Netflix’s hit sci-fi series Stranger Things returned on Thursday with its highly anticipated fifth and final season — but the premiere is now overshadowed by controversy. Several cast members’ public support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict has sparked outrage, prompting many fans to pledge a boycott.
The show, created by Matt and Ross Duffer and set in the nostalgic backdrop of 1983, left viewers on a tense cliffhanger at the end of Season 4. Hawkins’ heroes were back, but the looming threat of Vecna merging the Upside Down with their town promised an epic finale. Yet, for many fans, the storyline has taken a backseat to the political controversy.
The backlash intensified after October 7, when Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram expressing fear and concern for Israelis amid Hamas attacks. While he called for peace and humanity, social media users accused him of supporting pro-Israel rhetoric and sharing content mocking Palestinian victims. Schnapp also posted a video showing stickers with slogans like “Zionism is Sexy” and “Hamas is ISIS,” further fueling outrage.
As the debate rages, the question remains: will fans tune in for the final season, or will political controversy overshadow Hawkins’ last adventure?
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