Noah Schnapp Opens Up About Early Questions on His Sexuality

Noah Schnapp, best known as Will Byers from Netflix's hit series "Stranger Things," recently opened up about dealing with questions regarding his sexuality as a young teen. In an exclusive interview with Time Magazine, Schnapp, now 21, reflected on how curious journalists made those early years in his career feel quite intense.

Dealing with early fame and speculation

Skidding onto center stage with his role in "Stranger Things," Schnapp was thrust under a glaring spotlight while still just a kid. Playing Will Byers, who publicly came out as gay in 2022 on screen, led many people seemingly assuming things about Schnapp himself. While Schnapp did come out as gay at 18 in January 2023, he shared that prying questions and rumors had been swirling around him since he was barely 12 or 13.

In a Time feature alongside other "Stranger Things" stars like Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown, Schnapp opened up about feeling uncomfortable with some interviewers' questions given his age. "When I was younger, I was really scared about discussing it," Schnapp recalled. "They'd ask, ‘Is he gay? Are you gay?' and I was only 12 or 13. I didn't know what I should say."

Finding himself through his role

Playing Will Byers has been more than just a job; it helped Schnapp accept himself. When he came out, he said, "Turns out, I'm a lot like Will." In a 2023 chat with Variety, Schnapp mentioned how embodying a gay character was a game-changer in his own journey. "Once I fully accepted Will's identity, it sped up my own self-acceptance," he shared.

He credits Will's character with giving him a chance—almost like a mirror—to explore and come around his own sexuality. "If I hadn't played Will, I think I'd be in a completely different place, probably still keeping my true self hidden," he admitted.

Connecting on a personal note with fans

Will Byers' story hit home with viewers, and Schnapp has seen this firsthand. He recalled meeting a fan in Paris, saying, "A 40-year-old man came up and said, ‘Seeing Will on screen made me feel I wasn't alone. That was me as a kid.' Hearing that was just amazing."

Schnapp also dropped hints about what's ahead in Will's storyline, suggesting his feelings towards Mike, another character, might get more attention in "Stranger Things'" final season.

Handling controversies along his path

Despite Will's positive impact, Schnapp hasn't dodged controversies entirely. In November 2023, a photo with a "Zionism Is Sexy" sticker caused quite a stir, leading some fans calling out a boycott. By January 2024, Schnapp responded in a now-deleted TikTok video, explaining that people took his views out-of-context and emphasized how conversations with Palestinian friends had expanded his perspective.

The buzz around "Stranger Things" finale

Fans are on tenterhooks as "Stranger Things" Season 5 gears up, releasing in three parts. Volume One drops on November 26, Volume Two on December 25, and we'll see it all wrap up on December 31. As Will Byers' arc nears its end, viewers are eager, especially curious about how his friendship with Mike will evolve.

Noah Schnapp's journey, both on and off screen, highlights challenges young actors navigate while juggling their personal growth and career. His story, rich in self-discovery and grit, strikes a chord with many who see a bit or a lot themselves in Will Byers.