The original Stranger Things pitch says Will Byers has "sexual identity issues"

19 August 2019, 14:33

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By Katie Louise Smith

It sounds like Will Byers' sexuality was always meant to be a part of Stranger Things.

In Stranger Things 3, Will Byers' sexuality became one of the main talking points of the season following the character's argument with his best friend Mike Wheeler. The speculation continues into season 4, as it appears as though Will has a crush on Mike.

Will's sexuality had been hinted at since season 1, with school bully Troy calling him "gay" and Joyce revealing that his own father Lonnie used to call him homophobic slurs. In season 3, episode 3, it is hinted at again when Mike says "it's not my fault you don't like girls," after Will accuses his friends of spending too much time with their girlfriends.

Following Mike's comment in season 3 and the subsequent fandom speculation, both Noah Schnapp and Finn Wolfhard have weighed in with their thoughts and feelings about the sitch. But it seems like the confirmation of Will's sexuality lies within the original Stranger Things pitch book, created by Matt and Ross Duffer before the show had even started.

Will Byers' sexuality was on of Stranger Things 3 biggest talking points — Will Byers' sexuality was one of Stranger Things 3 biggest talking points. Picture: Netflix

As reported by ScreenRant, the original character description for Will Byers seemed to hint at his sexuality before he was even brought to life on screen.

In case you didn't know, Stranger Things was originally pitched under the name 'Montauk' and was a liiiittle bit different to the show we now know and love.

To help sell the show, the Duffer brothers created a pitch book which gave a basic outline of the show's original plot, as well as short descriptions of each of the major characters.

While some details about the other boys are different (Mike has a birthmark on his face, Lucas is short and has parents who are in the middle of a divorce and Dustin wears glasses), Will's description still seems to be spot on and appears to confirm that his sexuality was initially intended to be addressed within the series:

"Will Byers, twelve, is a sweet, sensitive kid with sexual identity issues," the original character description reads.

"He only recently came to the realisation that he does not fit into the 1980s definition of 'normal.' His innocent choices, such as colourful clothes, prove a constant source of bullying. Like Mike, Will escapes through fantasy gaming, where he can be himself, uninhibited. He has a close relationship with his mother, Joyce. His brother, Jonathan, helps raise him in lieu of their father, who abandoned them four years ago."

Mike Wheeler's off hand comment to Will Byers about girls sparked speculation about Will's sexuality. Picture: Netflix

While there's been no confirmation about Will's sexuality so far, it looks like the Duffer Brothers could still be working toward bringing that subject to the forefront of his character, particularly after that ambiguous moment in episode 3. (Even Finn Wolfhard is not entirely sure if that line was even about Will's sexuality...)

Will is only 15 years old and is still coping with the aftermath of his traumatic trip to the Upside Down and experience with the Mind Flayer. He's still catching up on life and is not at the same stage as Mike, Dustin and Lucas when it comes to dating. But, as we've already seen in Stranger Things 4 Volume 1, that could all change pretty soon.

Following the incredible response to Robin's coming out storyline in season 3, fans are dying to see if the show will finally address Will's sexuality in season 4. But whether or not the Duffer brothers stick to their original character description? We'll just have to wait and see...