Will’s Powers and Coming Out

The latest season of “Stranger Things” has taken fans on a wild ride, especially when it comes to the character of Will Byers. Throughout the series, Will has faced his fair share of challenges, from being abducted into the Upside Down to being possessed by malevolent entities. However, in Season 5, Volume 1, Will finally gets his moment to shine.

In a jaw-dropping moment in the fourth episode, titled “Sorcerer,” Will discovers that his connection to the Upside Down hive mind allows him to control the Demogorgons. When three Demogorgons threaten to kill his friends, Will’s eyes turn white, and he stops them in mid-air, ultimately killing them. This display of power leaves Will exhausted but empowered, reminiscent of Eleven’s abilities.

The catalyst for this moment comes earlier in the episode when Will’s friend Mike theorizes that Will can control the Demogorgons through his connection to the hive mind. This theory is put to the test when Will sees through the eyes of a Demogorgon and causes it to back off. This moment leads to a conversation between Mike and Will about Will’s innate powers, likening him to a sorcerer.

Meanwhile, Will’s friend Robin opens up to him about her own journey of self-acceptance, which mirrors Will’s own struggles. As the Demogorgons close in on their friends, Will reflects on his childhood memories and finds the strength to save them, embracing his true self in the process.

Actor Noah Schnapp, who plays Will, has also had a personal journey of self-acceptance, coming out as gay after his character’s storyline in the show. Schnapp poured his heart and soul into portraying Will’s coming out journey on screen, hoping to inspire both queer and straight audiences alike.

In Season 5, Schnapp’s dedication to the role is evident, as he underwent intense training and filming schedules to bring Will’s powers to life. His portrayal of Will as a powerful sorcerer, reminiscent of a silverback gorilla, showcases the character’s growth and strength in the face of adversity.

As “Stranger Things” continues to captivate audiences with its mix of supernatural thrills and heartfelt moments, Will Byers’ journey stands out as a powerful and inspiring story of self-acceptance and empowerment. With the final season on the horizon, fans can expect even more twists and turns as Will and his friends face their biggest challenges yet. In the latest season of “Stranger Things,” fans were treated to a new side of Will Byers, played by Noah Schnapp, as he showcased his newfound powers. In a recent interview, Schnapp shared some insights into his character’s journey and the challenges he faced while filming the action-packed scenes.

Schnapp revealed that he first learned about the extent of Will’s powers when he read the script for Episode 4. The revelation came as a surprise to him, and he couldn’t contain his excitement. He vividly remembers running out of the shower to share the news with his assistant, exclaiming, “Oh, my God, I have powers!” The actor had to wait two years for fans to see his character’s transformation on screen, but he described it as the “coolest thing ever.”

When discussing how Matt and Ross Duffer approached Will’s abilities, Schnapp revealed that they left it up to him to interpret and portray. This was a challenge for the actor, as the powers were entirely new and required him to create them from scratch. Schnapp recalled FaceTiming the Duffer brothers to establish how the powers would work, especially in comparison to Eleven’s abilities. He focused on showcasing the differences in physicality and gestures to convey the uniqueness of Will’s powers.

One of the most challenging sequences for Schnapp to film was Vecna’s attack on the military base in Hawkins. The actor revealed that it took about a month to shoot the action-packed scenes, with most of the filming done overnight. Schnapp described the experience as becoming nocturnal and feeling like a bat. Despite the long hours, he enjoyed working alone on set and had the freedom to experiment with his performance.

Schnapp also shared insights into filming Will’s face-off with Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower. The physically demanding scene required Schnapp to be on a harness for long periods, causing strain on his neck. Despite the challenges, Schnapp praised Bower for his terrifying portrayal of Vecna, which made it easier for him to convey fear and tension in the scene.

To prepare for the supernatural elements of his character, Schnapp worked with an acting coach to master the physicality required for Will’s powers. He mentioned using animalistic movements, such as channeling a silverback gorilla, to make the scenes feel believable and otherworldly.

Overall, Schnapp’s dedication to his character and commitment to bringing Will’s powers to life on screen shine through in the latest season of “Stranger Things.” Fans can look forward to seeing more of Will’s journey as he navigates his newfound abilities in the upcoming episodes. I hope I didn’t just spoil everything for everyone.” It’s really just getting into your body, feeling the fear, and expressing it in a way that feels real and authentic.

What is it like for you to watch yourself do that onscreen?

It’s wild. It’s so strange to see myself do something like that, but I think it’s also really cool. I’m just proud of myself for being able to do that, to tap into those emotions and really give it my all. It’s definitely a surreal experience, but one that I think is ultimately rewarding.

What are you most excited for fans to see in this new season?

I’m just really excited for them to see how Will’s character continues to grow and evolve. There are so many twists and turns in this season, and I think fans are going to be really surprised by where his character goes. It’s a really exciting journey, and I can’t wait for people to experience it along with him.

And what’s next for you after “Stranger Things”?

Well, I’ve got a few projects in the works that I’m really excited about. I can’t say too much about them yet, but I think fans are going to be really excited to see what’s coming next. I’m just grateful for all the opportunities that “Stranger Things” has brought me, and I can’t wait to see where my career takes me next.

The process of filming the latest season of “Stranger Things” has been a transformative experience for actor Noah Schnapp. Playing the role of Will Byers presented him with some of the most challenging scenes he has ever faced as an actor. The character’s complex emotions and traumas, including his fear of Vecna, dealing with an abusive father, bullying at school, and struggling with self-identity, required Schnapp to dig deep and truly understand the character on a profound level.

One of the highlights for Schnapp was watching the fourth episode of the season with his co-stars Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, and Gaten Matarazzo. Their reactions to the episode were priceless, with screams, gasps, and applause for the Duffer Brothers’ storytelling prowess. Schnapp’s hope is to watch the season finale with his co-stars as well, further bonding over their shared experiences on the show.

Watching the episode for the first time alone was a different experience for Schnapp, as he tends to be self-critical and analytical of his performance. However, watching it with his sister allowed him to get lost in the story and appreciate the show as a viewer.

One standout moment in the episode for Schnapp was the sequence featuring home movies of a young Will Byers, capturing moments from his childhood. Schnapp was eager to see the casting of the young versions of the characters and was delighted by the realistic portrayals, especially the adorable young Will.

Reflecting on the delayed production of the season due to the pandemic and strikes, Schnapp acknowledged that filming the season at a different stage of his life would have impacted his portrayal of Will’s journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment as a gay man. The character’s resilience and strength resonated with Schnapp, who has grown in confidence and self-belief over the years. Bringing Will’s empowering arc to life was a source of pride for Schnapp, highlighting the character’s journey from a vulnerable, stepped-on kid to a powerful and inspiring individual.

In conclusion, Schnapp’s portrayal of Will Byers in the latest season of “Stranger Things” has been a deeply personal and transformative experience. His growth as an actor and as a person shines through in the character’s journey, making it a powerful and inspiring story to bring to life on screen.

This interview with Noah Schnapp has been edited and condensed for clarity and brevity.

For more insights into the world of “Stranger Things,” check out these related articles:
– The Duffer Brothers Answer Volume 1 Burning Questions
– Linda Hamilton on Being Millie Bobby Brown’s ‘Biggest Fan’
– Shawn Levy on ‘Sticking the Landing’ for Season 5
– David Harbour on How ‘Stranger Things’ Has Changed Him
– The Cast of ‘Stranger Things’ on the Show’s Final Days