Stranger Things' Duffer Brothers Defend Will's Emotional Coming-Out Scene Amid Backlash
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The highly-anticipated final season of Stranger Things concluded with its second volume on Christmas, setting the stage for the show's grand finale on New Year's Eve. While the series received widespread praise, a pivotal scene in episode 7, where Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) comes out to his loved ones, sparked controversy and review bombing on IMDb. The episode, 'Chapter Seven: The Bridge,' garnered a significantly lower rating of 5.6, the lowest in the show's history. In an interview with Variety, the Duffer Brothers acknowledged the backlash, stating they didn't anticipate the intense homophobic hate. Matt Duffer emphasized that the scene was a long-planned and deliberate plot point, intended to be impactful and meaningful. The creators expressed pride in the episode and Noah Schnapp's performance, citing his bravery and vulnerability in portraying the character's emotional journey. Despite the criticism, the Duffer Brothers remain committed to their vision, believing that the scene's importance outweighs the negative reactions. With Stranger Things concluding its five-season run, the show leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of the most influential and beloved TV series of the 21st century.