From Flags to Trends, X Blows Up on Pride Month for 'Stranger Things’ Mike Wheeler

Published 06/10/2024, 1:14 AM EDT

The narrative of Hawkins has long captivated audiences with its suspenseful twists but the show, as a complete package, has also cultivated romantic relationships that fans eagerly support. Despite the fore fronting romance between Mike Wheeler and Eleven, speculations have been rampant regarding the possibility of another romantic dynamic involving Will Byers and his sentiments toward Mike. However, the tide has turned after Mike recently became the talk and face dominating the Pride month trends instead of Will. 

When news of a Stranger Things update hinted at the introduction of Will Byers’ romantic interest in the upcoming season, fans were inclined to believe it might be Mike Wheeler. However, the internet recently erupted with Pride Month posts featuring Mike Wheeler, including images of him on pride flags and claims circulating widely that he may be a closeted bisexual. These speculations arose after fans noticed Finn Wolfhard’s STurn Spotify playlist, which appeared to be heavily queer-coded.

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Fans have long speculated about Will Byers’ emotional connection to Mike Wheeler, which has allowed queer dynamics to flourish within the Stranger Things universe. However, for Finn Wolfhard to become the center of attention regarding similar aspects beyond his on-screen character has left fans even more intrigued. Typically, fans often seek stars who can serve as role models beyond their roles on screen.

Was Mike Wheeler Secretly Trying To Impress Eddie Munson in ‘Stranger Things’ Season 4?

From the looks of it, Finn Wolfhard, better known for his portrayal of Mike Wheeler, has emerged as exactly that.

Finn Wolfhard, better known as Mike Wheeler: The poster face of X trends for queer fans

The LGBTQ+ community has faced its share of struggles for recognition. Over time, many artists have expressed solidarity with them. Some have come out themselves, while others have become spokespersons for the community. Similarly, people have always admired celebrities who advocate for their rights. Although Mike Wheeler’s prominent presence in Pride posts is based solely on widespread speculation, this speculation seems to be enough for the community to celebrate another ally in their recognition.

Many fans have openly expressed increased respect for Finn Wolfhard, while others flooded the internet with images of Mike Wheeler alongside lesbian flags from a recent Vienna Pride march.

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Some even seemed to have hoped for a time when Wheeler would dominate trends like this. Although the speculation does not confirm Wheeler or Wolfhard’s sexual orientation, the widespread acceptance of him as a symbol of Pride underscores that the characters from the Upside Down once again stood out as champions of moral clarity.

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Why Mike Wheeler Should Lead the Pack Again in the Final Season of ‘Stranger Things’

What do you think of Stranger Things' Mike Wheeler dominating X trends on Pride Month with his face featuring the flags of the community? Let us know in the comments below!

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Anushka Bhattacharya

858 articles

I'm Anushka Bhattacharya, an entertainment journalist at Netflix Junkie. Armed with a degree in literature, I once wielded my words to catalyze change within society through my work with NGOs. However, as I stumbled into the exuberant hole of crime thrillers and documentaries on Netflix, it was love at first sight and pushed me into entertainment journalism.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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