Will's Coming Out Scene Took Longest to Write in Stranger Things

Major spoilers ahead for Stranger Things season 5! If you haven't caught up yet and want to avoid any reveals, stop reading now!

The latest batch of Stranger Things episodes delivered some massive moments that left fans reeling. Nancy came dangerously close to ending the world, Dustin finally figured out the real deal with the Upside Down, and Max managed to reconnect with her physical form. But perhaps the most emotionally charged scene involved Will Byers finally opening up about his sexuality to his friends and family - a moment that proved incredibly challenging for the show's creators to get right.

The Writing Challenge That Stumped the Creators

According to co-creator Matt Duffer, Will's heartfelt revelation required more writing effort than any other scene across all five seasons of the hit Netflix series. The creative team felt enormous pressure to handle the moment with care and authenticity.

"We were so concerned about getting it right," Matt Duffer explained to Variety during a detailed episode breakdown. "There were a lot of things that went into it. I mean, we're definitely nervous about how it's going to go over with everyone. But not as nervous as we were handing it over to [Will Byers actor] Noah [Schnapp]. Because ultimately, it needed to resonate and be truthful for him. We really were writing it to and for Noah. He wrote us sobbing after he read it. So it really worked and resonated for him, which was great."

Why the Scene Got Pushed Back a Whole Season

The Duffer Brothers originally planned for Will's big moment to happen much earlier. Ross Duffer revealed that the coming out scene was initially slated for season 4, but the extensive setup required for Vecna's storyline ate up too much screen time.

"We just realized we didn't have the space to do it properly," Ross noted. "I'm glad we didn't, because it really gave us time to arc an entire season toward this – toward this one moment. And yes, he is starting to embrace himself, which we see in Vol. 1. But what he realizes is that there's still something in there that Vecna exploits – which is that he hasn't told anyone about this. That ultimately led to the coming out scene."

From Private Moment to Group Confession

The scene itself underwent significant changes during development. Initially, the writers envisioned Will confiding only in his mother Joyce, but that approach didn't feel right.

"Originally, it was just going to be Joyce in the original draft of the outline and the scene was not hitting properly," Ross explained. "We realized that Joyce is an important part of this, but he really needed to do it in front of everyone."

In episode 7, titled 'The Bridge,' Will gathers his core group at The Squawk's headquarters - including Joyce, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Eleven. Through tears, he explains his long-held secret: "I haven't told any of you this, because I don't want you to see me differently. But the truth is, I am. I am different. I don't like girls. I mean, I do, just not like you guys do."

Will goes on to describe how Vecna has been tormenting him with visions of rejection and isolation following his hypothetical coming out. "I'm alone, and I know none of that has happened and I know Vecna can't see into the future but he can't see into our minds, and he knows things, and it felt so real."

The response from his loved ones is immediate and supportive. Joyce jumps in first, assuring Will that his fears "will never ever happen." Jonathan backs up his mother's words, while Lucas, Dustin, and the rest of the group show their unwavering support.