'Stranger Things' Viewers Spot Significant Error in Continuity Involving Noah Schnapp's Character Will Byers in Season 5

After nearly a decade and five seasons, even a blockbuster series like Stranger Things is bound to show minor continuity slip-ups. Netflix premiered part 1 of its fifth and final season on Wednesday, November 26, featuring flashbacks of Will (Noah Schnapp) and Mike (Finn Wolfhard).

A standout moment involved young Will building his iconic Castle Byers with his brother Jonathan (Charlie Heaton), drawing attention from fans. A post on X highlighted, Jonathan once mentioned that when they built Castle Byers, it was pouring rain, and they both ended up sick for a week, alongside clips from the flashback.

Viewers noted a discrepancy: the scene was sunny, and Will and Jonathan appeared calm, despite the supposed rain and familial tension. One fan commented, It makes no sense for them to act so normal when its the day their father left the house, referencing the backdrop of their parents divorce. Others offered explanations, suggesting, They probably started the castle before Loni left, and Jonathan finished it with Will to give him a safe space.

Another continuity issue involved Wills age. A missing-person poster listed him as 12, yet the dialogue claimed he was 11, feeding into the so-called birthday gate fan theory about inconsistencies around his special day. Season 4 had already hinted at Wills distant behavior, sparking discussion among viewers.

Fans also pointed out that Wills birthday appeared to be overlooked. In a clip from episode 2, Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) is shown at a skating rink on March 22, previously confirmed by Joyce (Winona Ryder) as Wills birthday. The Stranger Things writers even teased this in March 2020, tweeting, Some friends forget to play D&D and some forget birthdays, it happens. Opinions were split: some fans felt it explained Wills emotional state, while others suspected intentional storytelling, arguing, The Duffer brothers wouldnt randomly pick March 22nd; every detail has been carefully planned.

Stranger Things returns with Volume 2 on December 25, with the finale releasing on December 31 on Netflix.