Stranger Things 4 set up the final confrontation between Eleven and Vecna...but it also hinted at how WILL BYERS is going to be the key character in the final season. His hidden secret, connection with Vecna...all of it is going to be key in season 5.

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Written by Adam Loyd
Hosted by Ryan Arey (  / ryanarey  )
Edited by Sean Martin and Srinidhi Rao

Welcome back Screencrush. Stranger Things Season Four has just released season four-volume two, and before we dive into our theories, and speculations on where season five might be headed…there seems to be something that Vecna’s BFF Will Byers wants to get off his chest. [clip] [clip]

In today’s video, we’re going to make an assumption that has been widely adopted and accepted throughout the entire Hawkins fanbase. An assumption that is strongly hinted at on several different occasions. Towards the end, we’re even going to go out on a limb and make a prediction on how that assumption might be the key to closing that pesky upside-down door, forever.

Will Byers is gay.

And we love that. Good for you Will! But what some viewers might be confused about, is WHY Will has been struggling for years to bring himself the bit of peace that he deserves. I mean, come on, this kid has gone through it again…

First and foremost, it is not our job here at ScreenCrush to out certain characters. Especially a teenager. We are simply here to help certain viewers understand WHY this particular moment might be put on hold for the final season, and why Will Byers might be the one character in the series that encompasses the show's theme of fear and bravery. Shout out to our nerdy gay contributing writer Adam Loyd for the perspective.

Stranger Things is set in the 80s at the height of the Reagan/Bush AIDS Crisis. [broll]

This was a period of time in the United States when AIDS took the lives of thousands of homosexuals who seemingly had no help from their government or fellow citizens. In fact, in the 80’s/early 90’s being HIV positive or having AIDS in America meant that you were treated as an outcast. This has nothing to do with Will, just a reminder of the times the show is set in. This is the world that Will currently lives in.

Throughout the series, we have seen several 80’s easter eggs and newscasts that show us that Hawkins Indiana isn't the most friendly place. Even in this last season, we heard a newscast speculating that locals are even beginning to believe that their town is cursed. [clip]

All of that being said, men living out and proud in the mid to late 80s in Hawkins Indiana was probably not something Will ever saw or believed was possible. Also. we can't forget that even as a younger child, Will was shamed by his own douchebag father. [clip]

Coming out of the closet is a time in a queer person's life when the stakes couldn't be higher. They have no idea how the world will accept them - IF they'll accept them, and if the love of their friends and family will remain intact once they expose their true selves. Put all of this in the perspective of Will Byers, and the kid has a lot to lose. [clip]

Growing up with no example or guidance in the community you belong to can be HELLA lonely. Will does belong to a tight close-knit group of friends who have literally helped save his life and the world from an other-worldly demonic entity. To think that the thing hiding inside of him might drive a wedge between himself and the ones he loves the most is probably more terrifying than being chased by a six-legged mind flayer. [clip]