Noah Schnapp, the actor who has played Will Byers on Netflix’s Stranger Things for over a decade, is giving fans an exclusive peek into his reaction to reading the final script for the show’s fifth and final season. Ahead of the premiere of Volume 1 on November 26, Schnapp shared his excitement and emotions with PEOPLE, revealing a surprising moment: he read the script in the shower.

Noah Schnapp’s Reaction to the Final Stranger Things Script

Describing the experience as “unbelievable,” Schnapp, 21, admitted he was overwhelmed by the story the Duffer Brothers had crafted for the show’s conclusion.

“I remember I had people texting me before the scripts came out like, ‘Noah, watch out. You’re going to like this season,’” Schnapp said. “And I was like, ‘Oh, whatever, whatever.’ And then we got to the day before the table read and I was reading it in the shower and I was like, ‘Oh, my God.’ Like, calling my mom, ‘Oh my God, you have to read it,’ and freaking out. I was skimming it as I was getting ready in the shower.”

His candid revelation highlights the deep personal connection Schnapp has maintained with the series since joining at just 11 years old.

A Show About Friendship, Belonging, and Empowerment

Beyond the thrilling plot twists and supernatural drama, Schnapp emphasized that Stranger Things is, at its heart, a story about friendship, connection, and embracing individuality.

“It’s a show at its core about friendship and connection and belonging and embracing your differences, and it just makes you feel a part of something,” Schnapp said. “It makes you feel empowered to be proud to be different and proud to be who you are. And I love that about it and I think that’s why others do as well.”

This sense of camaraderie extends off-screen as well. Schnapp described the cast as family, noting his close bond with Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven.

“I mean, of course Millie is my best friend for life,” Schnapp said. “But they all truly are just family to me, and it shows on screen. I mean, thank God we’re so close.”

Looking Back on His Stranger Things Journey

Reflecting on his decade-long journey on the show, Schnapp shared the advice he would give his 11-year-old self: “Just stay true to yourself. Don’t let anyone dim that light that you have and be present and take it all in because you’re going to blink and you’re going to be standing on the last season carpet and saying goodbye.”

The final season promises an epic conclusion for fans, with the story set in the fall of 1987 and featuring a star-studded ensemble including Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Natalia Dyer, Sadie Sink, and Maya Hawke.

Stranger Things Season 5 Release Dates

The final season will be released in three parts:

• Volume 1: November 26, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET
• Volume 2: December 25, 2025
• Series Finale: December 31, 2025

All previous seasons (1–4) are currently available to stream on Netflix, giving fans the chance to catch up before the climactic conclusion.

With decades of fan anticipation and the emotional weight of a finale, Noah Schnapp’s insight into reading the final script offers a glimpse of just how impactful Stranger Things has been—not only for audiences but for the young actors who grew up alongside the series.