Noah Schnapp on the ‘hopeful’ ‘Stranger Things’ finale and Will’s fate

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This article contains spoilers from the series finale of “Stranger Things.”

Right now, “Stranger Things” fans online are excitedly sharing their thoughts on how the show wrapped up the long-running story of the characters they love from Hawkins. But for Noah Schnapp, the ending wasn’t about how the story turned out. When filming finished last December, it was a sad moment, at least at first.

For Noah Schnapp, playing Will Byers on the Netflix series Stranger Things has been a huge part of his life, starting when he was just 11 years old. The show centers around Will, a young boy who disappears while riding his bike home and gets trapped in a mysterious alternate reality called the Upside Down. This event connects him to frightening creatures and causes years of trouble for him and his friends. As Schnapp acted out Will’s story, he found parallels in his own life – both were boys navigating a challenging period of growing up, Schnapp in the world of fame, and Will in the terrifying Upside Down, while each discovered who they truly were.

He said he’d never forget the final day and the strange, unreal feeling it gave him. Saying goodbye was incredibly difficult, and he felt like a chapter of his life was closing – like he was losing a core part of who he was and everything he’d ever known.

For Will Byers, the end of “Stranger Things,” created by the Duffer brothers, was ultimately hopeful. The two-hour series finale, released in late 2025 both on streaming and in theaters, found him free of secrets that could be used against him, allowing him to better fight to destroy the Upside Down and its monsters.

I had the chance to chat with Noah Schnapp twice after finishing the latest season – once over video call and then again by phone right after I’d seen the final episode. We talked about what it’s like becoming famous so young, how his own journey of figuring out his identity mirrored his character’s, and what life feels like now that ‘Stranger Things’ is wrapping up. It was a really insightful conversation!

How does it feel to have it finally be out there?

Oh, man, it’s such a relief, honestly. No more worrying. It’s a happy, happy relief.

So, what have you been up to for the last couple of hours? I heard you already watched the finale with the actors. Did you also watch it when it was released to the public?

Definitely not. I’m focusing on celebrating the New Year and trying to avoid getting caught up in what others are saying, so I can relax and stay positive.

So you’re not going to look at fan reaction tonight?

Most likely not. I’m already getting texts from friends saying they loved it, or that it made them cry. But I haven’t looked at anything online yet.

We finally see what the future holds for Will – a life where he truly belongs, finds lasting happiness, feels accepted, and possibly even finds love. What were your thoughts on how Will’s story ended?

I absolutely loved it. Seeing a hopeful future for a character I connect with, especially regarding his sexual identity, was really powerful. It was great to see him find happiness and realize his fulfillment didn’t depend on someone else – it was about self-love and finding the right person. He truly deserved that happy ending, and I was so glad he got it.

Do you think he’ll remains good friends with Mike, Dustin, Caleb, Max — everyone?

Absolutely. They’re inextricably linked. You always see their books together on the shelf, particularly Mike’s. And that conversation they have? I can finally reveal it was actually written after the initial script – I asked the Duffer brothers to add it in.

Oh, tell me about that. Why did you think it was important for them to have that conversation?

The scene on the tower, though brief, felt important. The show focused so much on Will’s feelings when he came out that it didn’t allow for a proper conversation with Mike. That moment on the tower was added to show their strong friendship and reassure viewers that they’ll always be close. Their relationship has developed over many seasons, and fans have invested a lot in hoping for a resolution. It felt realistic because many people experience falling for a straight friend who still values the friendship. It’s a situation I’ve personally experienced, and I appreciated that the show ended on a positive note for both of them.

When a TV series ends, it often doesn’t show us how the characters cope with everything that’s happened. We’re left to imagine how they’ll deal with the aftermath and any trauma they’ve experienced. Do you ever consider that aspect of a show’s ending?

The story aims to give viewers hope that, despite years of hardship, these characters will ultimately find acceptance and peace. It’s fitting that we end with them together, as the show began with them as a group in Mike’s basement. This brings us back to the central idea of the series: the importance of believing in the wonder of childhood and friendship, and keeping that spirit alive. When they all express their belief in Eleven, it’s a symbolic way of saying they believe that magic will endure, and they’ll carry that belief with them throughout their lives.

Let’s discuss Eleven further. Before we hear Mike’s theory, can you all share your memories of filming the scene where Eleven chooses to stay? It was a very emotional moment for everyone involved.

I’m very close to Millie, like she’s my sister, so when I was acting, I really tried to connect with how I’d feel if my own sister was in danger. It wasn’t hard to tap into those emotions because I truly see her as family. I really believe Eleven is still alive, and I’m optimistic about that. It’s interesting to me that so many viewers were expecting a lot of characters to die – a huge, tragic event.

Did you think that it would go that way, at any point?

Our show hasn’t focused on constantly killing off major characters. This season, we really wanted to connect back to the beginning and bring the story around full circle. Eleven’s farewell scene with Mike felt like a fitting conclusion – it wasn’t overly dramatic, and while it left viewers wondering what happens next, it was ultimately hopeful and satisfying. I know people will have different reactions, both positive and negative, and that’s perfectly fine, but I really appreciated how the creators brought the story to a close.

Earlier in the episode, Will has a conversation with Henry where he mentally relives Henry’s experience in the cave and tries to connect with his human side. What did that scene reveal to you about the emotional journeys of these two characters and how they’re dealing with their past traumas?

As a viewer, I found it really rewarding to see how similar these two characters were, despite being on opposite sides of the story. They share the same core emotions and sensitivities; the main difference is that the villain succumbs to his darker impulses, while Will struggles against them. It was fascinating as an actor to portray those parallels, and on set, we intentionally mirrored each other’s physical movements. Watching Jamie Campbell Bower perform a scene and then being able to perfectly match his actions was a lot of fun.

This episode featured some fantastic music choices, including Prince’s “When Doves Cry” and “Purple Rain,” as well as David Bowie’s “Heroes.” I wonder if these songs were played on set during filming?

During the final takes, the crew kept playing David Bowie’s “Heroes” and Prince’s “Purple Rain” – they even blasted it on the speakers in the truck to create a mood. Filming this episode was a lot of fun, but incredibly challenging because we didn’t receive the script for Episode 8 until very late in the process. It was kept under tight wraps, and we only got pieces of it at a time. We didn’t have a chance to review the full episode beforehand, so I only saw it recently. Watching it felt like experiencing a completely new episode, and when the credits rolled, it was a powerful moment.

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In Episode 7, Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) shares a personal truth with those closest to him. He receives support and acceptance from his brother, as well as his friends Eleven, Jonathan, and Mike.

Episode 7 featured a significant development for Will, and many viewers had suspected his storyline involved his sexuality. What was it like for the actor portraying Will to explore that part of the character?

I’d been anticipating this scene for years, wondering how it would unfold both on the page and in my performance. I’d imagined it so many times, and I actually cried the first time I read it. When it finally came time to perform, I was incredibly nervous. I’d always pictured a private moment with just one other actor, but the entire cast was involved. It also happened around the time I was coming to terms with my own identity, and I hadn’t yet shared that with my colleagues. That added an extra layer of pressure – feeling like I was sharing something deeply personal alongside the performance, and worrying about how they’d react. It was a lot to balance – wanting to deliver a good performance, while also navigating those personal feelings.

We were filming a scene around 3 a.m., and I was exhausted and anxious about getting it right. But it ended up being incredibly freeing and emotional. It really brought the cast closer together. No matter what the critics say or how popular the show becomes, I believe it will deeply resonate with a lot of kids. If I’d seen something like that when I was twelve, watching with my family and seeing the characters offer so much love and support, I honestly think it might have helped me come to terms with who I am. I really think this show will have a positive impact on many young people like me.

Television

The creators of the popular Netflix series, brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, have talked about the final part of Season 5 and a character who will finally be able to show who they really are.

As you’ve grown older, how has your sense of self evolved? In what ways did Will support you, and how did you, in turn, support him?

Growing up, I used to feel a lot of pressure during interviews. People would ask if I felt a personal connection to the character, if anything about him felt close to home. I always avoided the question, insisting that he wasn’t gay, just someone who was maturing slowly and dealing with trauma. I was protective of him, almost wanting to prove he wasn’t gay, and I think that was because of my own personal journey. Over time, I noticed how much people focused on his sexuality and how positively they responded to it. That really shifted my perspective – I realized people were more accepting than I’d previously believed, and it helped me with my own self-discovery. Being open about my own identity before filming that scene completely changed my approach. It allowed me to be truly vulnerable and fully experience the emotions, which was my goal – to make it feel real. If I had still been hiding things, I wouldn’t have been able to portray it authentically.

You mentioned knowing Will’s sexual orientation for a long time. Was this from the beginning of the show, or did you find out later and talk about it then?

We never had a direct conversation about the character’s sexuality. It was more subtly suggested from the start. I was aware of it, but hesitated to fully acknowledge it due to my own personal feelings. By seasons three and four, it became pretty clear, so it didn’t really need to be stated. Going into season five, there was a mutual understanding that it was going to be addressed. It had been building towards this moment of acceptance, and this season was the plan. When the first six episodes didn’t include it after the read-through, I started asking the writers about it constantly – if it would be in episode seven, or eight, and how they were going to handle it. I really wanted to see it. They asked me to trust them, but I could tell they were nervous. They were worried about how others would react to something that could easily come across as cheesy or fake.

Because most people don’t have a big coming out moment like that.

It was important to me to portray Will’s coming out authentically for the time period of the show, which is the 1980s. I didn’t want it to feel like my experience coming out today on social media. It needed to be distinct, reflecting the very different social environment of that era, even though it was also connected to my personal journey.

Your character is entering the story as the perceived villain or antagonist – the one everyone sees as the ‘monster’.

Absolutely! The character is really well-developed as a queer individual. The writing is excellent, drawing a connection between the monster and Vecna to represent his internal conflicts; he needs to embrace his struggles to gain power.

In what ways does your experience of coming out as a young adult, especially with public attention, relate to the anxieties Will faces dealing with monsters in the story?

It felt strange. The demands of my work and career made me question why I had to discuss my personal life – specifically, my sexuality and relationships – with my agents and publicists. They explained that it could impact the roles I was offered and how the public saw me, so it was a conversation we needed to have, whether I chose to share that information publicly or keep it private.

When portraying Will in the 1980s, I focused on the context of the AIDS epidemic and the Reagan administration’s silence about it. At that time, there was a lot of fear and misinformation, and many people believed being gay meant having a contagious disease. It was a very different world, so I did a lot of research to understand that. I also drew on my own experiences coming out, rereading old texts and listening to music that helped me find the courage to tell my mom. While I brought personal elements to the scene, I was mindful that Will’s situation wasn’t exactly the same as mine.

Is it too personal to ask you to share the name of one of the songs?

Okay, this is a little embarrassing to admit, but I used to listen to Sarah Bareilles’ “Brave” every time I needed a boost of courage. That line – “Say what you want to say, and let the words fall out…” – seriously gave me the confidence to just go for it. Honestly, before coming out to anyone, I’d put that song on repeat and tell myself, “Alright, I can do this now.” It was my little ritual!

I’m eager to revisit the scene from earlier this season that really captivated fans – when Will first discovered his abilities. It was incredible! Have you seen the TikTok videos of people capturing their reactions to that moment?

I’m definitely aware of the TikTok buzz, even though I’m not constantly on there myself – my friends keep me updated with all the edits and comments. They were sending me videos of people saying Will Byers was attractive, which was pretty surprising! I expected a big reaction to the reveal, it was a huge moment, but I didn’t anticipate that particular reaction. It’s funny, but also really cool. It felt like my own ‘Spider-Man’ moment – a chance to really make an impact. The best part is that there are no limits, and the Duffer brothers really gave me a lot of freedom to explore that this season.

It was a demanding sequence — you popped your blood vessels.

Looking back, I realize I was often overacting in those small scenes. You never know what the editors will focus on – what will become a key moment and what will be cut down to almost nothing. A lot of my work involved intense physical exertion, like screaming for hours, and it really took a toll on my body. I even had trouble moving my neck after some particularly demanding days because of all the strain.

Television

Jamie Campbell Bower, known for playing Vecna in ‘Stranger Things,’ explains how he brought the show’s frightening villain to life. He discusses everything from building the character to the special effects used on screen.

The show focuses on characters growing up. Can you tell me about your childhood and life in Scarsdale, New York, before you became known for “Stranger Things”?

Growing up, I had a pretty typical childhood, but I never really clicked with sports. All my friends were into it, and I tried to fit in, but honestly, I was terrible and just didn’t enjoy it. My dad had this idea I’d be a sports guy, but my mom thankfully noticed I was more interested in things like picking flowers while everyone else played baseball! She steered me towards the arts, and it was the best thing ever. I started taking classes in acting, singing, and dancing, and I absolutely loved it. My teacher saw how much I enjoyed it and encouraged me to audition for an agent. Before I knew it, I was doing real auditions, and by fifth or sixth grade, I landed my first film roles. I really value having had that normal upbringing, and not being pushed to grow up too fast. That’s actually a big reason why I’m still in college – I want to enjoy these years and not rush into adulthood.

You mentioned your experience, but your first major film role was actually playing Tom Hanks’ son in Steven Spielberg’s “Bridge of Spies.” What do you remember most about that experience?

Looking back, it’s amazing to think my first professional experience was working with Hollywood icons. I especially remember Tom Hanks never rigidly following the script – he always adapted his lines to best suit the moment and his character. They were all incredibly genuine and kind people, and it was an unbelievable place to begin my career.

Would you say you were ambitious as a child? How did you view the acting thing?

I recently watched an old video of myself, when I was around 9 or 10 years old. In it, I was at a pond with my mom, excitedly talking about how I wanted to be a famous actor and pursue my dreams. Seeing that reminded me that I actually did have a strong, long-term passion for acting when I was younger.

Noah Schnapp remembers telling his mom while at a pond that he wanted to be a famous actor and pursue that dream. Looking back, he says it reminded him that he’d always been passionate about acting as a long-term career. (Evelyn Freja / For The Times)

I can’t imagine what it’s like to grow up with so much public attention. Let’s pretend I’m completely unfamiliar with this world – like an alien or a creature from another dimension. Can you describe what it’s been like for you growing up in the public eye?

Honestly, I’ve always just been myself, completely and unapologetically. Because of that, I never really learned how to navigate the media or how to present a polished version of myself – I just did my own thing. It took me a while to realize how important it is to protect my privacy and mental health. It’s crazy to think, but when the show first came out, I was only ten! I was away at camp with no connection to the outside world, and my mom started emailing me about fan pages and verified accounts popping up. People were actually recognizing me, and I absolutely loved the attention – I really do adore my fans. I even used to get their numbers and meet up with them, which my parents quickly told me wasn’t a good idea and that I needed to set boundaries. Looking back now, a huge part of my life has been spent in the public eye, so it honestly just feels normal at this point. It’s all I’ve really ever known.

Growing up is challenging enough on its own – you’re transitioning from one phase of life to the next. But doing that while feeling constantly scrutinized and having every error highlighted feels incredibly difficult.

It’s really tough having everything out in the open – every awkward face I’ve made, every mistake I’ve said. I don’t like it, but that’s just part of growing up with so much public attention. There are upsides and downsides to everything, and this is one of them.

Has there a moment where it felt too overwhelming? How do you protect yourself?

I often feel overwhelmed by everything, to the point where I feel like I can’t cope. But when I disconnect from my phone, things immediately get better. I’ve realized that social media doesn’t reflect reality, and getting caught up in it creates a lot of unnecessary pressure – feeling like I need to meet certain expectations or worry about what others think. It’s impossible to please everyone, especially in this industry. Accepting that means stepping away from the online world and focusing on real life. Remembering the genuine connection I have with my supportive fans and knowing I positively impact people’s lives is what truly matters.

Winona Ryder, who plays your mother in the film, has firsthand experience with becoming famous young. Did she share any advice with you, or was she very careful and protective while you were filming?

She was incredibly caring and always looked out for us like a mother would, especially since she didn’t have children of her own. I was so nervous when I first started the show, and I remember reading old texts from 2017 where she’d send long, supportive messages whenever I had a tough scene. She’d offer to practice with me beforehand and make sure I felt confident. One time, I sent her a picture of rope burns on my wrists from a scene where I’d been tied to a chair, and I was upset because of the pain. She immediately took me to the medic and stayed with me all night, making sure I was okay. She really felt like a mother figure to me, and I love her dearly. It’s wonderful that our relationship has evolved, and now I get to be the one looking out for her.

We watched Nancy, Jonathan, Steve, and Robin on the roof promising to stay in touch, and Dustin gave a heartfelt graduation speech. These scenes felt like echoes of the shared experience everyone was going through. It made us wonder – did you all make a similar promise to stay connected?

Graduation day felt incredibly real for all of us. I especially loved how the episode ended. The last day of filming was really tough. I remember putting my book on the shelf, and that’s when I was told it was my final shot. I completely fell apart and couldn’t get through the scene because it was so emotional. Thankfully, there’s one take where I wasn’t quite as overwhelmed, but the whole day was just incredibly sad. I’ll never forget when they called ‘Cut!’ and the six of us – Caleb, Gaten, Finn, Sadie, and I – just stood there on set, hugging and crying in complete silence. It was surreal because outside, there were hundreds of people waiting to celebrate with us, but we weren’t ready. We all took a moment to compose ourselves, then walked out to an amazing scene of cheering, confetti, and applause, and we gave some speeches. It just didn’t feel real after being so immersed in the show for so many years, and then suddenly, it was over.

What do you remember about the day after wrapping?

We actually ended up sleeping overnight on the set, building a cozy little fort in the basement area used for Dungeons & Dragons. It was a really sweet and innocent way to wrap things up. I remember driving home with Caleb the next morning, and he gave me a ride. It was a foggy, gloomy day, and the atmosphere felt heavy and sad. Our goodbye was very quiet, and it felt like we were leaving a funeral, mourning a loss. The following day, I flew to Los Angeles for a callback, and being alone in the hotel room, I felt incredibly empty. This show had been my entire life and a huge part of who I was. But then, the day after that, I realized that life goes on, and that was okay. Really, just that one day immediately after filming ended was the hardest.

Hollywood Inc.

When Netflix began creating its own shows, “Stranger Things” was a breakout hit that quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

You’ve acted professionally before, but this is your most extended role. Looking back over the past ten years and five seasons, how do you feel you’ve developed as an actor?

This show has been a huge learning experience for me. I used to be hesitant to share my ideas or speak up about what felt right for my character. But after playing this role for ten years, I now feel confident asserting my perspective – whether it’s about wardrobe, dialogue, or even suggesting changes to a scene if it doesn’t feel true to the story. I’ve learned it’s okay to go beyond the script, to experiment and improvise, because that’s what creates genuine, spontaneous moments. I’m really looking forward to continuing to develop my skills in film and theater.

So it feels like the right time for you to say goodbye to Will?

It’s amazing how well-timed everything feels. I’m graduating soon, just as the show is ending, and it feels like a real moment of growing up. This season especially came at the perfect time for me, coinciding with my own journey of understanding my sexuality. It all just feels really well-aligned.

Are you considering your future goals? Perhaps what types of projects you’d like to work on, or how you envision your career progressing?

As soon as I finished my last project, I immediately started thinking about what I wanted to do next. I’m really interested in getting back into theater – I enjoyed it a lot when I was younger and would love to explore that. I’m also eager to work on more films, but I don’t have a specific plan; I’m just excited to see what opportunities come up.

If the creators of the show, the Duffer Brothers, contacted you in ten years with a plan to tell more of Will Byers’ story, would you be interested?

I feel like I’ve finished with that character and his story has reached its natural conclusion. If I were to revisit that character, I’d likely move in a different direction. However, I’d definitely be interested in collaborating with the Duffer brothers on a new project, but this particular story is complete.

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2026-01-01 09:04