Noah Schnapp
‘Stranger Things’
Season Five
Photography Jason Kibbler
Interview by Deborah Ferguson
Noah Schnapp has grown up inside one of the biggest worlds in TV streaming and somehow kept an intensity and quiet mystery all his own. As Stranger Things reaches its final season, he steps out of Will Byers’ shadow with a depth and focus that feels sharper, more personal, and unmistakably his.
Off-screen, Schnapp moves with the same intention; from his clean, elevated fashion streak with Burberry, Prada, and Celine to the causes and creative ventures he backs with real purpose. And now, with the Hawkins story closing, he stands at the edge of something new, not fully revealed, but already highly anticipated.
DF: As you close this chapter, do you feel the final season gives Will the emotional resolution you hoped for as the actor who’s lived with him for so many years?
NS: Yes definitely. I felt very satisfied with the closure of his arc and happy that we finally get to see him finding some inner peace after all the trauma he’s suffered.
DF : Across all five seasons, which chapter pushed you the most creatively or challenged you to grow as an actor?
NS: Definitely season 5. I’ve had to show the most range this season and it’s definitely been challenging. I’m still learning and growing as an actor and grateful that I got to learn so much in this final season to take with me to future roles.
DF: When you look back at your journey from Season 1 to now, how has portraying Will shaped your instincts and evolution as an artist?
NS: When I was younger, I did not have much of a POV, I just got told where to stand and what to do. But as you get older, you develop a deeper understanding of the roles you play and I developed much more of a passion to get it right. I would consistently speak up when it felt necessary or a scene was doing justice to the arc.
DF: Being part of such an iconic cultural phenomenon, what is the most meaningful personal lesson or experience you’re taking with you?
NS: The friendships. The cast has such real chemistry and I know I will take these people with me forever, and hopefully get to cross paths on different film sets down the line.
DF: Will’s emotional depth has always been a defining part of the series; how did you tap into that vulnerability on a personal level for this final season?
NS: I make sure to not push anything but just listen and be present in the moments of the scene and trust that my eyes and expressiveness will convey the feelings.
DF: As the story comes full circle, what element of Will’s arc are you most proud of having brought to life through your own interpretation?
NS: I’m most proud of the fact that by the end he finds his own sense of identity and agency where he becomes someone who stands up for himself and doesn’t get walked all over.
DF: Is there a new film or TV project on the horizon that you’re especially excited about — something that reflects where you want to go next as an actor?
NS: I’m trying to find scripts that are real character driven stories, roles that resonate with me. I also really want to do a play. And Spiderman.
Jacket: Saint Laurent, Shirt: Alexandro Fratelli, Trousers: SAAF Garments
DF: Outside of acting, have you developed any interesting hobbies or become involved with any charity organizations that you’re particularly passionate about?
NS: Totally. I’ve been trying to stay off my phone as much as possible recently and completely off social media, so I’ve been picking up hobbies to replace that time. I love love love going to see a movie. I love cooking, reading, running, biking, anything that stimulates my mind or body.
DF: You’ve been wearing increasingly directional runway looks on the red carpet. Would you say fashion has become an area of personal interest? And are there any designers or RTW brands or designers you’re especially drawn to right now?
NS: Oh totally. Fashion has always been a core part of how I express myself. Right now? Been loving Burberry, Prada, Celine. I love brands that are masculine and classy with a slight edge.
Photography
Jason Kibbler @ArtWorld Agency
Interview, Layout, & Cover CD
Deborah Ferguson @uta
Stylist
Julia Muller @The Wall Group
Grooming
Eddy Scudo @The Wall Group
Web Layout
Location
Salt Studio
Thank You!
Lede Company