The Duffer Brothers break down Will's superhero transformation in Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1, says 'it felt right' to come 'full circle'

*Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1. Readers' discretion is advised.*

While fans have mixed reactions to Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1 on Netflix, they cannot stop talking about Will Byers' (Noah Schnapp) superhero transformation in the final moments. Volume 1 (of the final season) of this Duffer Brothers-created sci-fi saga just dropped on the platform and fans are shocked by that jaw-dropping reveal in the finale.

The final moments of Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1 saw Mike, Lucas and Robin literally surrounded by Vecna's minions, ie, Demogorgons from all sides. Just when it looked like their ends were near, Will Byers channeled his inner connection to Vecna's hive mind and controlled the Demogorgons psionically.

In an interview with Netflix's Tudum, the Duffer Brothers break down Will's superhero transformation and how his connection to the Upside Down forms the heart of the narrative:

‘What if Will were able to harness this connection and use it against our villains?’ We also felt it very natural to recenter the story on Will. He was the kid who was taken in Season 1, so it felt right for the story to come full circle. If anyone’s going to be the key to ending Vecna, it needed to be Will.”

More on Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1 in our story.

Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1: Noah Schnapp and the Duffer Brothers break down Will's shocking transformation

After Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1, there's a new favorite character in town, Will Byers. While the meek teen had always been at the centre of the narrative, as the boy who vanished from Hawkins and was taken by Vecna into his Upside Down, the Volume 1 finale gave him his shining superhero moment.

Throughout Stranger Things, Will had struggled to come to terms with his weird connection to Vecna, the Upside Down and the Mind Flayer. Even after his return, he felt a strong connection to the evil entity, which only grew in the final season, as he realized that he could literally tap into Vecna's victims' minds and possibly save them. Will and the Hawkins' gang used this connection to save Holly's classmates, who were about to fall prey to Vecna.

However, Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1 shifted gears in the final moments when Will realized that he not only has a connection to Vecna's hive mind, but can also control the demogorgons psionically. This power upgrade only comes after Will accepts his true self and realizes his actual potential.

Talking about Will's growth over the seasons, the Duffer Brothers added:

''There is a lot that Will has been dealing with over the course of the four seasons prior to this — so many emotions and inner conflicts that remain unresolved. So we wanted him to grow as a human and become a fully formed version of who he is, to truly accept who he is. And once he’s able to do that, he’s able to harness these incredible powers.”

Among his friend group, Will was the one who struggled with his emotions and sexuality the most. While Mike, Lucas and Dustin found romantic partners and transitioned into adulthood seamlessly, Will failed to understand his complex feelings for Mike. His inner conflicts made him weak and a prey to Vecna's sick mind games, until the final moment in Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1.

Making good on Robin's advice, Will realizes his potential and controls the demogorgons, essentially saving Mike, Lucas and Robin. Schnapp breaks down Will's growth over the seasons as:

''I’m excited to see Will come into his own and be more sure of himself and see where that takes him. He’s more than just the kid who got kidnapped, and this season you see what's beyond that and the layers beneath him.''

He added:

''When Will finally realizes, “I accept myself, I love myself and what makes me different and unique,” he really flourishes.''

This was an exciting sequence for Noah Schnapp and brought out a new side of Will Byers' character in the series. With Will's jaw-dropping transformation and new psychic powers, the stage is set for Stranger Things Season 5 Part 2. While this was just a tease, the upcoming episodes will likely explore Will's strange powers and how he will use them to save his friends from the Upside Down and defeat Vecna.

Stranger Things Season 5 Part 2 will arrive on Netflix on December 25.

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