Mind-Blowing Revelations: Will's Hidden Truths Revealed in Stranger Things
Exploring subtle hints in Stranger Things that suggest Will Byers may be gay, adding depth to his character Uncover the overlooked moments that shed light on his journey of self-discovery and acceptance
Will Byers' sexuality has been a topic of speculation among Stranger Things fans, and in season 4, Noah Schnapp confirmed that Will is gay and has feelings for Mike. This revelation came after a gradual development of his character throughout the series. Despite subtle hints along the way, such as his childhood behaviors, it was easy to overlook due to the focus on other storylines. However, in season 4, it became more prominent and significant. As Will enters high school, it is natural for him to explore and understand his sexuality further. Here are eight instances in the show that subtly indicated Will's homosexuality.
8 Will Rejects A Girl That’s Flirting With Him
7 Will Is The Only One That Doesn’t Have A Girlfriend
In the opening episode of season 4, a female student inadvertently brushes her foot against Will's during class, causing him evident discomfort as he instinctively withdraws. At the time, this incident could have been dismissed as Will simply being his socially awkward self early on in the season. However, looking back, it becomes evident that he did not desire or welcome this type of attention from a girl.
Despite the presence of Eleven and Max in Stranger Things, Will lacks experience with girls and initially didn't care for them. This may explain why he rejected their advances. However, it is noteworthy that all of his friends in the Party have girlfriends, including Dustin. While Lucas and Dustin were enamored with Max upon her arrival, Will remained disinterested. Unlike his friends, he has yet to display any interest in pursuing a romantic relationship.
6 Will Tells Joyce He’s Not Going To Fall In Love
One could argue that his youth may excuse his disinterest in girls at the moment. However, this could potentially be a hint towards his actual sexual orientation. He expressed his discontent with his friends having girlfriends, longing for everything to remain unchanged.
In season 3's premiere, Jonathan finds himself rushing out the door for work, only to have Joyce remove lipstick from his face. Will finds this distasteful, but Joyce assures him that he will understand once he falls in love. Will insists that he has no intention of falling in love. This statement may initially be interpreted as his disinterest in girls at his young age. However, fans overlooked the true meaning behind his words. The reality is that Will didn't believe he would ever fall in love because his romantic preferences were directed towards boys, for which he lacked any role models.
5 “It’s Not My Fault You Don't Like Girls” - Mike
It is truly devastating to consider his lack of vision for his own future rather than merely not contemplating it yet. With the growing clarity of the signs, perhaps the creators can craft a more optimistic trajectory for his character. Nonetheless, Will must overcome the looming threat of Vecna in Stranger Things prior to any potential happiness.
Furthermore, during season 3, a pivotal moment occurs when Mike confronts Will, saying, "It’s not my fault you don't like girls," during their heated argument. Despite the blatant delivery by the writers, this significant exchange went seemingly unnoticed by viewers. However, once the truth about Will's circumstances is revealed, this particular scene takes on a new and profound meaning. Its intensity becomes evident, leaving one questioning how no one had picked up on the underlying message at that moment.
4 Will Chose Alan Turing As His Hero For Class Project
3 Joyce Said His Dad Called Him Queer, And Hopper Asked: “Is He?”
Amidst the mockery faced by El's project, it is important not to overlook the fact that Will chose Alan Turing as his hero for the Stranger Things season 4 premiere. Turing is an intriguing historical figure, renowned for pioneering the modern computer and contributing significantly to the conclusion of World War II. Unfortunately, Turing had to navigate the challenges of being gay during a time when society did not accept it. It is therefore understandable that Will looked up to him, as he too grappled with similar circumstances. Although the 80s represented a step forward compared to the 40s and 50s, openly acknowledging one's homosexuality was still far from widely acceptable.
The Duffer Brothers hinted at Will's sexuality from the start in the pilot episode. When Will disappeared, Joyce sought Jim Hopper's help to find him. Hopper dismissed it as a typical case of a kid skipping school. However, Joyce insisted that Will was different and subjected to bullying by other children, with his own father even labeling him as "queer." Hopper then questioned if Will was indeed gay, to which Joyce deflected and simply stated that he was missing.
The first episode of Stranger Things introduces an idea without explicitly confirming or denying it. Hopper's questioning is not accusatory, but rather matter-of-fact. The show lays the groundwork for a slow burn of Will discovering his sexuality, rather than a slow-burn romantic relationship. It appears that Joyce has always known, but there is a hint of fear in her voice regarding the challenges Will may face. Her protective nature towards him remains unchanged, even when he comes out.
2 Conversation With Mike In The Van
In Stranger Things season 4, episode 8, a defining moment for Will's sexuality occurs during a conversation with Mike. This conversation takes place as Mike expresses his insecurities in his relationship with El. However, instead of looking directly at Mike, Will averts his gaze and utters, "These last few months, she's been so lost without you...she's so different from other people, and when you're different, sometimes you feel like a mistake." In this vulnerable moment, Will breaks down in tears, while Jonathan bears witness and seemingly comprehends the true significance behind these words.
1 Heart-To-Heart With Jonathan
This was the clearest indication of Will's emotions. He spoke not of El, but of himself. Consequently, Will found it impossible to maintain eye contact with Mike while expressing his thoughts. This scene evokes deep sorrow among viewers as they come to realize that Will harbors feelings of love for Mike. Yet, he assists him in his relationship with El because he believes he cannot reveal his true emotions to Mike.
In the season 4 finale, Jonathan engages in a heartfelt conversation with Will, expressing his longing for their past conversations and acknowledging the increasing complexities in their lives. He assures Will that he is there for him, creating a sense of comfort and understanding. This poignant moment shared between the two brothers serves as a seamless transition, as Jonathan reflects on Will's thoughts and feelings, ultimately conveying his unconditional acceptance.
Jonathan is expected to be the initial individual to whom Will discloses his true self in the upcoming season 5 of Stranger Things. With Noah's confirmation of Will's sexuality, the Duffer Brothers are now compelled to delve deeper into this aspect in the final season. It is essential to showcase a complete transformation, from Joyce's subtle hints about his orientation to Will embracing and taking pride in his identity.
