Stranger Things Season 5 Byler Theory Addressed by Finn Wolfhard

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Many fans want to see Will and Mike become a couple in the fifth season of Stranger Things, but it wouldn’t feel genuine to their characters. Like most popular franchises, Stranger Things has sparked a lot of fan-created stories and pairings, and one of the most discussed is a romantic relationship between Will Byers and Mike Wheeler – often called “Byler.” However, it’s unlikely to happen in the final season.

Be warned, this discusses major plot points from Stranger Things. Throughout the series, there have been suggestions that Will Byers is gay, but Season 4 began to address this more directly. Season 5 has further emphasized Will’s identity and his unrequited romantic feelings for his straight friend, Mike. While the show makes it clear a relationship between them isn’t likely, some fans—known as ‘Byler’ shippers—still hope Mike and Will will end up together.

Stranger Things is Clearly Not Setting Up Byler

In the fifth season of Stranger Things, Robin shares with Will that she used to have a crush on a girl named Tammy Thompson. Like Mike, Tammy is straight and was in love with Steve Harrington. Robin’s experience mirrors Will’s feelings for Mike – she liked someone who didn’t reciprocate her feelings. While Robin felt strongly for Tammy, Tammy was straight and interested in Steve. Similarly, Will is in love with Mike, but Mike is devoted to Eleven, a connection they discuss in Season 5 while imagining their future after defeating Vecna. Robin’s conversation isn’t just about helping Will realize his feelings for Mike won’t be returned; it’s also about Will accepting himself and understanding that he doesn’t need a romantic relationship with Mike to feel worthy. She explains, “I was looking for answers in somebody else, but I had all the answers. I just needed to stop being so goddamn scared. Scared of who I really was. Once I did that, I felt so free.”

Even after hearing this, which feels like the show is gently preparing us for the fact that Will and Mike won’t end up together when Volume 2 comes out on December 25th or in the series finale on December 31st, I’m still holding onto a little bit of hope that ‘Byler’ will actually become official. It’s hard to let go!

While the show’s creators might be heading in that direction, it seems unlikely. Mike and Eleven have been the central couple since the beginning, and there’s never been any indication Mike is attracted to Will. A sudden romantic switch would feel forced and out of character. The story focuses on Will’s feelings for Mike, and Mike’s platonic love for Will – that’s where the tension and drama come from.

Finn Wolfhard Has Addressed the Byler Ship

In an interview with Attitude magazine, Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike, shared his thoughts on the popular fan theory that his character will end up with Will (often called ‘Byler’). He believes that a romantic relationship between them wouldn’t feel believable or well-developed based on what’s been shown in the series. I completely agree – the idea of ‘Byler’ doesn’t have much support within the show itself, and it would feel out of character for Mike if it were to happen.

That’s something in the show that I feel like if it did happen, it wouldn’t feel that earned.

Netflix is Getting in on the Byler vs. Mileven Debate

Netflix is well aware of the passionate debate among Stranger Things fans about which couple should end up together – Byler or Mileven. Interestingly, searching for “byler endgame” on Netflix actually leads to results for Stranger Things Season 5. However, searching for “mileven endgame” doesn’t work, and instead shows a message saying they don’t have any results.

Whether you’re rooting for Mike and Eleven or Will and Byers, we won’t have to wait much longer for answers. The first three episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 will be available on December 25th, and the final episodes, concluding the series, will air on December 31st.

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2025-12-06 21:35