Noah Schnapp Mistaken for Harry Potter: 'Wrong Movie Series'

Noah Schnapp recently shared that fans often confuse him with Harry Potter, the character famously played by Daniel Radcliffe. The Stranger Things actor recounted this during his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Schnapp, 21, explained that the mix-up surprised him, happening three times last year. He reflected on how his role as Will Byers in Netflix's Stranger Things shares some thematic similarities with the Harry Potter universe.

Discussing his experiences with fans, Schnapp said, When we're all together, it's kind of insanity. Yet, even when hes alone, he sometimes encounters cases of mistaken identity. People think you're Harry Potter? asked Fallon, to which Schnapp confirmed, recounting how fans express admiration for both shows. Theyll say, I adore Harry Potter, and Im like, Oh, wrong franchise.

Fallon noted that the two worlds do have certain parallels, which Schnapp acknowledged humorously: The Boy Who Lived, Zombie Boy, referencing Harry Potters famous nickname and his own character Will Byers.

The comparison between Stranger Things and Harry Potter isnt new. Schnapps co-star, Cara Buono, who plays Karen Wheeler, mentioned that fans have observed similarities between her character and Molly Weasley in the defense of their children. Buono reflected on the unexpected nature of the comparison, saying, I love all the Harry Potter movies, I've been seeing that comparison.

The crossover appeal is especially noted in the Stranger Things: The First Shadow play, which premiered earlier this year in New York City after debuting in Londons West End. The production was developed by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne, and Kate Trefry, blending the creative worlds of Stranger Things and theater styles reminiscent of Harry Potter.

Currently, Vol. 1 of Stranger Things season 5 is available for streaming on Netflix. Vol. 2 will release on December 25 with three episodes, and the season finale is set for December 31 at 8 p.m. ET.

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• Noah Schnapp Says People Approach Him Thinking He's Harry Potter: 'Wrong Franchise'