Gaten Matarazzo sparks homophobia debate after he seemingly dismisses Byler fan theory ahead of Stranger Things season 5 volume 2 drop: 'Disrespectful'

If there’s one show that has fully embraced fan theories, it’s Stranger Things—and one of the most popular has been the Byler theory. For those unfamiliar, the theory revolves around childhood best friends Mike Wheeler and Will Byers, played by Finn Wolfhard and Noah Schnapp, with fans hoping to see them romantically paired. While Will has been confirmed as gay on the show, Mike is currently in a relationship with Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown).

The first three episodes of Season 5, released earlier this month, seemed to hint that Will may still have feelings for Mike. However, it’s still unclear whether the show will explore a romance between the two. While Byler shippers wait for answers in the second half of the season, Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin Henderson, appeared to dismiss the possibility in recent comments. His remarks have since sparked a debate on X, with some users accusing the actor of homophobia.

What did Gaten Matarazzo say about Stranger Things fan theories?

Speaking to Elite Daily about the wildest Stranger Things fan theories, Gaten Matarazzo shared that the fandom’s imagination knows no bounds. He joked about the “Stonathan” theories, which envision Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) and Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton) as a couple. “Man, there are some wild Stonathan theories, which aren’t really theories as much as they are just fanfic. People really want to see Joe Keery and Charlie Heaton make out. Whatever does it for you. Two very handsome men,” he said.

Matarazzo then turned to the long-running Byler theory. “I also find the Byler stuff very funny. I see them as just very good friends,” he explained, breaking the hearts of many shippers. He added context for Will’s character arc, saying, “Will is going through his own journey the way that a lot of young queer kids do in small towns, especially back in the day. It’s like noticing a crush on a friend you grew up with and not being able to talk about it. There’s something more powerful there than just, ‘I wonder if they’re going to kiss.’”

Matarazzo's comments spark homophobia debate on X

Matarazzo’s comments not only disappointed fans but also sparked online debates about LGBTQ+ representation and the struggles of growing up queer in the 1980s. While some argued that, as an actor, he had no right to speak on Will’s feelings, others defended him, saying his remarks were not disrespectful but simply an observation.

"I wish no harm on Gaten Matarazzo, but this begs to be scrutinised. The representation of the experience of being gay in the 80s isn't diminished by Byler. Whatever happens, Will grappled with taboo queer love & homophobia from all fronts. Byler just gives him a happy ending," one user said.

I wish no harm on Gaten Matarazzo but this begs to be scrutinized. The representation of the experience of being gay in the 80s isn't diminished by Byler. Whatever happens, Will grappled with taboo queer love & homophobia from all fronts. Byler just gives him a happy ending. pic.twitter.com/BjMDxHhsYb

— 𝙽𝚎𝚝𝚊 ❄️ OP & ST5 (@NetaBatman) December 23, 2025

I’m done with this cast, these writers, and this show. Will Byers is a closeted gay kid in the 80s who has suffered stigma his whole life, and the fact that people involved in the show can’t even talk about him with basic respect is honestly depressing... pic.twitter.com/anJ9J1PGRl

— ɹǝpuǝɟǝp sɹǝʎq llıʍ noɹɐu 🌈 (@anrourittpd) December 23, 2025