The original description for Stranger Things character Will Byers (played by Noah Schnapp) may give a clue at Will’s sexuality. Screen Rant reports that the Duffer brothers’ notes when pitching the show to networks described Will as having “sexual identity issues.”
“WILL BYERS […] is a sweet, sensitive kid with sexual identity issues. He only recently came to the realization that he does not fit into 1980s definition of ‘normal.’ His innocent choices, such as his colorful clothes, prove a constant source of bullying. Like Mike, Will escapes through fantasy gaming, where he can be himself, uninhibited. He has a close relationship with his mother, Joyce. His brother, Jonathan, helps raise him in lieu of their father, who abandoned them four years ago,” the notes read.
The description appears to confirm a fan theory that Will is gay. However, it’s unclear if the original character description will follow into the show’s current storylines. Fans began to speculate about Will’s sexuality after season three saw his friends begin to embark on romantic storylines.
Lucas and Max enter an on-again-off-again romance. Eleven and Mike’s own romance has become irritating to Jim Hopper as the tweens only want to spend time alone together. Dustin is also smitten with a girl, Suzie, who he met at camp. In one season three scene, Will leaves Lucas and Mike when he grows tired of hearing them discuss their romantic relationships.
“It’s not my fault you don’t like girls,” Mike tells Will.
Some fans thought this alluded to Will being gay while other fans thought it meant Will just hadn’t grown an interest in romance like his friends had.