The fifth season of Stranger Things has at last given fans a pivotal conversation they have long awaited: Will Byers confronting his sexuality. This moment, a significant emotional milestone for the show’s LGBTQ+ audience, feels both poignant and authentic amidst the season’s broader supernatural turmoil. For years, viewers have speculated about Will’s identity, and this season’s narrative finally tenderly explores his journey toward self-acceptance through a meaningful dialogue with Robin Buckley, a character who has become a mentor figure for him.
Noah Schnapp, who plays Will, shared in an interview with Netflix’s TUDUM how important this arc was for his character. Speaking about his on-screen partnership with Maya Hawke’s Robin, Schnapp described their dynamic as mirroring their off-screen relationship, where Hawke became somewhat of an older sister and guide to him. He pointed out that it was crucial for Will’s story that he encounter someone like Robin, someone confident in her own identity, who could offer wisdom and support during his coming-of-age journey. This mentorship is not just narrative gold but also an affirmation of LGBTQ+ friendships that allow young people to find their truth in challenging circumstances.
Robin, who openly shares her own experience of realizing she was queer through a childhood crush, embodies a different yet relatable angle on sexual identity. Her story highlights the universal quest for internal validation rather than external approval, a theme that resonates authentically with many viewers. Hawke herself expressed to TUDUM how much she admired Schnapp’s commitment to playing such a nuanced and emotional role, emphasizing that Robin’s mentorship is as much for Will’s growth as it is a source of purpose for her character.
This storyline’s significance extends beyond the characters. Industry commentators and LGBTQ+ media have noted how the Duffer Brothers thoughtfully integrate queer representation into a mainstream, genre-driven show. The slow-burn revelation of Will’s sexuality, supported by subtle foreshadowing across earlier seasons, reflects a sensitive approach to coming-out narratives that respects the period setting of the 1980s. As Yahoo Entertainment points out, capturing the challenges of such a journey in that era adds layers of complexity and realism to the portrayal, elevating it beyond mere exposition to a more nuanced depiction.
Maya Hawke has revealed that Robin’s sexuality was a late creative decision during the season’s production, highlighting the evolving nature of storytelling in modern television where queer narratives are becoming integral rather than incidental. Both Hawke and her co-star Amybeth McNulty have spoken in interviews about their pride in representing LGBTQ+ characters and the positive impact their roles have had on viewers, particularly young queer fans who find visibility in these mainstream shows.
The growing friendship between Will and Robin, characterised by shared vulnerabilities and growth, has been praised as an important representation of queer mentorship. As The Direct underscores, their relationship is not romantic but deeply supportive, a vital portrayal of how LGBTQ+ young people often rely on friendships to navigate identity and acceptance.
Maya Hawke’s reflections to Gay Times about balancing Robin’s romantic storyline and her strong platonic bond with Steve further enrich the character’s depth, showcasing that queer identities in Stranger Things are explored with a commitment to authentic storytelling rather than stereotypes or tokenism.
[Image: Netflix]
Source: Noah Wire Services
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