Stranger Things Season 5 has racked up nearly 60 million views in its first week, capping off Netflix’s sci-fi phenomenon with record-breaking momentum. But as the series reaches its end, one of its original stars is navigating a noticeably quieter chapter. While much of the ensemble is lining up major studio projects, Noah Schnapp currently has no publicly announced acting roles beyond the show, prompting fans to question what’s next for the actor who brought Will Byers to life.
Online speculation intensified after fan accounts noted that Schnapp appears to be the only core cast member without a confirmed post-Stranger Things credit. Millie Bobby Brown is attached to Enola Holmes 3 and another Netflix thriller, David Harbour is returning to the Marvel universe, and Sadie Sink has secured a role in the next Spider-Man installment. Other cast members are tied to major franchises and studio films, leaving Schnapp’s slate—at least for now—looking empty by comparison.
Schnapp, 20, has addressed the gap directly. He is currently studying entrepreneurship and innovation at the Wharton School, with plans to graduate in 2026. In recent interviews, he’s said he’s intentionally being selective about future roles, especially LGBTQ+ characters, explaining that portraying Will was deeply personal and not something he wants to replicate without care. According to Schnapp, the slowdown is a conscious choice rather than a lack of opportunity.
Still, some industry watchers point to lingering fallout from late 2023, when Schnapp faced backlash over a viral video in which he posed with politically charged stickers. The controversy led to significant social media criticism and a reported drop in followers, despite his later statement clarifying that he supports peace and safety for innocent people. While Stranger Things itself continued to thrive—ultimately breaking Netflix records—public relations experts note that political disputes can have longer-term ripple effects in Hollywood, where brand perception often shapes casting decisions.
Outside of acting, however, Schnapp has built an unusually robust business portfolio for someone his age. He co-founded TBH, a sustainable hazelnut spread brand that raised more than $700,000 through crowdfunding and expanded into thousands of stores. He also launched TenderFix, a virtual chicken brand operating in hundreds of IHOP locations, and helped develop the footwear company Drifts. With a Wharton degree underway and multiple ventures in motion, Schnapp’s future may extend well beyond Hollywood—even as fans continue to wonder whether his next on-screen role will mark a comeback or a strategic reset.
