Warning: This article contains spoilers for Stranger Things season 5, Volume 2.
As many people around the world indulged in Christmas festivities on December 25, a significant number of fans were eagerly anticipating the next chapter of Stranger Things’ concluding season.
The latest three episodes of the popular science fiction series were released on Netflix in the US as Christmas Day concluded, paving the way for the series finale on New Year’s Eve.
Before the arrival of Volume 2, the show’s creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, hinted at a major clue and potential spoiler for the finale while discussing fan theories, despite their usual reticence.
After Volume 2 was released, Noah Schnapp, who portrays Will Byers, talked to People Magazine about the crucial episodes for his character.
Again, the following quotes contain story spoilers for Stranger Things season 5, Volume 2.
The young actor, now 21, revealed he ‘cried reading’ the script for the latest Stranger Things episodes that premiered on Christmas Day.
In a powerful scene, Will reveals to his family and friends that he is gay, leaving viewers deeply moved.
Discussing the experience of filming the scene with People, Schnapp expressed: “I was nervous. I was like, ‘How are they going to write that?’ But I read it, and I just cried reading it, and I was like, ‘This is perfect. They did it.’ There’s no notes.”
“They told me they went to some queer family and friends to help understand how to do it right,” Schnapp said regarding the Duffer brothers’ approach.
One scene that particularly worried the actor was when Will’s family and friends comforted and hugged him following his coming out.
Schnapp reflected: “I would say I was a little nervous about everyone individually standing up, and I was like, ‘Is that going to be weird?’ But then, in the moment, everything just [felt] so real, and it felt so just natural, and it worked.”
The star of Stranger Things continued to express his satisfaction that Will’s coming out wasn’t portrayed as merely a ‘sob fest’ but rather a unique moment for both Schnapp and his character.
“He was happy through the beginning of it, kind of reliving those memories. And it makes it hit harder, almost,” the actor concluded.
Stranger Things season five Volumes 1 and 2 are currently available for streaming on Netflix.