'Stranger Things' Joe Keery Sparks Bisexual Speculation with Animated Crush Confessions

Joe Keery, best known for his role as Steve Harrington on Netflix’s "Stranger Things," recently found himself at the center of online discussion after a playful yet revealing interview moment. While promoting the much-anticipated fifth and final season of "Stranger Things" in London, Keery and his co-stars participated in a lighthearted segment on Hits Radio, where they were asked about their childhood crushes on fictional characters. Keery’s immediate response—referencing both the titular fox Robin Hood and Maid Marian from Disney’s animated classic—sparked a wave of speculation and celebration online, especially among LGBTQ+ fans .

As the conversation unfolded, co-stars Jamie Campbell Bower and Natalia Dyer probed for clarification, asking whether Keery meant the original 1938 Errol Flynn version or the animated foxes. Keery replied simply: “Both of them.” The ambiguity of his answer, combined with the overlapping follow-up questions, left fans to interpret whether Keery was expressing attraction to both male and female characters—a moment many recognized as reminiscent of their own bisexual “soft launches” .

The reaction on social media was swift and enthusiastic. LGBTQ+ fans, in particular, identified with Keery’s experience, with one user on X/Twitter writing, “Joe Keery soft-launching his bisexuality by talking about a cartoon crush is exactly how I came out to my family years ago so as a fellow bi guy this is very beautiful to me to be honest” . Others debated the moment’s significance, with some suggesting it could point to bisexuality or broader queer identity, and many applauding the actor for his authenticity—even if unintended.

Keery’s confession was further embellished by his admission of a crush on Lola Bunny from "Space Jam," a pop culture reference that sparked laughter and agreement from his co-stars, who shared their own animated crushes. These candid moments, while humorous, struck a chord with viewers who recognize the importance of such casual, unguarded expressions of attraction in normalizing diverse identities .

While Joe Keery has not made any official statement regarding his sexuality, his openness in discussing crushes on characters of multiple genders is being hailed as a significant, if subtle, contribution to bisexual visibility. In recent years, public figures have played a critical role in shaping cultural understanding of LGBTQ+ identities, often through moments of relatability rather than formal “coming out” declarations .

Keery’s history of supporting LGBTQ+ causes—such as donating $1 from each concert ticket sold to LGBTQ+ youth organizations—further endears him to queer fans and allies alike . His inclusive approach reflects broader trends in media, where nuanced and diverse representations of sexuality are increasingly embraced. The playful tone of Keery’s remarks, combined with his philanthropic actions, allows for visibility without pressure, offering a model for others who may wish to share parts of themselves gradually or in nontraditional ways.

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, especially bisexual and queer individuals, Keery’s interview underscores the power of visibility—even in small, humorous exchanges. Such moments can foster a sense of belonging and validation, particularly for those who have experienced similar ambiguity or gradual self-disclosure in their own lives.

Fans and commentators alike have pointed out that whether or not Keery intended his remarks as a declaration of identity, the supportive and celebratory response demonstrates the evolving nature of coming out narratives in the public eye. As Stranger Things prepares for its final season, Keery’s charm and apparent comfort with fluid conversation around attraction add another dimension to his public persona, further highlighting the importance of inclusive dialogue in mainstream media .