Stranger Things Star Noah Schnapp Comes Out as Gay After Playing Closeted Character

As of October 2025, the popular Netflix series Stranger Things has continued to captivate audiences with its supernatural storylines and complex character arcs. One character who has sparked significant discussion is Will Byers, played by actor Noah Schnapp.

Since the show's premiere in 2016, fans have speculated about Will's sexuality, noting his quiet, sensitive nature and hints of his struggle to fit in. In early 2023, Schnapp himself addressed these questions, coming out as gay in a short TikTok video that quickly went viral. The actor revealed that playing the role of Will had helped him better understand his own identity, and he was met with overwhelming support from fans around the world.

The show's creators, the Duffer Brothers, have also confirmed that Will's sexuality has been a central part of his character's journey. As early as the first season, there were subtle indications that Will was "different" from his peers, with his mother commenting on him being called "queer" by classmates. In later seasons, the show more explicitly suggested that Will has romantic feelings for his best friend, Mike Wheeler, culminating in a poignant van scene in Season 4 where Will expresses his struggle with acceptance and belonging.

Both Will Byers and Noah Schnapp's stories have resonated with audiences, highlighting the importance of representation and the power of staying true to oneself, even in the face of uncertainty and societal pressures.