A Stranger Things fan may have found the answer to the show’s longest-standing mysteries: Who really kidnapped Will Byers in Season 1?

Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) mysteriously vanished in the opening episode of Season 1. Later, it was discovered that he was taken to the Upside Down by the demogorgon. But after the release of Season 4, many fans came up with the idea that he was abducted by none other than Vecna himself.

Who Took Will Byers in Season 1?

While the theory that Vecna kidnapped Will Byers has been circulating for a while, a Stranger Things fan @andaegu on X (formerly Twitter) has found new evidence that adds weight to it.

In season 1, the creature that captured Will was never fully shown. But fans noted that its behavior and appearance didn’t entirely match the Demogorgon. @andaegu pointed out several eerie similarities between that creature and Vecna.

For instance, the creature had a noticeably longer left arm, just like Vecna does. It also used telekinesis to open the door, something the demogorgon is never shown to do. Also, that creature did not growl and sprint, but just calmly took Will Byers. This is not how demogorgon behaves, as it was done intentionally.

Many users were affirmative with the theory, with one noting that their heads are also quite similar. Another pointed out that Vecna had his eyes on Will Byers from the very beginning.

Apart from that, there are also other hints that fuel this theory. When Vecna was banished to the Upside Down in 1979, he had no connection to the real world until Eleven opened the gate to the Upside Down on November 6, 1983. That just happens to be the exact same night Will Byers disappeared.

Another interesting detail is how both Will Byers and Billy Hargrove referred to the Mind Flayer as “he” when they were possessed. This subtle language choice suggests the possibility that this could be a person rather than a creature.

Why Did Vecna Kidnap Will Byers?

But the question is, why did Vecna specifically target Will Byers?

One major theory suggests that Vecna saw himself in Will. Both characters were sensitive, often bullied, and felt misunderstood by their families. Will had an abusive father, while Henry Creel was loathed by his parents.

Another wild theory states that Vecna abducted Will due to his past interactions with Joyce Byers in 1959. For those unaware, Stranger Things: The First Shadow revealed that Joyce Byers attended Hawkins High School along with Henry Creel. Though she disliked him, as she thought that he was responsible for the strange events happening in Hawkins.

One such event led to the tragic death of Henry Creel’s girlfriend, Patty Newby. So it is possible that Vecna targeted Will Byers as revenge against Joyce.

With Stranger Things Season 5 expected to wrap up many unanswered questions, fans are hopeful that this mystery will finally be solved.