As Stranger Things heads into its fourth season, we've seen the show delve deeper into the character of Will Byers (Noah Schnapp), who didn't figure as prominently in seasons past.
In season 3, it seemed like parts of Will’s character were called into question, when Mike (Finn Wolfhard) claimed that Will “didn’t like girls,” which led to speculation about Will's sexuality. But according to Schnapp, it’s up to the audience to decide.
“There’s nothing set in stone. It’s kind of up to the audience, and I think the [creators Matt and Ross Duffer] did that on purpose,” the 15-year-old actor told The Hollywood Reporter recently. “Some people perceive it as Will could be gay, asexual or whatever. Or, like how I see it, he was stuck in the Upside Down, and he was away for so long that all of his friends started growing up while he was in this other world. When he came back, everyone was all grown up, and he was still a little kid who still wanted to do little kid things like play D&D. He wasn’t ready to face this maturity and get into relationships. So, I think that’s what Will is going through right now.”
Speculation about Will's sexuality is nothing new. According to Screen Rant, the original character description is as follows: “Will Byers, twelve, is a sweet, sensitive kid with sexual identity issues. He only recently came to the realization that he does not fit into 1980s definition of 'normal.' His innocent choices, such as his colorful clothes, prove a constant source of bullying. Like Mike, Will escapes through fantasy gaming, where he can be himself, uninhibited. He has a close relationship with his mother, Joyce. His brother, Jonathan, helps raise him in lieu of their father, who abandoned them four years ago.”
Though that description doesn't confirm his sexual identity, it certainly lends credence to the idea that Will's essence is open for interpretation. Perhaps we'll find out more when Stranger Things 4 hits Netflix later this year.
