Fans of Stranger Things have watched Will Byers grow up on screen, from the boy who vanished into the Upside Down to a teenager grappling with very personal struggles. After seasons of subtle hints, the show’s final chapter is set to directly explore one of his most significant storylines. Noah Schnapp, the actor behind Will, has confirmed that Stranger Things Season 5 will finally address his character’s romantic feelings for his best friend, Mike Wheeler.
Will Byers’ Journey of Self-Discovery
The journey to this point has been a long and carefully crafted one. Since the first season, viewers have picked up on clues that Will might be gay. Early on, some wondered if his character was just maturing slower than his friends, but the narrative has slowly built toward a clearer picture. In a 2022 interview, Noah Schnapp put years of speculation to rest, stating plainly, “Now it’s 100% clear that he is gay and he does love Mike.”
The fourth season featured powerful, emotional scenes that brought Will’s inner conflict to the forefront. In one memorable moment in a van, Will comforts Mike about his relationship with Eleven, all while fighting back tears. While his words are about Mike and Eleven, it becomes evident that Will is actually speaking about his own hidden feelings for Mike and his deep-seated fear of being different.
“It’s just, she’s so different from other people, and when you’re different, sometimes you feel like a mistake. But you make her feel like she’s not a mistake at all,” Will tells Mike, in a scene that actor Noah Schnapp noted was “really important” for solidifying his character’s truth.
This poignant moment was followed by a silent, tearful breakdown, a scene that resonated deeply with audiences and quickly became a widely shared meme. In a later scene, Will’s brother, Jonathan, shares a look of understanding and quiet support, assuring Will of his unconditional acceptance without ever saying the words aloud.
What to Expect in the Final Season
With the main characters preparing for a final, epic battle against Vecna, their personal lives and relationships will also reach a climax. Noah Schnapp has reportedly spoken about how the final season will explore Will’s feelings, suggesting the show will tackle this storyline with emotional depth.
“We’ve always known Will has these feelings and they finally explore that and they take it to a place that’s very real,” Schnapp stated, according to reports. “Season 5 hits a touch on every emotion you could think of: fear, heartbreak, anger, trauma.”
This strongly suggests that Will’s storyline will involve heartbreak, likely because Mike does not share his romantic feelings. Mike’s relationship with Eleven has been a central pillar of the show, and it is widely expected that their bond will remain strong. This sets up a narrative of unrequited love for Will, adding a layer of personal tragedy to the larger supernatural threat facing Hawkins.
The exploration of Will’s feelings is part of the show’s broader commitment to resolving its character arcs. As the series comes to an end, it will focus on providing closure for the characters fans have followed for years, with Will’s personal journey being a significant part of that conclusion.
A Storyline Years in the Making
The connection between Will and Mike has been a foundational element of Stranger Things since the beginning. From the very first season, Mike was the most determined to find his lost friend, showcasing a protective and deeply loyal bond. Over the seasons, fans have watched their friendship evolve, with many speculating about the true nature of their connection.
Noah Schnapp has reflected on the beauty of this slow-burn storytelling, noting that it avoided suddenly declaring a character gay. Instead, the show has portrayed a “real journey and real struggle” that many viewers have found relatable. He has shared stories of fans approaching him to say how much they see their own youth reflected in Will’s experience.
The final season of Stranger Things will be released on Netflix in three volumes. Volume 1 is scheduled for November 26, 2025, with Volume 2 following on Christmas Day, and Volume 3 concluding the series on New Year’s Eve. This release strategy promises to deliver a thrilling and emotionally charged conclusion to the beloved series, finally giving Will Byers’ heartfelt story the attention it deserves.
