The final season of Stranger Things has sparked intense discussions online, especially surrounding Will Byers’ emotional coming out moment. The penultimate episode of the series, which featured this pivotal scene, has become the lowest-rated episode in the show’s history on IMDb, igniting debates among fans and critics alike.

Will Byers’ Coming Out Scene Divides Fans

In Episode 7 of Stranger Things Season 5, titled “The Bridge,” Will Byers (played by Noah Schnapp) comes out as gay to his family and friends. This storyline, carefully developed over the past nine years, marks a critical moment not just for Will’s character but for the narrative arc of the series. The Duffer Brothers, Matt and Ross, who created the Netflix hit, shared their thoughts on the fan backlash in an interview with Variety.

Ross Duffer explained, “It was a really important scene for us, and a really important scene for Noah — not just from a thematic point of view, but also a narrative point of view.” Matt added that Will’s revelation was “the final step in Will’s journey” and a key moment in the fight against the series’ main antagonist, Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower).

Why the Scene Was Crucial for the Story

The creators emphasized that Will’s coming out was not just about representation but was also central to the story. Ross explained that it symbolized Will’s ultimate act of courage and empowerment: “Will coming out was his way of overcoming evil so he could help take down Vecna.” Matt described it as “the ultimate step for Will and a turning point in the final season.”

After a heartfelt conversation with Robin Buckley (Maya Hawke), Will confronts his feelings and decides to reveal his identity to his loved ones. Matt said, “He finds the courage to do it, and it’s really the ultimate f*** you to Vecna. That was the intention.”

Fan Backlash and Critical Reception

Despite the emotional weight of the scene, online reactions were mixed. “The Bridge” currently holds a 5.6/10 rating on IMDb, making it the lowest-rated episode in Stranger Things history. Criticism of Vol. 2 of Season 5 contributed to the season’s Rotten Tomatoes score falling to 83% — the lowest for any season in the series.

Ross Duffer, however, stood by the episode, saying, “We’re proud of the episode, the scene, and Noah, who gave a really brave, very vulnerable performance.”

Noah Schnapp Reflects on Playing Will

Noah Schnapp, who publicly came out as gay in 2023, shared his experience of filming the scene. He revealed that he initially felt nervous but was reassured by the Duffers’ sensitive approach. “They wrote it so perfectly,” Schnapp told People, adding that the creators consulted queer friends and family to ensure the scene was authentic and respectful.

Schnapp explained that his personal journey mirrored Will’s on-screen development. “Seeing how audiences reacted to Will over the years, especially in Season 4 when it was more apparent he was gay, made me feel supported and ready to embrace my own identity,” he said.

The Duffer Brothers on Representation and Storytelling

Matt and Ross Duffer emphasized that Will’s storyline was handled with care and intention. They focused on creating a safe environment for Schnapp while making the scene meaningful for the series’ larger narrative. “Our goal was to make sure Noah was comfortable and happy with the scene, and when he was, we felt good about it,” Matt said.

The brothers highlighted that Will’s coming out was intertwined with the show’s larger themes of friendship, courage, and resilience — all central to the Stranger Things universe.

Streaming Information

Stranger Things Season 5 is now available for streaming in its entirety on Netflix, allowing fans to watch Will’s transformative moment and the thrilling final battle against Vecna.