Ever since Stranger Things has taken off globally, there has been a strong collection of fans who believe that Will Byers (played by Noah Schnapp) is gay. It has been such a hot topic of debate that Schnapp even addressed it on social media but never confirmed or denied anything.
Stranger Things 4 Volume 1 added to this belief by hinting at Will’s sexuality in various instances — especially during his interactions with Mike — but never saw him accept or confirm it in the show as well.
Now, with the two-part season finale for Stranger Things 4 finally streaming, do we find out if Will is indeed gay?
The hints
There have been subtle hints by the Duffers about Will’s being gay throughout the show’s narrative. For instance, the first season sees Joyce mention that Will’s dad always thought he’s “queer”.
Fast forward to season 3, we see Will feeling left out when his three friends often ditch D&D nights for their girlfriends. Will even has an argument with Mike about it with the latter snapping at Will that it isn’t his fault that he doesn’t like girls.
Finally, in season 4 volume 1, during a classroom scene in the first episode, Will seems revolted when a girl tries to get cozy with him. To add to all these things is the painting he made for Mike but hasn’t had the guts to show to him. Until now.
Heart-to-heart
Finally, after the release of volume 2, we get a scene where Will subtly pours his heart out to Mike. In Argyle’s pizza van, as they drive to find N.I.N.A. and save Eleven, Mike is visibly flustered at the thought of El not needing him anymore (especially after their argument in volume 1).
Will, unable to see the distraught look on his face, finally shows him the painting that features Mike, Dustin, Lucas and himself — dressed as knights — facing a three-headed dragon. The painting also showcases Mike as their leader and a heart as his coat of arms.
Mike is astonished at the artwork and Will, to hide his feelings, says that El asked him to paint it. However, he uses this painting to encourage Mike and lets him know that El needs him just as much.
He says that Mike is great because he’s always been the leader. He leads them into every situation with heart and without it, everything would fall apart, including El.
It is evident by this point that Will is using Eleven as a device to actually talk about his own feelings. He adds that El has been lost without Mike for the past few months.
It is because she’s so different from other people and that makes her feel like a mistake. However, Mike makes her feel like she’s not a mistake but better for being different. This thought gives her the courage to fight on.
Finally, he concludes with, “If she was mean to you or she seemed like she was pushing you away, it’s because she’s scared of losing you like you’re scared of losing her. And, if she was going to lose you, I think she’d rather just get it over with quick. Like ripping off a band-aid. So yeah, El needs you Mike and she always will.”
Will then turns away and stares out the window as he fights back tears, clearly miserable for not being able to come out properly. Meanwhile, Jonathan hears the entire conversation and notices his brother crying, implying that he understands how Will truly feels.
Respite
Will Byers is set for some more internal struggles when El and Mike reunite in the final episode. As he looks at the two bonding in the pizzeria where they are preparing the makeshift sensory deprivation tank for El, Jonathan comes through.
He uses some alone time with Will to reminisce about the time when he got a lego stuck up his nose. The duo laughs about it but Jonathan confesses to Will that he feels like he never comes to him for help anymore.
Jonathan goes on to say that it is probably more of his own fault as he’s been quite distant or stoned the past year but that is to deal with his own problems. He finally makes Will get emotional by saying that he misses talking to him and that they need to talk more than ever right now due to the complicated nature of things.
Finally, subtly addressing his sexuality, Jonathan adds that absolutely nothing in this world will change the fact that Will is his little brother. He lets him know that he’s always there for him and loves him.
A teary-eyed Will responds in kind by also letting his elder brother know of his unconditional love and support. The scene ends with the brothers embracing and Will finally finding the ally he needed in Jonathan.
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