Noah Schnapp Shares What He Thought Was Missing Between Will and Mike in the Stranger Things Finale

Noah Schnapp as Will Byers and Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler in the ‘Stranger Things’ series finale.
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Netflix

Warning: This post contains spoilers for the Stranger Things finale.

NEED TO KNOW

• In the penultimate episode of Stranger Things, Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) came out as gay and hinted at his long-time crush on his best friend, Mike (Finn Wolfhard).
• Schnapp expressed to PEOPLE that there were feelings left “unsaid” between Will and Mike following the monologue, prompting him to request an additional scene for the finale.
• The added conversation, as described by Schnapp, provided a “completely closed and satisfying” conclusion.

Noah Schnapp recognized the need for a final moment between Will Byers and Mike Wheeler as Stranger Things reached its conclusion.

In the second-to-last episode, Schnapp’s character, Will, revealed his sexuality to friends and family just before confronting Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). He also alluded to his crush on Mike, a detail confirmed earlier in season four.

While he did not mention Mike specifically, Will stated, “I had this crush on someone even though I know, I know they’re not like me, but then I realized, he’s just my Tammy,” referencing a story shared by Robin (Maya Hawke) about her first crush.

Schnapp, 21, wanted to ensure that their long-standing friendship was sufficiently addressed before the series concluded.

“I did feel there was a little bit left unsaid with [episode 7]. I spoke to the Duffers, and they included a scene in the finale that wasn’t originally there to kind of close that story properly,” he explained, referring to creators Matt and Ross Duffer.

Noah Schnapp as Will Byers and Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler in the ‘Stranger Things’ series finale.

Netflix

The pivotal scene occurs as the group climbs a radio tower to approach the Abyss. Mike stumbles over his apology to Will for being “self-absorbed” and not being supportive enough. Will promptly reassures him, stating, “It needed to happen the way it happened. I needed to find my own way.”

The two friends then affirm their commitment to remain “best friends,” alleviating any concerns Will might have had regarding the impact of his confession on their bond.

Schnapp valued the trust he felt from the Duffer brothers when proposing the addition of that conversation.

“If something doesn’t work, or if something feels not right, you can speak to them, and they will work with you,” he remarked regarding the show’s creators.

Schnapp concluded that the final dialogue between Mike and Will created a “completely closed and satisfying” narrative, asserting, “I think the fans will be happy.”

Previously, the Duffer brothers disclosed that Mike understood during Will’s coming-out scene that he was the secret crush referenced.

“That was the intent,” Ross Duffer stated. “As Will discusses Tammy and his experience, it becomes apparent that it’s Mike—along with his friends—realizing what his friend is saying for the first time.”

Ross further elucidated, “He’s understanding what Will felt over the years,” although he noted that Mike is not the focus of that particular moment. “It’s about Will understanding who he is and being less fearful in expressing himself to all his friends and family.”

Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers, Noah Schnapp as Will Byers, and Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler in ‘Stranger Things’ season 5.

COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Schnapp described the scene as “perfectly” executed.

“I was nervous, thinking, ‘How are they going to write that?’ However, upon reading it, I cried. I thought, ‘This is perfect. They did it,’” Schnapp reflected on the important scene for his character.

He appreciated that it “wasn’t just a sob fest” and noted that Will relived happy memories, which made the impact even stronger.

Stranger Things season 5 is available for streaming on Netflix.