November 27, 2025 – The release of Volume 1 of Stranger Things Season 5 left fans reeling, and star Noah Schnapp, 21, revealed that he was just as stunned by the ending as the audience. The Netflix series’ final season continues to raise the stakes in Hawkins, with a dramatic twist for Schnapp’s character, Will Byers, showcasing a shocking display of power in the Upside Down.

Schnapp Shocked by Will’s Telekinetic Powers

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Schnapp described how he reacted when he first read the ending of Volume 1, in which Will discovers that he can telekinetically stop and destroy demogorgons to save his friends.

“It was a whiplash of a reveal for me,” Schnapp admitted. He even shouted to his assistant, declaring, “I have powers!”

Schnapp shared that he only reviewed the script for his character shortly before the table read, humorously noting that he had been checking it while taking a shower.

“I have to make sure I see all my parts and know what to say. I don’t wanna sound stupid at the table read,” he explained.

Vecna’s Plan and Will’s Connection

The final episodes of Volume 1 revealed that Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower, had kidnapped middle school-age children to “reshape the world” through the Upside Down. He confronts Will directly, explaining that Will was his first target and the perfect vessel because he “broke so easily.”

Despite the peril, Vecna ultimately lets Will go, underestimating him. This sets the stage for Will to channel Vecna’s powers and defeat the demogorgons threatening Hawkins.

Co-creator Matt Duffer clarified that Will’s abilities aren’t his own:

“He’s not a new Eleven…he’s channeling Vecna’s powers. Because he’s been connected to him and the Mind Flayer since Season 1, he can tap into these powers if he’s close enough.”

Ross Duffer added that this twist was essential for the narrative arc: Will’s triumph represents the culmination of his journey and connection to the Upside Down.

Filming the Intense Finale Sequence

The Duffers revealed that filming the final battle sequence in Volume 1 was one of the most challenging experiences of the series.

“Forever,” Matt said. “It wasn’t originally written that way. We wanted it to feel immersive, like you were in the middle of it. Ross and I hadn’t done anything like that before. The finale’s insane, but that sequence was logistically the hardest thing we’ve ever done.”

Ross agreed:

“It was definitely the hardest thing we’ve ever done in terms of filmmaking.”

What’s Next for Stranger Things Season 5

Volume 2 of Season 5 is set to drop on December 25, 2025, with three episodes, while the series finale will stream on December 31, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can expect the high-stakes battle between Hawkins’ kids and Vecna to continue, alongside the emotional resolutions for longtime characters.

Schnapp’s reaction underscores how unexpected and intense the storyline is, even for the actors who have been part of Hawkins’ adventures since the show’s debut a decade ago.

Volume 1 of Stranger Things Season 5 is streaming now on Netflix.