Fans of Stranger Things finally got to see the moment for which they’ve been waiting regarding Will Byers, and Noah Schnapp found himself just as shocked as the audience.
Contains spoilers for “Stranger Things” Season 5, Volume 1.
The initial volume of the final season is now available on Netflix and gradually reveals the breaking point for Will, who’s endured bullying for years.
In these early episodes, the group from Hawkins faces significant pressure as they experience new developments, Vecna’s dark influence spreads, and Will deals with tormenting psychic flashes that seem to correlate with upheavals in the Upside Down.
By the third episode, the hive mind’s attacks across the town seem to synchronize with Will’s responses, hinting that something major is on the brink of happening.
In Episode 4, titled “Sorcerer,” Will unexpectedly unleashes a tremendous telekinetic force, taking out a swarm of Demogorgons threatening his friends. His eyes turn white, his body stiffens, and with arms extended, the monstrous horde vanishes.
Afterward, he wipes some blood from his nose, a nod to Eleven that serves as the most significant cliffhanger in this volume.
Schnapp, 21, reflected on this moment, saying it was an overwhelming experience. He spoke during an interview timed with the release of Season 5, Volume 1.
The creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, clarified that Will hasn’t simply turned into a second Eleven; his power originates from a much darker source.
Since Season 1, Schnapp’s character has had a spiritual connection with the Mind Flayer and Vecna, enabling him to tap into Vecna’s abilities when necessary.
“He isn’t a new Eleven, which we wanted to emphasize,” Matt explained. “What’s key is that he doesn’t possess powers of his own; he channels Vecna’s strength.”
Ross added that this idea had been in the works since Season 2 premiered in October 2017, indicating that they had always intended to bring it to fruition in the final season.
“It made sense to focus on Will and his surroundings when we were wrapping things up,” Matt noted, as the series began with Will’s abduction.
For Schnapp, executing this pivotal moment required extensive physical preparation and a lot of effort to get it just right, especially since the show has been building toward this for nearly a decade.
He looked to animal movements, studying how they express force to make Will’s powers feel natural and instinctive.
“I was visualizing the essence of a silverback gorilla,” Schnapp remarked, observing their walks and behaviors to ensure the portrayal was authentic.
To his surprise, they didn’t need multiple takes. After a quick viewing, he and Ross shared a laugh, realizing it was perfect as is.
This twist also adds depth to Will’s emotional journey this season, which centers on his internal struggles and quest for acceptance that he’s been facing throughout the series.
Schnapp believes this narrative is much more layered than just a simple coming-out story.
“It’s not just a straightforward transition,” he explained. “It’s about wrestling with the conflict of both his inner self and the external challenges he faces. To win against this outside threat, he must confront his own issues. It felt like a superhero’s coming-out narrative intertwined.”
Now that Will’s relationship with the Upside Down and Vecna has become increasingly precarious, the Duffers have confirmed he plays a pivotal role in the impending conclusion of the story.
In Volume 2, Will emerges as “a new piece in the chess game of Hawkins,” with powers that could either save or doom the town.
“At the core of the series are these two characters and their connection,” the Duffers concluded.
The fifth and final season of “Stranger Things” is split into three parts on Netflix. Volume 1 premiered on November 26, Volume 2 will arrive on December 25, and the series finale is set to air on December 31.
The first four episodes of the eight-episode season dropped just before Thanksgiving, with additional episodes slated for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
