Table of Contents
For Noah Schnapp, the end of Stranger Things isn’t just the closing of a TV era — it’s the end of an entire chapter of his life. After nearly a decade of playing Will Byers, the 21-year-old actor is preparing to say goodbye to the character that grew up with him and introduced him to the world.
As the fifth and final season of the hit Netflix series approaches, Schnapp admitted he’s been feeling the emotional weight of this transition. When Stranger Things premiered in 2016, he was just a shy, soft-spoken kid stepping into his first major role. “I was just playing myself in the beginning,” he says. “I was that shy, timid little boy.”
Over the years, both Schnapp and Will have evolved. Will went from a frightened child trapped in the Upside Down to a more self-assured, emotionally grounded young adult. And while Stranger Things unfolded on screen, Schnapp’s real life followed its own parallel storyline. He pursued higher education, enrolling at the University of Pennsylvania to study film. Now, with graduation approaching, he finds himself at a crossroads.
“I’m graduating in a few months at the same time the finale is coming out,” Schnapp reveals. “All these chapters of my childhood are closing, and now I’m stepping into a brand new world where anything can happen. It’s equally terrifying and exciting.”
Growing Up in Hawkins and Hollywood
After spending ten years on set, Schnapp says Stranger Things played a major role in shaping him — personally and professionally. He’s no longer the quiet kid unsure of his place on set. Over time, he learned how to use his voice, understand the craft, and collaborate creatively.
“I’ve found a lot more confidence as an actor,” he explains. “When I was younger, I was just there being pushed around and told what to do, trying to figure out what I’m allowed to speak up for and not. Now I know my part in this whole project. I’m allowed to have a point of view and speak on it.”
Being surrounded by talented directors and cast members helped him grow. He describes the experience as being a sponge — constantly absorbing, learning, and experimenting. This growth has allowed him to advocate more strongly for Will’s character, ensuring the character’s arc stays honest and impactful.
Pressure, Nostalgia, and the Final Season
Even though Schnapp is proud of how far he has come, stepping into the final season came with its own challenges. The show has become a global phenomenon, and the expectation for its finale is massive.
“This is the season I was the most nervous for,” he says. “The show grows and grows every year. With this final season also being the last, there was so much pressure on it.”
Still, the nervousness was matched with excitement — especially when reuniting with the cast he’s grown up with. Schnapp says their bond is unlike anything else in his life. They may all remain friends forever, but the unique closeness they share during filming — day after day, scene after scene — can’t be replicated.
“I’m always trying to be as present as possible through it,” he says. “These people are my best friends, and filming with them is something I’ll never experience the same way again.”
Will Byers: From Trembling Child to Powerful Young Adult
Schnapp is proud of Will’s evolution and believes fans will see the character at his strongest yet.
“Will’s been through so much,” he says. “All those trials shaped him into such a strong person. When you come out the other side of that kind of trauma, you know so much more about yourself.”
He teases that Will steps into the first volume of the final season with a maturity and emotional clarity that longtime fans will immediately notice.
Memories From the Final Filming Days
Behind the scenes, season five was filled with emotional highs and celebratory moments. The cast, who quite literally grew up together, made sure to cherish the time they had left.
Schnapp recalls some of his favorite memories:
- Celebrating Caleb McLaughlin’s birthday with a late-night outing
- Attending a Charlie XCX concert for his own birthday
- Spending Canadian Thanksgiving at Finn Wolfhard’s house
- Countless hangouts and sleepovers at Millie Bobby Brown’s home
- Legendary parties hosted by Millie, including Halloween and Fourth of July celebrations
He says they made a point of spending time together outside of filming, nurturing their relationships and enjoying the last chapter of their shared journey. But one moment stands out above all — the final day on set.
“The last day was the most memorable for me,” he shares, though he keeps the details close to protect the emotional journey fans will soon witness.
As Stranger Things comes to a close, Schnapp prepares to step into adulthood with gratitude, courage, and the bittersweet joy of finishing something extraordinary.
