The final season of Stranger Things has thrust Will Byers back into the spotlight, with actor Noah Schnapp at the center of his character’s most powerful moments. In a recent interview, Schnapp shared the unique experience of meeting and working with the younger actors playing Will, a moment that highlighted just how far the series has come over its decade-long run.
Schnapp got his first chance to step behind the camera in a new way during the filming of Stranger Things 5. Working alongside the show’s creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, he helped guide the performances of Luke Kokotek, who plays a 12-year-old Will, and Miles Marthaller, who portrays the character in kindergarten. Reflecting on seeing a child actor his own height dressed as Will, Schnapp felt a wave of nostalgia. He said, “It’s been 10 years. That moment was like, oh we’ve come far”.
Noah Schnapp Takes on a Directing Role with Younger Cast
For the final season, the Duffer Brothers gave Schnapp significant creative freedom when it came to shaping the younger versions of his character. Speaking about the process, Schnapp explained the directors told him, “okay, it’s up to you. Figure it out with the kid”. This collaborative approach allowed Schnapp to fulfill a long-time wish.
“It’s cool because I, for the first time, I got to kind of step into the director’s shoes that I’ve always wanted to try out,” Schnapp said. He described the younger actor as “adorable” and “the cutest little kid,” making the on-set dynamic both fun and meaningful.
Will Byers Unleashes New Powers in Season 5
Stranger Things 5 delivers a major turning point for Will Byers. In Episode 4, it is revealed that Will has developed a connection to the Upside Down so deep that he can now wield powers of his own. In a climactic battle, he takes control of Demogorgons and directly clashes with Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower, to save his friends.
This heroic moment was a landmark for Schnapp. He was so moved that he sent a long, grateful text message to the Duffer Brothers the day after filming. “You guys don’t understand how grateful I am for this show and this character, and the way you wrote Will for the final season is just something I could have never dreamed of,” he told them. Schnapp has called the scene “the Holy Grail moment” for his character.
The show’s creators confirmed that Will’s powerful arc was planned to bring the story full circle. “He was the kid who was taken in Season 1, so it felt right for the story to come full circle,” said Ross Duffer. Matt Duffer added that this season focuses on Will accepting who he is, which in turn allows him to harness these new abilities.
A Meaningful Bond with Robin Buckley
A key part of Will’s journey in the new season is his growing friendship with Robin Buckley, played by Maya Hawke. The two characters share several heartfelt scenes where Robin, who is open about her sexuality, acts as a mentor to Will as he explores his own identity.
Schnapp was excited to finally work closely with Hawke, whom he had admired from previous seasons. “I always had a work crush on Maya Hawke… I always would watch her in the other seasons and be like, ‘Oh my God, she’s magnetic.’ I wanted to have a scene with her,” he shared. He noted that their off-screen relationship mirrored their characters’ bond, with Hawke becoming like an older sister to him.
Hawke praised Schnapp’s performance, stating, “If I did a decent job in that scene at all, it’s all to Noah’s credit”. She explained that seeing Will’s character find himself made Robin “feel less alone and also feel useful”.
The Final Season’s Release Schedule and Story
The fifth and final season of Stranger Things is being released in three volumes on Netflix. The story picks up in the fall of 1987, with the town of Hawkins still reeling from the destructive rifts opened by Vecna. The core group is more united than ever, with a clear mission to find and stop Vecna for good.
The first four episodes, which include Will’s big reveal, became available to stream on November 26, 2025. The next batch of episodes will arrive on December 25, 2025, with the series finale scheduled for New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025.
Winona Ryder, who plays Will’s mother Joyce Byers, spoke about a pivotal scene where she must encourage her son to confront Vecna. “My instinct was, there’s no way I would encourage him to do something so dangerous,” Ryder said. She described realizing that Joyce has to trust in Will’s strength, calling the moment “incredibly meaningful” for their relationship. Ryder added, “Noah blew me away this season… It was incredible to witness”.
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Credits: Netflix Tudum
