The actor Noah Schnapp has confirmed that his Stranger Things character, Will Byers, is gay, yet the series itself has maintained a notably subtle approach to his sexuality across its run. This deliberate ambiguity has sparked debate among viewers and critics, who question whether the show’s reluctance to explicitly portray Will’s identity is a missed opportunity for meaningful LGBTQ+ representation or a realistic portrayal of a young man grappling with his sexuality in the conservative 1980s.
The Show’s Careful Handling of Sexuality
Stranger Things navigates the complexities of portraying sexuality within its period setting while appealing to modern audiences. The 1980s were a different time, and the show reflects this by avoiding simplistic labels; Will’s queerness has always been present in the subtext, without being directly addressed.
Early hints, such as Joyce Byers’ dismissive comment to Hopper about Will being “queer” before clarifying he is simply “missing,” establish the character’s otherness without confirmation. Later interactions, like Mike’s blunt remark that Will “doesn’t like girls,” further muddy the waters, leaving room for interpretation. This ambiguity isn’t accidental. The show has chosen to let the audience infer, rather than declare.
The Rising Tension in Later Seasons
Season 4 escalated the subtext, with Will seemingly confessing his feelings under the guise of discussing Eleven. His emotional breakdown during a conversation with Mike, coupled with Jonathan’s supportive but vague reassurance in the finale, heightened the tension.
However, many viewers feel this indirect approach is no longer sufficient. Critics argue that Stranger Things has “queerbaited” its audience by consistently hinting at Will’s sexuality without ever providing a clear affirmation. The lack of explicit representation feels cowardly to some, especially given the show’s willingness to feature a straightforward coming-out story with Robin Buckley in Season 3.
Why Will’s Journey Differs
Robin’s storyline allowed for direct, unambiguous representation, while Will’s is treated differently. This is partly because Will is younger and navigating his sexuality in a harsher, less accepting environment. The 1980s, particularly in rural Indiana, were a dangerous time for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially during the height of the AIDS epidemic.
Schnapp himself came out as gay in 2023 after years of playing Will, suggesting that embodying the character influenced his own self-discovery. This highlights the power of representation, even when it’s subtle.
“Once I did fully embrace that Will was gay, it was just an exponential speed towards accepting it for myself.” – Noah Schnapp
The Path Forward
If Stranger Things intends to make Will’s sexuality more explicit in its final season, that would be a valid progression. Coming out is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and a delayed or gradual realization can be just as authentic. The show’s reluctance to rush Will’s journey is not necessarily a failure, but rather a choice that reflects the realities of growing up queer in a restrictive era.
The question now is whether the final episodes will deliver the clarity that many fans have been waiting for, or if Will Byers will remain a symbol of subtextual queerness in a show that has otherwise embraced more direct representation.
