Noah Schnapp Teases Shocking Stranger Things Season 5 Twist—Fans Can’t Handle It

Dateline: 25 November 2025 Noah Schnapp Responds to Renewed Online Backlash as Stranger Things Season 5 Nears Release Fans of Netflix’s flagship series are counting down to the two-part premiere of Stranger Things Season 5, but lead actor Noah Schnapp is entering the promotional cycle under a fresh wave of criticism tied to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The 21-year-old, who plays Will Byers, addressed the controversy during Time magazine’s set-visit cover story, admitting that growing up “in touch with my fan base” comes with “pros and cons” and that he is “still a kid trying to figure it out”. ORIGIN OF THE DISPUTE The backlash stems from a November 2023 Instagram Story in which Schnapp and friends held stickers declaring “Zionism is sexy.” The clip circulated just weeks after Israel intensified operations in Gaza, prompting calls to boycott Stranger Things unless Netflix removed the actor. Although Schnapp later posted a TikTok clarifying that his “thoughts and beliefs have been misconstrued,” critics continue to flood his social-media comments with “Free Palestine” messages. SOCIAL-MEDIA SILENCE Since January 2024 the actor’s TikTok account has been deactivated, according to analytics tracker Social Blade, while commenting on his Instagram feed is now restricted. A co-branded Prada Beauty reel shared this month still drew hundreds of political replies, illustrating how the controversy follows Schnapp beyond the Stranger Things fandom. NETFLIX STANCE AND FAN BOYCOTT THREATS Neither Netflix nor the Duffer Brothers have issued public statements on the matter. However, insiders note the streamer’s marketing plan—four episodes on Thanksgiving Eve, three at Christmas, and the movie-length finale on New Year’s Eve—aims to maximize conversation and dampen spoiler leaks. Whether boycott calls will translate into reduced viewership remains to be seen, but industry analysts expect a “victory lap” regardless of sentiment, citing parallels to Game of Thrones’ ratings surge during its polarizing final season. CAREER IMPACT Away from social media, Schnapp is finishing his business degree at the University of Pennsylvania and recently inked partnerships with Prada Beauty and several gaming brands. PR strategists say the timing of these deals underscores advertisers’ belief that Stranger Things’ cultural footprint outweighs the risk of negative press. WHAT’S NEXT FOR WILL BYERS Plot specifics remain under wraps, but leaked set photos confirm Schnapp’s Will reunites with the core “Party” to confront Vecna inside a militarized, quarantined Hawkins. The actor has publicly thanked co-star Winona Ryder for mentoring him through emotionally demanding scenes, including Season 5’s rumored hospital sequence. BOTTOM LINE With Stranger Things poised to dominate year-end streaming charts, Noah Schnapp’s every move will be scrutinized. Whether his recent comments help defuse tensions—or reignite them—viewers will decide when Season 5 premieres on 26 November 2025.