portrayed by Schnapp, finally harnesses new abilities in a pivotal episode, marking a transformative shift for both the character and the series. This powerful moment not only redefines Will’s role but also brings fresh emotional weight to the ongoing saga in Hawkins, as the cast and creators highlight the evolving storylines and intense character development.
Will Byers’ Dark Journey Through Stranger Things
Throughout the entire run of Stranger Things, Will Byers, played by Noah Schnapp, has endured relentless hardship. His initial disappearance into the Upside Down in Season 1 set the tone, as he fell victim to Vecna, the elusive antagonist whose acts left Will possessed by supernatural forces. The subsequent seasons saw Will struggle further—he was overtaken by the Mind Flayer in Season 2, and later drifted apart from friends Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), and Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) as their friendships changed, before he wrestled with internal conflict over his feelings for Mike in Season 4.
Will Gains Powers in the Final Season
The narrative reaches a critical point in Season 5, when Will’s life takes a dramatic turn. In the fourth episode, “Sorcerer,” his latent connection to the Upside Down intensifies. No longer is he a passive conduit for the hive mind—Will’s perspective allows him to directly affect its entities. During a moment of crisis, when three Demogorgons threaten Mike, Lucas, and Robin (Maya Hawke), Will’s body becomes rigid, his eyes turn white, and he displays a previously unseen psychic strength to immobilize and ultimately kill the monsters. The closing shot of the episode leaves Will drained, emulating Eleven’s signature bleeding nose after using her powers, and signaling a seismic change for both him and the show’s mythology.
Early Clues and Evolving Theories
This stunning development doesn’t appear out of nowhere. Earlier in the same episode, Joyce (Winona Ryder), Will’s mother, confronts a Demogorgon, and through Will’s eyes, we see the creature hesitate. Mike later suggests a theory involving Will’s growing bond with the Upside Down, stating:
“Maybe when you tap into the hive, you can pull the strings, too,”
Mike, friend of Will Byers.
“I’m just saying you’re a wizard.”
Mike, friend of Will Byers.
Will, humbled, pushes back on the idea, but this exchange paves the way for Mike to expand:
“In real life, you’re more like a sorcerer, because your powers don’t come from a book of spells. They’re innate.”
Mike, friend of Will Byers.
Robin’s Emotional Support and Reflections
Robin, played by Maya Hawke, closely observes Will and Mike’s conversation, understanding the deeper emotional resonance. Robin had previously discussed her own struggles in accepting her identity, offering Will this pivotal lesson:
“I got it up on the projector, and all of a sudden, I was looking at this little version of myself,”
Robin, friend and confidant.
“And that’s when it hit me. It was never about tone-deaf Tammy. It was always just about me. I was looking for answers in somebody else, but I had all the answers. I just needed to stop being so goddamn scared. Scared of who I really was. Once I did that, oh, I felt so free. It’s like I could fly, you know?”
Robin, friend and confidant.
This heartfelt revelation outlines a broader message about self-acceptance, which becomes a thematic undercurrent throughout Will’s journey this season.
How Will’s Transformation Unfolds
When Will finally unleashes his power to save his friends, the moment is deeply personal. Visions of his youth—moments building Castle Byers with his brother Jonathan and running as a child dressed as a sorcerer—are interspersed, echoing Robin’s advice and underscoring how embracing his true self enables strength.
Noah Schnapp’s Personal Growth Mirrors His Character
Noah Schnapp has spoken openly about his connection to Will’s evolving identity. In a 2022 interview, Schnapp confirmed Will’s feelings for Mike, and months later, Schnapp publicly came out as gay, crediting his character’s journey with helping him take this personal step. This season, Schnapp channeled his own experiences to authentically portray Will’s self-acceptance and empowerment, which he hopes resonates with viewers of all backgrounds.
Behind the Scenes: Filming the Epic Sequence
Schnapp revealed the logistics behind shooting Will’s climactic showdown, noting the challenge of performing a complex action sequence almost entirely at night:
“Sit tight, be excited, like, there’s some good stuff coming.”
Shawn Levy, Producer.
“OK, I have to make sure I know my parts a little bit so I don’t sound like an idiot.”
Noah Schnapp, actor.
“Brooke! Oh, my God, I have powers!”
Noah Schnapp, actor and Will Byers.
Describing the shoot, Schnapp explained how the team relied on his interpretation to craft Will’s physical language and powers, since the character’s supernatural abilities are unique within the show. Collaborating closely with the Duffer brothers, Schnapp explored new physicality for Will, even consulting them on how to distinguish his abilities from Eleven’s.
“I don’t like this. I don’t like that.”
Noah Schnapp, actor and Will Byers.
“OK, don’t touch it. It’s perfect.”
Ross Duffer, Co-creator.
The Physical Demands of Will’s Powers
The intense scenes required Schnapp to rehearse extensively while enduring physical discomfort:
“My neck was strained so much because you’re just sitting like this [raises head up and back] for three days.”
Noah Schnapp, actor and Will Byers.
The choreography involved harnesses and intricate movement to achieve the dramatic telekinetic effects, with Jamie Campbell Bower (Vecna) providing menacing realism during their on-screen encounters.
Channeling Animal Instincts and Character Evolution
Schnapp worked with animal movement coaches to add depth to Will’s supernatural performance:
“When I was getting into the powers thing, I would like grunt and channel a silverback gorilla, so it felt like completely not this little innocent Will that we know.”
Noah Schnapp, actor and Will Byers.
He emphasized that controlling and shifting Will’s behaviors was essential, especially as Will learns to master his newfound skills. The evolving powers reflect Will’s ongoing process of self-discovery.
Will’s Identity and Impact on Representation
Schnapp reflected on the meaning behind portraying a multidimensional gay character:
“I think this is one of the best gay characters we’ve ever received in media. It makes me so excited for all the queer people out there to have a character like this to look up to. I would have loved to have someone like this, because he is not just this one tone, defined by his gayness—which I found so many times in the media, and I was like, that’s not me. You’re not just gay and that’s your whole life. That’s a piece of Will—of course, a huge piece of him. But it’s not everything. Accepting his identity allowed him to unleash this strength within him. That’s a trope that that goes way beyond queerness, and I think can resonate with so many people. Matt Duffer, he was like, ‘It resonates with me, and I’m not gay.’ Just learning to accept yourself, that resonates with anyone.”
Noah Schnapp, actor and Will Byers, and Matt Duffer, Co-creator.
Schnapp shared how watching the episode with his sister was deeply emotional, as Robin’s heartfelt monologue about self-acceptance resonated in a way that paralleled Schnapp’s real-life experiences. This season marks a significant step forward in authentic representation for LGBTQ+ viewers.
Relationships on Set and Collaborative Process
Schnapp developed meaningful connections with fellow cast members, citing one as an inspiration:
“Oh, the best! I adore that woman. I had such a friend-crush on her through the years. She definitely was a role model for me in real life. She has two iconic parents who who have related lots of knowledge onto her. I was like a sponge around her, taking all the knowledge, and I loved it.”
Noah Schnapp, actor and Will Byers.
He also actively participated in scenes with the younger actors portraying Will in flashbacks, guiding them in capturing the intricacies of fear and vulnerability that define the character’s past struggles. The show’s creative team involved Schnapp in the technical aspects of the role, ensuring Will’s emotional arc remained central.
“OK, now show fear of the Demogorgon. And you’re looking back.”
Duffer Brothers, Co-creators.
Vulnerability and Public Curiosity Surrounding Filming
Schnapp discussed the heightened vulnerability required for Will’s transformation, including managing the challenges of shooting outdoors and avoiding on-set leaks:
“Oh shit. There’s people videoing this, and I might spoil something.”
Noah Schnapp, actor and Will Byers.
Despite these pressures, Schnapp remained committed to exploring Will’s traumatic background—dealing with hardships such as abuse and isolation, compounded by challenges from Vecna and social exclusion at school. These traumas inform Will’s growth and the final declaration of his powers.
Reactions from Friends and Anticipation for the Finale
Schnapp recounted viewing the episode with his closest friends and family, describing their intense responses:
“The Duffers did it again! They never miss.”
Friends and viewers.
While initially self-critical, Schnapp ultimately found himself immersed as a fan, appreciating the storytelling and the impact that Will’s journey would likely have as the series approached its conclusion.
Cast and Creative Team Face New Challenges
Schnapp was eager to meet the younger versions of his character and co-stars chosen for flashback scenes, showing deep involvement in the casting process:
“Guys, have you cast the young Will yet? Have you cast the young Will yet? Have you cast the young Mike? I need to see! I need to see!”
Noah Schnapp, actor and Will Byers.
“It’s so difficult. We cannot find anyone that looks like you guys.”
Duffer Brothers, Co-creators.
He noted the difficulty for the production in finding lookalike actors, but expressed satisfaction with the performances once the cast was assembled.
Empowerment, Self-Belief, and Will’s Final Arc
Schnapp credited the strength he found within himself over the years for making Will’s final transformation so convincing:
“If I filmed it few years ago, yeah, I wouldn’t have had anywhere close to the amount of inner belief that I could harness. No, it wouldn’t have been as strong. I have found through the years a lot more confidence and strength in myself. I think that’s what makes that scene so beautiful. He’s so low, not just from that scene, but through the past five seasons. He is the most stepped-on kid out of the whole show. He’s been through so much, and he always comes out of it pushing through and not letting any of it jade him. And to make it now all the way to this final moment, and not just be pushing through it, but rising above it and stronger than we’ve ever seen him before is so empowering and so inspiring. It’s just such a powerful message that I’m so proud to have brought to life.”
Noah Schnapp, actor and Will Byers.
The Future for Stranger Things and Will Byers
As Stranger Things enters its concluding chapters, Noah Schnapp Stranger Things 5 draws attention to the broader themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and growth. Will’s transformation from a beleaguered victim to an empowered protagonist is set to shape not only the remaining story but also conversations around meaningful LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media. The cast, including Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Maya Hawke, Jamie Campbell Bower, Winona Ryder, and creators Matt and Ross Duffer, look ahead to an emotional and ground-breaking finale, promising fans of the Netflix phenomenon an ending worthy of its characters’ journeys.
