Stranger Things star explains benefit of huge gaps between seasons as fans complain

Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp has explained why having years-long gaps between seasons helped the development of his character Will Byers.

Fans of the iconic Netflix series have been waiting nearly a decade to see how events in Hawkins, Indiana wrap up, with lengthy wait times between the latter seasons proving to be a point of contention among impatient fans.

Seasons one, two and three of Stranger Things were released in 2016, 2017 and 2019 respectively, which isn't that long of a wait when you consider the fact that most TV shows have two to three years between seasons.

However, the fairly sharp turnaround turned into three-year waits for both seasons four and five, something which fans have been very vocal about.

The long gaps were frustrating for fans but allowed one actor to better develop his character (Netflix)

While it's worth noting the reason for such long gaps between the later seasons of Stranger Things was down to a global pandemic and a Hollywood writers strike - both of which were out of the showrunners' control - waiting years between seasons does cause issues for fans.

For example, long waits for new episodes mean that viewers run the risk of forgetting the events of previous seasons or even losing interest in show entirely.

And this doesn't factor in continuity issues with rapidly aging child actors - with Schnapp being 'de-aged' in a flashback scene this season, which was widely derided as 'unsettling'.

Despite the complaints and delays, the large gaps did end up being beneficial for Schnapp for one very specific reason.

Speaking about the final season in a new interview with Variety, Schnapp explained that his personal journey outside of the show allowed him to give a better performance as his character Will Byers.

"If I filmed it few years ago, yeah, I wouldn’t have had anywhere close to the amount of inner belief that I could harness," the 21-year-old explained. "No, it wouldn’t have been as strong."

Schnapp came out as gay in January 2023, a decision he felt able to do thanks to his character also being LGBTQ.

Schanpp came out as gay in 2023 (Gerald Matzka/Getty Images for Netflix)

Explaining that Will's journey and understanding his identity has often mirrored his own, The Tutor actor agreed that having a longer wait between seasons has been personally beneficial to his portrayal of Will and that powers which his character ultimately develops.

"I have found through the years a lot more confidence and strength in myself," Schnapp said.

"He’s been through so much, and he always comes out of it pushing through and not letting any of it jade him.

"And to make it now all the way to this final moment, and not just be pushing through it, but rising above it and stronger than we’ve ever seen him before is so empowering and so inspiring.

"It’s just such a powerful message that I’m so proud to have brought to life."