Noah Schnapp says Will Byers’ moment in Stranger Things isn’t a dramatic “woke” monologue.

Stranger Things Ends Its Journey as Season 5 Sparks Debate

The popular sci-fi thriller series Stranger Things officially wrapped up its story with the release of its fifth and final season on New Year’s Eve. As the show came to an end, fans across the world shared emotional clips, nostalgic moments, and humorous memes from earlier seasons, celebrating a series that defined an era.

Since its debut in 2016, Stranger Things consistently stayed in the spotlight—whether through fan theories, shocking twists, or online controversies. However, one particular moment from Season 5 sparked mixed reactions among viewers: Will Byers’ coming-out scene.

Noah Schnapp Responds to ‘Woke’ Scene Criticism

After some viewers labeled the scene as unnecessary or “forced,” actor Noah Schnapp, who portrayed Will Byers, shared his perspective. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Schnapp explained that Will’s identity was never a sudden addition.

According to him, the hints were present right from the first season. He emphasized that the moment wasn’t designed as a dramatic or preachy statement, but instead as a subtle and realistic portrayal of how such situations unfold in real life.

Schnapp also revealed that reading the scene for the first time deeply moved him. He described it as emotionally perfect and said it reassured him that the moment was being handled with honesty and care.

The scene appears in Volume 2, Chapter 7, titled “The Bridge.” While many appreciated its emotional depth, some viewers felt its placement during a major battle sequence was distracting. Even tech entrepreneur Elon Musk publicly criticized the scene, calling it unnecessary.

Season 5 Finale: A Mixed Yet Emotional Goodbye

The final volume of the season shifted from intense action to a more emotional and reflective tone. The early parts were praised for their gripping pace, especially the climactic battle involving Vecna, the Mind Flayer, and the Hawkins group.

One standout moment featured Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) confronting her long-standing fears as a mother in a powerful and emotionally charged scene. Though some fans felt the final battle could have been longer and more intense, many agreed that the conclusion delivered emotional closure. The Duffer Brothers chose a grounded ending—less about shock value and more about resolution—offering fans a sense of peace rather than a dramatic cliffhanger.

A Look Back at the World of Stranger Things

Set in the 1980s, the story follows the residents of Hawkins, Indiana, after a mysterious girl named Eleven, gifted with telekinetic powers, opens a gateway to a dark alternate world known as the Upside Down. The series draws inspiration from Cold War experiments, secret government projects, and classic sci-fi horror.

Cast and Release Details

The ensemble cast includes Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, Brett Gelman, Cara Buono, and Jamie Campbell Bower, among others.
Season 5 also introduced new faces like Linda Hamilton, Jake Connelly, and Nell Fisher.

The final season consisted of eight episodes, released in three volumes on Netflix:

Volume 1: Late November

Volume 2: Late December

Finale: New Year’s Eve

With its conclusion, Stranger Things didn’t just end a series—it closed a chapter for fans who grew up alongside its characters.