Noah Schnapp Reflects on Will Byers Ahead of Stranger Things Finale

LOS ANGELES, CA — Noah Schnapp, the 21-year-old actor, is gearing up for an emotional farewell to his character Will Byers in the fifth and final season of ‘Stranger Things,’ set to be released in three parts starting November 26. Schnapp has portrayed Will since the show’s debut in 2016, describing his younger self as ‘that shy, timid little boy.’ Now, as he prepares to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania next year, he finds himself navigating significant changes in both his personal and professional life.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Schnapp expressed the mixed emotions he feels as two pivotal chapters of his life come to a close. ‘I’m graduating in a few months at the same time as the finale is coming out,’ he said. ‘All these chapters of my childhood are closing, and now I’m stepping into a brand new world of anything can happen. It’s equally terrifying and exciting.’

Schnapp shared insights into Will’s evolution, noting the character has transformed into someone ‘much stronger and self-assured.’ He acknowledged that the extensive time spent filming alongside talented co-stars shaped both his growth as an actor and his personal development.

The anticipation for the new season has been palpable since the lengthy gap between filming seasons four and five. Schnapp admitted feeling nervous about the finale amid high expectations but is excited to reunite with his fellow cast members. ‘With this final season also being the last, there was so much pressure on it,’ he explained.

Reflecting on significant memories from filming, Schnapp recalled fond moments shared with co-stars, including birthdays and holiday celebrations. ‘We do things outside of work to nurture our relationships,’ he noted, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie among the cast.

As fans brace for the new season, Schnapp expressed eagerness to witness their reactions to Will’s journey. ‘I’ve been holding it in for so long, so I’ve been looking forward to the day this all drops,’ he stated. ‘It’s so touching and empowering.’

The final season promises to answer long-standing questions and tie up loose ends, with Schnapp hinting at emotional and impactful moments throughout the episodes. ‘The stakes are the highest they’ve ever been,’ he warned fans. ‘Everything that’s left has to be tied up.’

As Schnapp concludes a decade-long chapter in his life, he remains open to exploring new roles and stories in film. The anticipation builds for ‘Stranger Things,’ which begins its final chapter with Volume 1 on November 26, followed by Volume 2 on Christmas and the finale on New Year’s Eve.