Fans can’t stop talking about Stranger Things since the first four episodes of Season 5 dropped on Netflix last week. After nearly three years off the air, Hawkins has returned with the supernatural stakes higher than ever, and viewers are already theorizing about what the next three episodes, dropping on Christmas Day, could bring. Deaths, mysteries, and hidden plot clues have the fandom in a frenzy.

Alongside fan speculation, rumors and spoilers have started circulating — some seemingly revealed unintentionally by Netflix itself. One of the most talked-about moments comes from actor Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers, during an interview on the Hot Ones podcast.

Noah Schnapp Revealed a Major Season 5 Spoiler

During the spicy-wing challenge on Hot Ones Versus, Schnapp appeared with fellow cast members Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, and Gaten Matarazzo. While trying to recap the events of Stranger Things from Season 1 onward in a whirlwind 30-second summary, Schnapp may have accidentally hinted at a major plot point.

During the interview, Schnapp casually mentioned that the Mind Flayer is controlling Vecna — a comment that could dramatically shift fan theories and interpretations of Season 5.

said will built the tunnels and that vecna is run by the mindflayer… these are absolutely spoilers that accidentally slipped through 😭 https://t.co/SmbfBxEzbZ pic.twitter.com/PvpPDcchYx

— 🐰 (@c_tviz) December 2, 2025

After the moment went viral, Hot Ones swiftly edited the episode and removed the segment entirely. But by then, the damage was done—fans had already saved and shared the clip across X and Reddit. The sudden edit only made viewers more convinced that Noah had revealed something real, and it highlighted just how seriously Netflix is taking spoiler control this season.

This is significant because Vecna, introduced as a terrifying and intelligent villain in Stranger Things, was always thought to operate independently. Schnapp’s comments hint at a deeper connection between Hawkins’ most dangerous entities, potentially rewriting fan theories about how the Upside Down influences the human world.

Interestingly, this idea has been explored in Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a theatrical adaptation that delves into Henry Creel’s transformation into Vecna. According to the play, the Mind Flayer granted Creel his powers, which eventually led him to become Vecna. While fans of the show may not have been aware of this, Schnapp’s statement brings that connection to a wider audience, adding layers to Season 5’s mythology.

Will Byers and the Mysterious Hawkins Tunnels

In addition to the Vecna revelation, Schnapp claimed that Will built the tunnels under Hawkins in Season 2 after being possessed by Vecna in Season 1 — a plot point the show has yet to confirm officially.

This is a fascinating development. If true, it reframes Will as a more active player in Hawkins’ supernatural events than previously thought. For years, fans have debated Will’s connection to the Upside Down and his strange abilities, including his sensitivity to the Mind Flayer. S

Schnapp’s insight, whether entirely accurate or speculative, could suggest that Will’s trauma and experiences in the Upside Down directly influenced the town’s hidden infrastructure — a detail that could become crucial in Season 5’s final arc.

With Season 5 being the final season, leaks like this could impact fan experience and narrative suspense. While Schnapp’s revelations may or may not be fully accurate, their removal indicates Netflix’s commitment to controlling the story’s rollout and ensuring key plot twists remain a surprise for viewers.

Fans have been sharing reactions across X (formerly Twitter), expressing shock, amusement, and disbelief:

“They cut out the part in the hot wings video where Noah says that Will built the tunnels and the Mind Flayer controls Vecna. GUYS,” one fan wrote, alongside a gif of someone in shock.

“HELPPP I did catch him saying the Mind Flayer but in the video and little alarm bells went off in my head,” another added.

“Did you see Finn’s face when he said it in the full clip?” a third wrote, accompanied by a crying-laughing emoji.

The Duffer Brothers have revealed in an interview with Variety that the exact connection between Vecna and the Mind Flayer will finally be answered in the series finale, set to air on New Year’s Eve.

Vecna’s Backstory and Season 5’s “New Russia Storyline”

In addition to fan-favorite returns, the Duffers confirmed that more of Vecna’s memories and backstory will be explored in Volume 2. They likened this subplot to the “New Russia storyline” from earlier in the season, which focused on Hopper isolated from the main group. This time, the storyline centers on Max and Holly, providing a more intimate look at Vecna’s history and motivations.

Matt Duffer explained, “That’s what we call our new Russia storyline, because it’s very few characters. They’re kind of isolated off on their own, Max and Holly. We’re very happy with how it integrates with the other storylines.”

This deeper exploration promises to add layers to the final season, linking past events, character development, and the overarching mysteries of Hawkins in unexpected ways.

Fans won’t have to wait long for answers. Season 5’s release strategy is as follows:

• Vol. 1: November 26, 5 PM PT

• Vol. 2: Christmas, 5 PM PT

• Finale: New Year’s Eve, 5 PM PT (streaming and theaters)

With the remaining episodes set to explore Vecna, the Mind Flayer, and Will Byers’ hidden role, anticipation for the series’ conclusion has never been higher.