Noah Schnapp, the actor behind Will Byers in the global Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things, has directly addressed the long-running fan theories about a potential romance between his character and Mike Wheeler. The comments were made during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with host Andy Cohen on 17 December 2025, offering a poignant glimpse into the emotional journey awaiting fans in the show's final season.
An Authentic Portrayal of Queer Experience
When asked by Cohen about the fervent fan desire to see 'Byler' become canon, Schnapp framed Will's storyline as a genuine reflection of a specific experience. "It's a real authentic representation of a queer kid in the 80s," Schnapp stated. He then drew a powerful parallel to his own life, adding, "I've dealt with that myself - being in love with my best friend and maybe they don't love you back, they feel differently."
This personal connection suggests the actor deeply relates to Will's arc of unrequited love, a plot point confirmed in Stranger Things 4 where Will's hidden feelings for Mike were revealed. Schnapp's remarks strongly imply that Mike does not reciprocate Will's romantic feelings, setting up a potentially heart-wrenching dynamic for the concluding chapter.
Happiness Without Spoilers
While carefully avoiding concrete spoilers for the highly anticipated Stranger Things 5 finale, Schnapp expressed confidence in how the show's creators, the Duffer Brothers, have chosen to conclude the story. "I'm not gonna spoil anything but I think the Duffer [Brothers] close it really well," he told Cohen.
Pressed on whether he was personally satisfied with the ending, Schnapp replied with a definitive "Oh yeah." This assurance offers hope to fans that while a romantic union between Will and Mike may not be in the cards, Will's narrative could still reach a fulfilling and positive resolution that honours his character's journey.
Co-Star Finn Wolfhard Weighs In
Schnapp is not the only cast member to comment on the popular 'shipping' theory. Mike Wheeler actor Finn Wolfhard recently shared his perspective in an interview with Attitude magazine. "I mean with the shipping thing, that’s always, I think, a thing with fans of the show," Wolfhard said. He expressed a degree of narrative scepticism, noting, "To be honest, that's something in the show that I feel like if that did happen, [it] wouldn't feel that earned?"
Wolfhard instead highlighted the show's core theme of acceptance, stating, "What's so great about the show is that people are able to sort of be themselves and be accepted for who they are." He concluded by admitting he tends to avoid the online discourse, focusing on his work: "Honestly, I'll just go and film. I don't really look as much on the internet about this stuff."
The build-up to the final season continues to generate intense speculation. With Schnapp's heartfelt comments underscoring the authenticity of Will's story, audiences are left to await the definitive answer when Stranger Things 5 premieres.
