Noah Schnapp's Absence from Finn Wolfhard's SNL Episode Explained
Finn Wolfhard's hosting gig on Saturday Night Live on January 17 turned into a memorable night for the young actor. During his opening monologue, he received a surprise visit from two of his Stranger Things co-stars, Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo. The trio shared a lighthearted moment on stage, much to the delight of the audience.
Where Was Noah Schnapp?
However, fans quickly noticed that one key cast member was missing from the reunion. Noah Schnapp, who portrays Will Byers in the hit Netflix series, did not join his colleagues on the SNL stage. The reason for his absence is quite straightforward.
Schnapp was not in the United States at the time of the broadcast. According to reports from PEOPLE magazine, he was attending Milan Fashion Week in Italy. Just one day before the SNL episode aired, Schnapp was spotted at the Ralph Lauren Men's Fall/Winter 2026 fashion show in Milan.
Strong Support from the Stranger Things Family
Despite Schnapp's absence, Finn Wolfhard enjoyed robust support from his castmates. After the live show concluded, several Stranger Things stars gathered at the afterparty to celebrate with him. Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery were all present, showing their camaraderie and friendship.
During his opening monologue, Wolfhard reflected on his personal growth and transition from child actor to adult performer. He humorously addressed the audience about shedding his youthful image and embracing a new phase in his life.
"So... meet the new me. The man me. Because I'm not a kid anymore," Wolfhard declared during his speech.
A Surprise Stage Appearance
As Wolfhard spoke these words, Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo unexpectedly walked onto the stage. They warmly hugged their co-star, adding to the emotional moment. McLaughlin then addressed the crowd with a smile.
"And neither are we!" he exclaimed. "We're not child stars, we're former child stars."
This playful exchange highlighted the actors' shared journey through fame and their evolving careers beyond the Stranger Things universe.
The End of an Era
The Stranger Things series itself is approaching its conclusion. The fifth and final season was released in three distinct parts:
- Volume 1 premiered on November 26
- Volume 2 followed on December 25
- The series finale aired on December 31
The final episode stands as the longest in the entire series, running for over two hours. This marks the end of a significant chapter for the cast and crew who have been part of this cultural phenomenon.
While Noah Schnapp missed the SNL appearance due to his fashion commitments in Milan, the event still showcased the strong bonds among the Stranger Things actors. Finn Wolfhard's successful hosting debut demonstrated his growth as a performer, supported by friends who have shared this remarkable journey with him.
