Summary
- Gaten Matarazzo notices minimal interaction between Dustin and Will since
Stranger Things
season 1. - Reasons include the characters’ growing apart and geographical separation.
- Their bond remains strong despite infrequent interactions.
Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo realizes a shocking truth about Dustin and Will’s onscreen friendship. In Netflix’s massively popular sci-fi series, Matarazzo plays Dustin Henderson, the quick-witted and science-savvy member of the close-knit friend group who often acts as their problem-solver. On the other hand, Will Byers (played by Noah Schnapp), is more quiet and sensitive, and his abduction into the Upside Down in season 1 triggers the events of the series, deeply affecting him and the core friend group.
During a panel at FanExpo Dallas, moderated by Screen Rant‘s Joe Deckelmeier, Matarazzo realized a shocking truth about Dustin and Will’s friendship in Stranger Things. The actor realized that, despite the close bond between the boys, Dustin has barely interacted with Will since season 1. Read his full comments below:
You know who I never talked to, not once, I don’t think I’ve spoken to him once, I don’t think I’ve spoken to Noah once on screen since season one. I always make a joke really that of course the four boys are supposedly best friends, but Dustin will have never interacted with them on screen, so I guess all of that just happens off-screen. I guess them being best friends together is just elsewhere. He’s busy.
Why Dustin & Will Have Barely Interacted In Stranger Things
(But Still Share A Close Bond)
Matarazzo is right to realize that Dustin and Will have barely interacted with one another since Stranger Things season 1, though there are several reasons for this, and of course, it doesn’t negate the close bond between the boys. After a Dungeons & Dragons session between the four best friends, season 1 begins with Will’s disappearance, prompting his friends, including Dustin, to search for him. While Will is missing for most of the first season, he can’t interact with his friends, though Dustin’s involvement in the search showcases the concern he has for Will.
In season 3, the core friend group, especially Dustin and Will, begin growing apart with the introduction of new relationships and interests. Dustin becomes more involved with his girlfriend, Suzie, and his adventures at the Starcourt Mall. Will feels increasingly left out as his friends start focusing on romantic relationships. Despite some growing apart, Dustin and Will still come together with the rest of the friend group to fight the Mind Flayer during the Stranger Things season 3 ending.
Related
Stranger Things: 10 Reasons Why Dustin & Will Aren’t Real Friends
When it comes to Stranger Things’ friendships, Dustin and Will’s tandem is a weird one that tends to stick out for the wrong reasons
By season 4, Dustin and Will’s interactions are much less frequent due to the group’s geographical separation in the show. Dustin remains in Hawkins dealing with new threats, while Will is in California with Eleven and Jonathan. However, the group eventually reunites to combat Vecna, showing the enduring bond between them, especially Dustin and Will, despite the prior physical distance between them. Despite their frequent interactions over the course of the series, Dustin and Will’s friendship remains intact heading into Stranger Things season 5.
Stranger Things is streaming on Netflix.