After Rewatching Stranger Things, I Need To Put A Spotlight On Noah Schnapp’s Performance

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Lots of streaming services have popular shows, but Stranger Things stands out, even among Netflix’s best. It’s been a truly amazing sci-fi series, and viewers have enjoyed watching the young actors grow up. While many of the cast members have become successful – especially Millie Bobby Brown, who played Eleven/Jane – I think Noah Schnapp’s performance as Will Byers didn’t get the recognition it deserved.

With the upcoming Season 5 being the last of Stranger Things, I recently revisited the earlier seasons. I’d forgotten many details after all this time, and watching again, I was really struck by Noah Schnapp’s powerful and emotional performance as Will, especially in Season 2.

I Feel Like Noah Schnapp Didn’t Get His Flowers In The Early Days

The very first scene of Stranger Things Season 5 mirrored Will Byers’ disappearance in Season 1, bringing the story full circle. Though his time trapped in the Upside Down limited his appearances in the initial season, Noah Schnapp quickly became a main cast member starting with Season 2, and his performance in those episodes is particularly memorable.

A major storyline in Stranger Things Season 2 focuses on Will’s trauma and the disturbing visions he has of the Upside Down. These early episodes are particularly heartbreaking for the character, largely due to Noah Schnapp’s powerful performance. When Will becomes possessed by the Mind Flayer, Schnapp delivers an even more impressive performance, with scenes reminiscent of classic horror films like The Exorcist.

Finn Wolfhard has delivered some truly moving performances recently, like his emotional scene in the car. However, revisiting earlier seasons really highlights how impressive his acting was from the beginning, both emotionally and physically.

He Hasn’t Gotten The Same Attention As Other Cast Members

Although Will Byers is a central character in the show, Noah Schnapp didn’t receive as much early recognition as some of the other young actors. Millie Bobby Brown quickly became very famous, landing leading roles in films like Enola Holmes and Godzilla, and appearing in projects such as Damsel and The Electric State. Finn Wolfhard has also been consistently working in movies and has even started directing. Gaten Matarazzo returned to Broadway, earning praise for his roles in Dear Evan Hansen and Sweeney Todd, and Sadie Sink has also performed on Broadway and in films like Fear Street.

I’m not suggesting Finn Wolfhard is the only one who’s been busy – Schnapp has had some good roles too, like in Hubie Halloween and as the voice of Charlie Brown in The Peanuts Movie. I just thought his performance was particularly strong in Stranger Things Season 2, and it’s something people might have forgotten.

You can only watch Stranger Things on Netflix, and the fifth and final season will be released in three parts throughout 2025. This staggered release is likely intended to keep fans engaged over a longer period and generate buzz around the show during the holidays, rather than having everyone watch it all at once.

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2025-11-26 20:13