Stranger Things actor Noah Schnapp recently reflected on filming Will Byers’ emotional coming-out scene in Season 5, Episode 7, sharing candid insights into the experience before, during, and after shooting—and what the moment meant to him personally.
SPOILER ALERT: This includes plot details from Stranger Things Season 5, Episode 7.
With only one episode left in the series, audiences have already witnessed major character moments, including Will’s heartfelt revelation to friends and family that he is gay. Schnapp has previously discussed his initial apprehension about the script and the demanding 12-hour shoot required to bring the scene to life. Now, in a TikTok post shared to the official Stranger Things account, he offered further perspective on his reactions, both on and off set.
“I cried to myself the first time I read this script,” Schnapp admitted. “If I had seen this when I was 12 or 13, I think it would have given me the courage to come out at that age.”
Schnapp also highlighted the crucial support of co-star Maya Hawke, who plays Robin—a fellow LGBTQ+ character and mentor figure to Will. During filming, Hawke provided a nurturing and encouraging presence, mirroring her character’s guidance. In a behind-the-scenes clip, Hawke reassures Schnapp, telling him, “I love you,” prompting him to recall, “She was the first person I hugged, and I just sobbed into her arms.”
The TikTok further emphasized the supportive atmosphere on set, showing cast and crew applauding once the scene wrapped. Schnapp shared that the experience strengthened his personal comfort and sense of belonging among his colleagues. “Now I do feel really more comfortable in my identity around them because I was able to sit them down and have that conversation,” he said.
While the scene was widely celebrated for its authenticity and emotional depth, it has also received backlash from some viewers, alongside review-bombing for Season 5, Episode 7. These reactions have coincided with ongoing, unverified rumors known as “Cutgate,” referring to alleged cuts of key scenes from Season 5, Volume 2.
