The fervent hopes of “Byler” shippers – those dedicated fans envisioning a romantic connection between Mike Wheeler and Will Byers on *Stranger Things* – are facing a new wave of uncertainty. Gaten Matarazzo, the actor who portrays Dustin Henderson, has publicly described the pair as “just very good friends.”
For years, the dynamic between Mike and Will has fueled intense speculation and passionate advocacy within the show’s fanbase. Season four’s confirmation of Will’s gay identity and his unspoken love for Mike only intensified the desire for a fulfilling resolution to their story.
Matarazzo addressed the widespread fan theories while discussing the most outlandish ideas he’s encountered. He acknowledged the popularity of “Stonathan” – a pairing of Steve Harrington and Jonathan Byers – playfully noting the appeal of seeing the two actors share a scene.
However, his comments regarding Mike and Will struck a different chord. He suggested a deeper, more relatable narrative at play, one centered on the universal experience of unrequited love and the challenges of self-discovery in a restrictive environment.
“Will is going through his own journey the way that a lot of young queer kids do in small towns,” Matarazzo explained. “It’s like noticing a crush on a friend you grew up with and not being able to talk about it. There’s something more powerful there than just, ‘I wonder if they’re going to kiss.’”
The reaction from “Byler” fans online has been swift and overwhelmingly disappointed, bordering on anger. Many expressed frustration with what they perceive as a dismissal of Will’s feelings and a downplaying of the significance of his story.
One fan on social media lamented the cast’s tendency to manage expectations, while another voiced heartbreak over what they saw as a minimization of Will’s long-held affection for Mike. A third expressed concern over the potential for Will’s queerness to be treated as a joke or a watered-down narrative.
Despite the discouraging words, some fans remain resolute in their belief that the Duffer Brothers, the show’s creators, have a satisfying conclusion planned. Noah Schnapp, who plays Will, recently offered a cryptic reassurance, stating that the story will be “closed really well.”
Schnapp described the storyline as an “authentic representation of a queer kid in the ‘80s,” drawing on his own personal experiences with unrequited love. He carefully avoided spoilers, but hinted at a thoughtful and impactful resolution.
The final episodes of *Stranger Things* season five are rapidly approaching, promising to deliver answers – and potentially heartbreak – to the long-standing questions surrounding Mike and Will’s relationship. The release dates are set for December 25th and 31st, depending on location.
