Noah Schnapp Has No Upcoming Projects After Stranger Things — Is the 'Zionism Is Sexy' Controversy Still Haunting Him?

Stranger Things Season 5 pulled in 59.6 million views during its premiere week. Netflix called it the biggest English-language series debut in platform history. But one of its lead actors has nothing lined up next.

Noah Schnapp, who played Will Byers for nearly a decade, is the only major cast member without announced film or television roles after the finale.

Fan account Stranger News flagged this on X on Thursday: 'Noah Schnapp is currently the only Stranger Things cast member without any upcoming projects lined up.'

His co-stars? They're everywhere.

The Rest of the Cast Is Booked

Millie Bobby Brown returns for Enola Holmes 3 and leads Netflix's thriller series Prism.

David Harbour reprises Red Guardian in Avengers: Doomsday and returns for Violent Night 2.

Finn Wolfhard hosted Saturday Night Live in January and has Crash Land in the works.

Sadie Sink joins Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Maya Hawke landed The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

Caleb McLaughlin voices the lead in animated film GOAT.

Joe Keery stars opposite Liam Neeson in Cold Storage.

Schnapp's calendar? Empty, according to FandomWire.

Schnapp Says He's Being 'Picky'

The actor has offered explanations. He's enrolled at Wharton School, majoring in entrepreneurship and innovation. Graduation is set for May 2026.

He's also said he's selective about LGBTQ+ roles. 'I don't want to just do anything,' he told The Hollywood Reporter. 'Because it's so personal to me, I've been a little more picky with those kinds of projects.'

But there's another factor worth examining.

The Controversy That Won't Quit

In November 2023, a video surfaced showing Schnapp with people holding stickers reading 'Zionism is sexy' and 'Hamas is ISIS'.

The backlash hit hard. Social Blade data indicates Schnapp lost over 490,000 Instagram followers and more than 11,000 followers on X shortly after the controversy broke.

Boycott calls targeting Season 5 followed. They persisted through the show's premiere.

Schnapp posted a TikTok in January 2024 to clarify. 'I feel like my thoughts and beliefs have been so far misconstrued,' he said. 'I only want peace and safety and security for all innocent people affected by this conflict.'

Critics weren't satisfied. The boycott campaign continued through the finale.

Record Numbers, Lingering Questions

The boycott didn't dent Stranger Things' performance. Variety reported 59.6 million views in five days — a Netflix record.

However, PR experts warned of longer-term damage to Schnapp specifically. 'The damage extends beyond mere criticism,' Stacy Cohen, CEO of Co-Communications, told Newsweek. 'It threatens Noah's professional relationships, endorsements, and future opportunities.'

Building a Backup Plan

Schnapp isn't waiting for Hollywood. He's built a business portfolio instead.

In 2021, he co-founded TBH, a sustainable hazelnut spread company. The brand raised over $700,000 (£514,000) through crowdfunding and now sits in more than 2,500 stores, including Whole Foods and Kroger.

In 2023, he launched TenderFix, a chicken tender brand operating through nearly 1,000 IHOP locations.

He also co-founded footwear company Drifts.

His Wharton degree will give him the tools to expand these ventures. That's a safety net most 20-year-old actors don't have.

What Happens Next?

'I've played Will Byers for so long, I'm so ready to play another character,' Schnapp told SFX Magazine. 'Maybe a comedy or a romantic role or even play the villain.'

The question is whether studios will give him that chance. Hollywood's track record on political controversies is inconsistent. Susan Sarandon lost her talent agency over pro-Palestinian comments. Melissa Barrera was dropped from Scream. Schnapp kept his Stranger Things role — but that show is now over.

Stranger Things broke records. Schnapp's castmates are booking major roles. And the actor who grew up on screen remains the odd one out.

Is he being selective? Or is the controversy still following him? Only future casting announcements will tell.