Noah Schnapp Unveils Stranger Things 5’s Digital De-aging Secrets: A Journey Back to Young Will Byers

Fans of Netflix’s phenomenon, Stranger Things, are no strangers to its groundbreaking visual effects. But as Season 5 looms, one of its beloved stars, Noah Schnapp, is giving us an exclusive peek behind the curtain at a fascinating technique that’s bringing younger versions of our favorite characters to life: digital de-aging. This intricate process, a blend of cutting-edge CGI and body doubles, is not just a technological marvel but a unique acting challenge that Schnapp shares with his real-life best friend and co-star, Millie Bobby Brown.

Stepping Back in Time: Will Byers’ Season 5 Flashback

The anticipation for Stranger Things Season 5 is palpable, and the opening sequence promises an immediate dive into the past. Viewers will witness a flashback to Season 1’s 11-year-old Will Byers, trapped in the chilling Upside Down, seeking refuge in Castle Byers, rifle in hand, humming The Clash’s iconic “Should I Stay Or Should I Go.” But how do they achieve this without a time machine?

Enter Luke Kokotek, a young actor portraying the physical presence of young Will, whose face and hair are then meticulously replaced with a de-aged version of Noah Schnapp. This intricate facial mapping and placement were expertly handled by Lola VFX, a studio renowned for its incredible work in this specialized field. It’s a seamless illusion that transports us back to the very beginning of the Upside Down saga.

A Shared Journey: Millie Bobby Brown’s De-aging Experience

While this might be Noah’s first deep dive into the digital de-aging process for Will, it’s a path already paved by his on-screen counterpart. In Season 4, Millie Bobby Brown underwent a similar transformation for pivotal flashback scenes depicting Eleven‘s traumatic past at Hawkins Lab. This shared experience forged an unexpected bond and a unique form of mentorship between the two stars.

Schnapp candidly admitted seeking Brown’s advice: “I asked [Millie] for help, honestly. I was like, ‘How did you work with the kid when you had to do it?’” He found the experience of essentially directing his younger self incredibly insightful. “It was fun to step into those director shoes… and think introspectively and reflectively of how I act and how I did act and move and breathe and turn and look and kind of relay that onto this little kid, who was so cute. It was a fun experience.”

Brown, who was “excited” to see Schnapp embark on this journey, echoed his sentiments about the process being “very interesting.” She, too, reflected on her early acting choices for Eleven, finding humor and profound realization in her unfiltered performance from a decade ago.

The Art of Mentorship: Guiding Younger Selves

Both Schnapp and Brown took their roles as mentors seriously, guiding their younger counterparts through the nuances of portraying iconic characters. Millie worked closely with Martie Blair, who stood in as young Eleven for intense scenes where viewers learned of Henry Creel’s transformation into Vecna. Brown recalled:

• Encouraging Blair: “It’s okay. Just like, it’s fine. We are going to look silly because we aren’t actually moving anything with our minds.”
• Fostering connection: “I sat there behind a wall and screamed with her, threw out my hand behind camera so that she felt like she was with me.”

This hands-on approach ensured that the emotional core of Eleven’s character remained authentic, even with the technological overlay. Schnapp’s experience with Luke Kokotek mirrored this, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of translating one’s own performance to another actor, then seeing it digitally enhanced.

Beyond the Screen: The Impact of Digital De-aging

The use of digital de-aging in Stranger Things underscores a growing trend in filmmaking, allowing long-running series to revisit pivotal moments without recasting or compromising narrative continuity due to actor aging. It’s a testament to the innovation of visual effects and the dedication of the Stranger Things cast and crew to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience.

As Noah Schnapp and Millie Bobby Brown continue to evolve with their characters, these glimpses into their pasts, crafted with such intricate detail, only deepen our connection to the world of Hawkins and its unforgettable inhabitants. The final season promises to be a spectacular culmination, partly thanks to the invisible magic of technology and the genuine performances that drive it.