Noah Schnapp comes out as gay in a new TikTok using the perfect Stranger Things reference. Starring in the hit Netflix show, Schnapp plays Hawkins resident Will Byers, who sets the series in motion when he goes missing in the Upside Down. While discovered to be alive by his friends and family, Will continues to struggle with visions of the terrifying dimension. Since his return, Stranger Things viewers have watched over the years as he attempts to settle back into normalcy but ultimately fails to keep up with his peers. Much speculation has surrounded his sexuality, as years of hints have pointed to him being gay.

Now, Schnapp reveals his own sexuality, coming out as gay in a TikTok video perfectly referencing his Stranger Things character. Alluding to Will’s identity, Schnapp hilariously captioned the video, “I guess I’m more similar to will than I thought”, with the video also reading, “When I finally told my friends and family I was gay after being scared in the closet for 18 years and all they said was ‘we know’.” In the background of the TikTok, the viral sound “It was never that serious” plays, referencing how his family knew and has always accepted him.

What We Know About Will’s Stranger Things Season 5 Story

While Stranger Things is a fantasy/horror series, it’s still a coming-of-age story at its core. For years, fans have speculated about Will’s sexuality. It all came to a head during season 4 when Will confesses his feelings for Mike (Finn Wolfhard), disguised as relationship advice for him and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown). He gifts Mike a painting, only to then silently turn away and begin crying, with Mike oblivious to the situation at hand.

While fans rejoiced at this revelation, Stranger Things has room for improvement. Although the conversation is a clear way for Will to come out, the word gay is not explicitly used. The same goes for Stranger Things season 3’s coming out scene, where Robin (Maya Hawke) comes out to Steve, but does not use the word lesbian. Plus, Will’s big moment was almost overshadowed by the fact that he was barely in season 4, and viewers felt like he was pushed aside. As Will set the story in motion, Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer have revealed that Will will be back in the spotlight for the final season. Schnapp himself has teased that in Stranger Things, “the story started with Will, and it’ll end with Will.” This means the next season could provide the perfect arc to conclude Will’s story, and hints at his survival.

The series will need to address Will’s sexuality in season 5. Luckily, both the Duffer brothers and Schnapp have alluded to Will exploring his identity. As Stranger Things takes place in the 1980s, a time when homophobia ran rampant, it’s clear Will might struggle to come to terms with his sexuality. On the other hand, now that Schnapp has come out as gay, this could affect how the story plays out. As Schnapp is clearly comfortable opening up about his sexuality, perhaps his own journey will influence how the Duffer brothers present Will’s. Only time will tell, but for now, here’s celebrating Schnapp’s brave decision to come out, and here’s hoping Will gets the conclusion he deserves when Stranger Things returns.