Noah Schnapp, the actor behind Will Byers in Netflix's global phenomenon Stranger Things, has publicly defended a pivotal five-minute coming-out scene for his character. This follows significant online criticism that labelled the moment as overly 'woke' and tonally misplaced amidst the show's climactic battle against the villain Vecna.
A Personal and Professional Defence
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday, the 21-year-old actor, who himself came out via TikTok in 2023, staunchly supported the scene's inclusion. Schnapp described the script for episode seven, titled 'The Bridge', as 'perfect' and insisted that 'no part of that scene felt forced or produced'.
He credited his intense preparation and the supportive atmosphere on set for the scene's authenticity. 'Part of that was how much I spent preparing, and part of that was my cast and how gracious they were,' Schnapp explained. He revealed that to connect with the emotional core of the moment, he revisited personal coming-out texts and old photos from his own journey.
Emotional Toll and Audience Reception
The filming process was demanding, requiring a 12-hour day followed by another 12-hour reshoot day. Schnapp noted the difficulty of staying in an emotionally vulnerable state, especially during night shoots. However, the payoff was profound for him. Watching the final cut, particularly the reaction of his on-screen brother Jonathan (played by Charlie Heaton), moved him to tears.
'I remember hugging Charlie for real and crying, and it all felt so real,' he recalled. Despite the actor's personal connection to the material, the episode's audience reception was notably mixed. 'The Bridge' scored a low 5.5 rating on IMDb, and the audience score for the entire fifth season on Rotten Tomatoes dipped to 56%.
Looking to the Future Beyond Hawkins
As the series concludes, Schnapp, who reportedly earned $7 million for the final season, is moving on to new ventures. He has purchased ten tickets for the theatrical release of the two-hour finale, 'The Rightside Up', eager to experience fan reactions firsthand. 'I can say that you will be satisfied,' he promised regarding the ending.
His immediate plans include presenting at the 31st Annual Critics' Choice Awards on January 4. Looking further ahead, Schnapp will complete his studies at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania next year and has expressed an interest in exploring theatre. His career began at age nine with roles in Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies and as the voice of Charlie Brown in The Peanuts Movie.
