Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers, became the center of fan speculation after a recent interview. During an episode of the YouTube show Hot Ones, the actor appeared to reveal details about what happens next in Stranger Things Season 5. While the specific comments were quickly edited out of the released video, the incident sparked a major conversation online about what awaits the Hawkins crew.
This buzz comes at a pivotal moment, with the first four episodes of the final season now streaming on Netflix. The midseason finale, “Chapter Four: Sorcerer,” ended with a jaw-dropping reveal about Will Byers that has completely changed the game.
The Midseason Finale’s Game-Changing Twist
In the closing moments of Volume 1, Will Byers did something extraordinary. As Demogorgons attacked his friends at a military base, Will’s eyes turned white. He then levitated the creatures and destroyed them using telekinetic force, ending the scene by wiping blood from his nose—a clear sign of powerful psychic abilities. This was the culmination of a season-long build-up showing Will’s growing connection to Vecna’s hive mind within the Upside Down.
“I ran out of the shower screaming… I wanted to tell everyone I knew,” Noah Schnapp told Variety about reading the script for the first time. “And of course, I had to wait two years for anyone to see it. But: coolest thing ever.”
The moment was a highlight for the cast as well. A video from the show’s table read shows actors like Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard cheering and clapping when the scene was read aloud. Brown even teased Schnapp, saying, “You’re one of me! Now you get to deal with that bloody nose”.
What Will’s New Powers Really Mean
While Will’s nosebleed mirrors Eleven’s, the source of his power is fundamentally different. According to the show’s creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, Will does not generate power from within like Eleven. Instead, his unique connection to the Upside Down allows him to tap into and manipulate Vecna’s existing hive mind.
“He taps into the hive mind, and then he can manipulate anything within the hive,” explained Matt Duffer. “You’ll see how far he can take it as you continue to watch… He can’t open a door, because the door is not part of the hive mind.”
This distinction is crucial. It means Will’s abilities are tied to his proximity to the hive and the creatures within it. The development is also deeply connected to his personal journey of self-acceptance, a theme highlighted in a heartfelt conversation with Robin (Maya Hawke) earlier in the season.
How the Show Foreshadowed the Reveal
In a recent interview, Noah Schnapp pointed out that a key detail was hiding in plain sight. The official poster for Season 5 positioned Will’s character above Eleven, a visual clue that hinted at his rising importance and latent strength.
“It’s always supposed to kind of feel the vibe of the season… So yeah, you can see a strength in him on there,” Schnapp said. “Everything is very intentional that we do.”
The Duffer Brothers have always planned for Will to be central to the final season’s story. “He was the character who kicked it all off,” Matt Duffer noted, referencing Will’s disappearance in Season 1. “A lot of this season was about going full circle.”
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Looking Ahead to Volume 2 and The Finale
With Volume 1 now streaming, the countdown is on for the rest of the story. The next three episodes, labeled Volume 2, will be released on December 25, 2025. The series finale, “Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up,” will follow on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025. Netflix has confirmed the finale will have a substantial runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Promotional images for Volume 2 offer a first look at what’s next. The photos show Will, Joyce, and Mike in the aftermath of the battle, Eleven using her powers at the Hawkins radio station, and a rain-soaked Henry Creel (Vecna).
A major returning character will also play a key role. Kali Prasad (Eight), played by Linnea Berthelsen, reappears in Volume 1 after being captured by the military. Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven, expressed excitement about the storyline, noting that Kali’s return is “pretty impactful”.
The final battle for Hawkins is set to unfold over the remaining episodes, streaming this holiday season on Netflix.
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