The highly anticipated final chapter of Netflix's global phenomenon, Stranger Things, is inching towards its epic conclusion. In a significant revelation, actor Noah Schnapp, who has portrayed the beloved character Will Byers since the show's inception, has shared intimate details about a pivotal moment in the last season: his character's long-awaited coming-out as gay.
A Long-Awaited Personal Moment for Schnapp
In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Schnapp expressed that he had been anticipating this narrative development for a considerable time. After reading the initial six episode scripts for Stranger Things 5, he understood that Will's personal journey was building towards this crucial revelation. The defining moment arrived when he received the script for the penultimate episode, titled 'The Bridge'.
Schnapp described reading the scene alone as an intensely personal and emotional experience. He felt the scene was "perfect" for his character, marking a profound point in Will's arc. The episode was co-directed by executive producer Shawn Levy and the series creators, the Duffer brothers, Ross and Matt.
Filming the Scene: A Weight Lifted
The actor carried that powerful feeling onto the set when it was time to film the scene with his fellow cast members. Schnapp characterized the filming process as a form of release. He admitted that once he spoke the scene's lines aloud during the shoot, it felt like a "weight off my chest." Recalling that pivotal day on set, he added, "I felt like, 'Ok, I can do this.'"
This significant character moment arrives towards the end of a fast-paced episode, serving as a key emotional beat before the story launches into the series' grand finale. The scene has, expectedly, sparked mixed reactions from the show's vast and dedicated fanbase.
The Grand Finale Release Strategy
In a major announcement, the makers confirmed a dual release strategy for the final episode. The last episode of Stranger Things will premiere simultaneously on Netflix and in selected theatres across the United States. This move is set to offer fans a unique choice in how they experience the show's conclusion.
The production team heightened excitement by releasing the trailer for the Stranger Things 5 finale episode on a Tuesday. Mark your calendars: the epic series conclusion will begin streaming on December 31. The theatrical screenings are scheduled to follow the streaming debut.
