Noah Schnapp says it’s hard to remember a time when Millie Bobby Brown wasn’t a constant presence in his life. The two Stranger Things stars bonded instantly when they met on set in 2015, forming a friendship that has lasted well beyond the screen. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Schnapp recalled how natural their connection felt from the very beginning. “We just always feel so comfortable around each other,” he said. “There’s no forcing anything. It’s just been like that since the first day we met.”
Both actors were just children when Stranger Things began filming, with Schnapp cast as Will Byers and Brown as Eleven. As the show grew into a global phenomenon, so did their off-screen friendship, which Schnapp now describes as family.
“No matter how much time we spend apart, it’ll always feel like we’re just right back to where we were,” he said. “I know she supports me, and I support her. It’s nice when it goes beyond the work.”
A Friendship That Grew With the Show
Over the years, the cast of Stranger Things has often spoken about their close-knit dynamic, but Schnapp’s bond with Brown has taken on a particularly meaningful role in his life. He is now the godfather to Brown’s daughter, whom the actress welcomed via adoption earlier this year with her husband, Jake Bongiovi. At recent red-carpet events, including the Los Angeles premiere of Stranger Things season 5, Schnapp referred to Brown as his “best friend for life,” underscoring how deeply their relationship has evolved since their early days on set.
Wishing for More On-Screen Moments
Despite their strong off-screen connection, Schnapp admitted it can be frustrating that Will and Eleven don’t share many scenes together in the series.
“It’s so annoying that we never get to work together,” he said with a laugh. “So the little moments we do have onscreen, it’s the best day ever.”
He added that working with Brown feels effortless. “It’s so fun and so comfortable. It just feels so easy,” Schnapp said. “That’s what’s so important in this job—to feel comfortable being vulnerable. With her, it’s just so much easier.”
A Cast That Feels Like Family
Schnapp also reflected on the broader Stranger Things ensemble, saying the closeness among the cast translates directly to the screen. “They all truly are just family to me,” he said. “It shows on screen. Thank God we’re so close.”
The Final Chapter
Volumes 1 and 2 of Stranger Things season 5 are now streaming on Netflix, with the series finale set to premiere on December 31. As the show approaches its conclusion, Schnapp’s reflections highlight one of its most enduring legacies—not just the story of Hawkins, Indiana, but the lifelong friendships formed along the way.
