Duffer Brothers Reveal Will’s Major Scene in Stranger Things Season 5 Took the Longest to Write: “We’re Anxious About Audience Reactions”

Warning! This article contains major spoilers for Stranger Things season 5. If you’re not caught up and want to avoid any spoilers, it’s best to turn back now!

Stranger Things season 5 Vol. 2 is packed with significant events. In just three episodes, Nancy nearly brought about the end of the world, Dustin uncovered the true nature of the Upside Down, and Max managed to return to her physical form. Meanwhile, Will came out to his friends and family as gay in an effort to break free from Vecna’s mind control. The Duffer Brothers revealed that this particular scene took the longest to write throughout the entire five-season series.

“We were really focused on getting it right,” co-creator Matt Duffer shared in a post-episode discussion. “There were many factors to consider. We felt a lot of pressure about how it would be received, but we were even more anxious about handing it over to Noah Schnapp, who plays Will. It had to resonate and feel authentic for him. He wrote us a heartfelt message after reading it, so it clearly struck a chord.”

Ross Duffer added that Will’s coming out moment was initially intended for season 4, but due to the extensive setup involving Vecna, they decided to hold off. “We realized we didn’t have the time to do it justice,” he explained. “I’m glad we waited because it allowed us to build an entire season toward this pivotal moment. Yes, he starts to embrace his identity, which we see in Vol. 1, but he also realizes that there’s still something Vecna can exploit—his silence about it. This led to the coming out scene. Initially, it was just going to be Joyce in the draft, but we recognized that he needed to share this with everyone.”

In episode 7, titled ‘The Bridge,’ Will gathers Joyce, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Eleven, and others at The Squawk’s headquarters to explain why he has often felt out of sync with his Dungeons & Dragons-loving friends.

“I haven’t told any of you this because I didn’t want you to see me differently. But the truth is, I am. I am different. I don’t like girls,” he confesses, tears in his eyes. “I mean, I do, just not in the way you guys do.”

He continues, revealing that Vecna has been haunting him with visions of his coming out and the potential fallout, where some of his closest friends “worry” for him while others pull away. “I’m alone, and I know none of that has happened, and I know Vecna can’t see the future, but he can read our minds, and it felt so real.”

Joyce, played by Winona Ryder, is the first to interrupt, assuring him that none of that “will ever happen.” Jonathan, Will’s brother, echoes her support, joined by Lucas, Dustin, and the rest of the group.

Stranger Things season 5 Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 are available for streaming now. Don’t miss the finale!