Gaten Matarazzo sparks homophobia debate after he seemingly dismisses Byler fan theory ahead of Stranger Things season 5 volume 2 drop: ‘Disrespectful’
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.
Image credit : Netflix | Gaten Matarazzo faces homophobia accusations online
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.
Image credit : Netflix | Gaten Matarazzo jokes about ‘Stonathan’ fan theory
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.’”
Image credit : Netflix | Gaten seemingly dismisses Byler theory, says Will’s journey is about more than a crush.
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
“As a queer person, I just want to punch gaten for making such a disgusting statement, and it’s not about Byler; it’s about how it was presented. “Some people really should keep their mouths shut,” another angry person wrote on X.
“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,” added one person.
