Stranger Things still featuring Will Byer standing in front of a projected map.Netflix
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Cher Thompson
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Cher Thompson is a Senior Staff Writer at Screen Rant, where she covers everything from explosive reality TV moments to cast interviews about the twists and turns of scripted dramas. With a background in creative writing, marketing, and teaching, Cher knows how to spot both the storytelling genius and the guilty pleasures in pop culture. Her work blends wit with insight, making readers feel like they’re chatting with a friend who just happens to know way too much about TV.
Sign in to your ScreenRant account follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recapStranger Things season 5, volume 1 features more of Will Byers (Noah Schnapp), but refuses to answer a pointed question that fans of the show have been looking for. Throughout Stranger Things season 5's first stretch of episodes, Will is a larger part of the ensemble. Despite always having been part of the show's massively spanning mythology, Will's development has been slower.
Will's connection to the Upside Down has always been integral to the show's mythology, but his personal development has been tougher to break through. With Will's appearances inconsistent on the series, it's often taken more time to learn about him and see him progress. Becoming more expressive and involved, Will is shown as a more grounded, understandable character during Stranger Things season 5, volume 1.
While Will's increased presence is a great piece of Stranger Things season 5, volume 1, his being available to the audience makes one piece of the puzzle surrounding his character far more noticeable. For a character who spent years reaching for his own agency, seeing him gaining it without providing viewers all of the details they hoped for is a tough blow.
Stranger Things Still Won't Directly Confirm That Will Is Gay In Season 5
His Sexuality Isn't An Integral Piece Of The Story
Stranger Things season 4’s Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers, Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers, Millie Bobby as Brown Eleven, Noah Schnapp as Will Byers, David Harbour as Jim Hopper, Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler and Finn Wolfhard as Mike WheelerImage via Netflix
Despite years of buildup surrounding the reveal, Stranger Things season 5, volume 1 doesn't directly confirm anything about Will's sexuality. While the show has been heavily implying that Will is gay for seasons, especially through his emotional attachment to Finn Wolfhard's Mike Wheeler, the story has consistently relied on subtle gestures to communicate his true feelings. Viewers, however, are looking for something more outright.
While fans of Stranger Things have long noted that the show's reluctance to name Will's sexuality likely has something to do with his age and the time period the show takes place in, the fact that it's been alluded to consistently and not resolved has been difficult to see. The teasing of the story keeps audiences invested, but Stranger Things fans want more direct confirmation.
Will's New Bond With Robin Means He Has Someone To Talk To About His Sexuality
Having Someone To Open Up To Will Help
Will Byers in Stranger Things season 5Image via Netflix
Although Will's sexuality hasn't been addressed directly in Stranger Things season 5, volume 1, there's still hope for the second half of the show's final season. Will's connection with Robin Buckley (Maya Hawke) feels natural and lived in, and with Robin comfortable in her own sexuality, Will could find the courage to open up about his own.
Stranger Things season 5, volume 1 was heavy-handed about mirroring the pair's experiences throughout the first stretch of episodes, which is definitely a step in the right direction. Trusting Robin with his truth has allowed the pair to connect, and the subtext of Will's conversations with her appear to be reinforcing an impending confession.
Will Being Gay Is Still Important To His Stranger Things Arc
Even If He Doesn't Come Out
Will smiling in Stranger Things season 5
Although most Stranger Things fans have, at this point, accepted that Will's sexuality is clear without having to hear it aloud, getting direct confirmation is still important to his story. Stranger Things season 5, volume 2 has the opportunity to finally bring closure and specificity to the storyline that's been prolonged all season. Finally putting a name to Will's sexuality will contextualize his entire Stranger Things arc.
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Stranger Things
10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Drama Mystery Horror Science Fiction Release Date 2016 - 2025-00-00 Network Netflix Showrunner Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer Directors Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Andrew Stanton, Frank Darabont, Nimród Antal, Uta Briesewitz Writers Kate Trefry, Jessie Nickson-Lopez, Jessica Mecklenburg, Alison Tatlock
7 Images
Eleven looking into an opening of the Upside Down with pink light in Stranger Things season 1
Jim Hopper (David Harbour) grabbing Jonathan's (Charlie Heaton) shoulders in Stranger Things season 1©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection
Eleven with cables all over her head in Stranger Things season 4
Vecna looking towards Will in the trailer for Stranger Things season 5 (2025)
Max and Eleven in Stranger ThingsNetflix
Stranger Things season 2, episode 2 "Trick or Treat, Freak".MovieStillsDB
The Upside Down in Stranger Things season 5Courtesy of Netflix Close
Cast
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Millie Bobby Brown
Jane 'Eleven' Hopper
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Finn Wolfhard
Mike Wheeler
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Stranger Things
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