With Stranger Things heading towards its long-awaited finale, Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers, has shared a heartfelt message with fans, reflecting on the emotional journey of the series and the community it has built over the years.
Ahead of the final episode’s release, Schnapp took to Instagram to post a series of behind-the-scenes photos from the set. Accompanying the images was a deeply personal note in which he encouraged viewers to slow down and fully experience the closing chapter of the show.
“As we head into the final week of Stranger Things, please take a moment to really soak it in,” he wrote. “Cherish these last moments, finding comfort in your favourite characters, debriefing with friends, and reliving scenes together online afterward. These matter more than we sometimes realise.”
The actor also spoke about the sense of family that has grown between the cast and the audience, describing how meaningful it has been to witness fans connect with one another through the show. “I’m truly so grateful for the family we’ve built here,” Schnapp shared. “I love you all like my own close friends and family.”
He went on to reflect on the joy of seeing fans form friendships and find belonging through the series. “One of the greatest joys for me has been watching you form real friendships with each other, meeting you unexpectedly in public, or connecting through DMs and video games,” he wrote, adding that Stranger Things has offered many people a sense of acceptance. “You will always have a place with me and in this show, no matter who you are. We love you exactly as you are.”
Schnapp concluded by underlining what he believes is the core message of the series. “If there’s one thing to remember from our show, it’s that connection is what keeps us alive,” he wrote, urging fans to embrace their true selves and allow themselves to be seen.
Stranger Things 5 has been released in two parts, with Volume 1 debuting on November 26 and Volume 2 arriving on Netflix on Christmas Day. The final episode, titled Stranger Things: The Finale – The Right Side Up, will stream globally on New Year's Eve.