Noah Schnapp says Will Byers's sexuality in Stranger Things helped him come out as gay
Noah Schnapp's fabulous coming-out moment earlier this year has certainly added a fresh coat of rainbow-colored paint to his already impressive canvas as an actor. As he slips back into the shoes of our favourite Stranger Things character, Will Byers, for the show's fifth and final season, there's no doubt that his newfound authenticity will sprinkle some extra magic into the mix.
In a recent interview with Variety, the Stranger Things star addressed his public acknowledgment of his sexuality as a transformative moment that resonated deeply with fans and the queer community. Here’s a quick look at how his coming out story has been a breath of fresh air for him.
Through a heartfelt TikTok video, he shared his journey of self-discovery, expressing that he found more similarities between himself and his Stranger Things character, Will, than he initially thought.
Noah Schnapp, il giovane attore noto per il suo ruolo in Stranger Things, ha fatto coming out come gay in un video su TikTok 🏳️🌈 pic.twitter.com/qhDhej8IuO
— Rebelle Vague (@rebellevague) January 5, 2023
The TikTok video itself was a quiet yet powerful declaration, adorned with a simple text box that held a world of emotions. The message
resonated with countless viewers, sparking an outpouring of support and love. The video's impact was swift and monumental, amassing over 90 million views as hearts, congratulations, and rainbow flags flooded in.
Schnapp further talks about how his portrayal of Will played a significant role in his self-discovery journey.
The character's implied queerness throughout the show and the subsequent positive response from fans allowed Schnapp to reflect on his own identity. Seeing the overwhelming support for Will's sexuality encouraged Schnapp to embrace his true self, knowing that his fans were behind him every step of the way.
The journey wasn't without its challenges. Facing public speculation about his sexuality at a young age made Noah introspective, but it also pushed him to keep his identity hidden even deeper.
However, as Will's gay storyline gained traction and positivity, Schnapp found solace in it. He realized that if a fictional character like Will could receive such resounding support, there was no reason he shouldn't embrace his authentic self. As he embraced Will's identity, Schnapp found himself on a path of self-acceptance that he might not have discovered otherwise.
The connection between Schnapp and Will was symbiotic. Playing the role helped him confront and embrace his own identity. It was as though Will's journey served as a mirror, reflecting his own personal revelations. He expressed how playing the character became a catalyst for his own self-acceptance, a tool that allowed him to navigate his emotions, fears, and uncertainties.
Schnapp’s college experience in 2022 was another turning point. Amid new interactions and relationships, he realized that he couldn't continue to deny his true feelings. The realization hit him as he found himself uninterested in romantic advances from girls.
His twin sister became the first person he confided in, followed by other family members and his cast-mates. The process was both liberating and challenging, as he confronted the disparity between his newfound self-awareness and his attempts to keep it hidden.
Schnapp's support network proved invaluable throughout his journey. From his close friend Millie Bobby Brown, to the executive producer and director Shawn Levy, those around him embraced his authenticity.
Now that Schnapp is out, he's eager to integrate his authentic self into his work and life. The support and authenticity he's encountered have freed him to fully embrace his identity.
Season 5 of Stranger Things has the potential to become more than just a sci-fi adventure—it could be an emotional rollercoaster driven by Schnapp’s personal revelations. If acting is all about embodying different experiences, Schnapp’s personal evolution might just add a sparkle of authenticity that makes Will's journey all the more relatable.
Will is the center of the final season of ‘STRANGER THINGS’.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) August 7, 2023
“This emotional arc for him is what we feel is going to hopefully tie the whole series together,” says Ross Duffer
(Source: https://t.co/MYR4gdgpu3) pic.twitter.com/1U3m23i5H3
Attending his first Pride event in New York City, he reveled in the sense of belonging and unity. While he's open to potential romantic interests, Noah remains focused on enjoying life and embracing opportunities as they come.
In a world where queer representation remains vital, Schnapp's journey from closeted to confident is pretty damn inspiring.