Archive · 3 Jan 2026
Stranger Things Creators Defend Will's Coming Out Scene
The creators of Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers, have defended the scene where Will Byers comes out as gay in Season 5.
They said it was an important moment for Will's character and for Noah Schnapp, who plays Will.
Noah shared that filming the scene was tough, taking 12 hours in one day, but he was happy with the result.
Some fans criticized the scene, saying it felt rushed and out-of-place, while others praised it for being emotional and brave.
The episode with the scene has the lowest rating of the entire series, with a score of 5.4 on IMDb.
Before the second part of Season 5, the show had a 73% audience score, but it dropped to 56% after the release.
The Duffer Brothers defended Will Byers' coming out scene in Stranger Things Season 5, calling it an important and brave moment.
Noah Schnapp revealed that filming the scene took 12 hours in a single day, with additional reshoots.
The episode 'The Bridge' has the lowest IMDb rating (5.4) of the entire series.
The audience score for Season 5 dropped from 73% to 56% after the release of Volume 2.
The Duffer Brothers and Noah Schnapp have received support and praise for the scene's emotional depth and bravery, despite criticism from some fans and Elon Musk.
- Who
- Duffer Brothers, Noah Schnapp, Stranger Things fans, Elon Musk
- What
- Criticism and defense of Will Byers' coming out scene in Stranger Things Season 5
- When
- January 2, 2026 (interviews and social media reactions)
- Where
- Global (via interviews and social media)
- Why
- The scene received mixed reactions, with some fans criticizing its execution and impact, while others praised its emotional depth and bravery.
Critics
Supporters
Scene's Necessity
Critics
The scene was 'unnecessary' and 'forced' on the audience.
Supporters
The scene was a beautiful and emotional moment for Will.
Emotional Weight
Critics
The scene felt rushed and lacked emotional weight due to less connection with other characters.
Supporters
The scene was an important and brave moment that concluded Will's journey.
- Show
- Stranger Things
- Season
- 5
- Episode
- 7 (The Bridge)
- IMDb Rating
- 5.4 (lowest-rated episode)
- Audience Score Before Volume 2
- 73%
- Audience Score After Volume 2
- 56%
- Actor
- Noah Schnapp (Will Byers)
- Creators
- Duffer Brothers
- Scene Filming Duration
- 12 hours in a single day with additional reshoots
Sources
Duffer Brothers Open Up On Will's Coming Out Scene Criticism In Stranger Things 5: 'Proud Of It'
Duffer Brothers Address Criticism On Will Byers’ Coming Out Scene: ‘We Are Proud Of It’
