Stranger Things Creators Defend Will Coming Out Amid Review Bombing

The creators of “Stranger Things,” Matt and Ross Duffer, were taken aback by the review bombing that occurred after the release of the penultimate episode of the series on Netflix. Despite the backlash, they stand by their work and are proud of the direction they took the show in its final season.

The episode that caused the most controversy was “The Bridge,” where Will comes out as gay to his friends before facing off against Vecna. This pivotal moment in the series received mixed reviews, with the Rotten Tomatoes score dropping to 56%, the lowest of all the seasons. Despite the criticism, the Duffer Brothers believe that this scene was essential to the storyline and character development.

In an interview with Variety, Ross Duffer explained that the coming out scene was nine years in the making and was a crucial step in the characters’ journey to overcoming evil. The Duffer Brothers wanted to emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and embracing one another in the face of darkness.

For Noah Schnapp, the actor who portrays Will, the scene held personal significance. The Duffer Brothers made sure to prioritize Schnapp’s comfort and happiness with the scene, as they understood the impact it had on him. Despite the online hate, Schnapp and the creators remain proud of the scene and the message it conveys.

The Duffer Brothers spent a significant amount of time crafting the coming out scene, ensuring that it resonated authentically with Schnapp. The actor’s emotional reaction to reading the script confirmed that they had captured the essence of the moment. Schnapp’s dedication to the role and the scene’s authenticity shone through in his performance.

In hindsight, the Duffer Brothers admit they did not anticipate the homophobic backlash the scene would receive. However, they stand by their decision to include it in the storyline, believing it was a necessary and powerful moment for the character of Will.

Overall, the Duffer Brothers are proud of the final season of “Stranger Things” and the impact it has had on viewers. Despite the controversy surrounding the coming out scene, they remain steadfast in their commitment to telling authentic and meaningful stories.