Summary
Fans are waiting to take another trip to Hawkins, Indiana inStranger Thingsseason 5 and see all the twists, funny moments, and huge battles. Before the final season airs onNetflixin 2025, there is another chance to visit the Upside Down.
Netflix has released a trailer for the documentaryBehind The Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow,which takes a look at how the cast and crew got ready for the play’s original 2023 run at the Phoenix Theatre in London, England. The production is now opening on Broadway on April 22nd, 2025 at the Marquis Theater.
Stranger Things: The First Shadowis aprequel that takes place in 1959 and focuses on Henry Creel, who grows up to become the terrifying villain Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). While of course seeing the play during its Broadway run would be a thrilling experience, the documentary is the next best thing, and it will be fascinating to see how it came together.Stranger Thingsseason 4 explored Vecna’s history, and the play shows how this world was created. Fans look forward to seeingVecna’sStranger Thingsseason 5 storyas they hope the main characters can beat him.The First Shadowwill also help fansformulate even more theories about the Upside Down.
The documentary shows the pressure the cast and crew were under to make the play as good as it could be. It also offers up an exciting look at the impressive set. The positive reviews prove that all the hard work paid off and theatergoers felt the play capturedthe eerie and supernatural world of Hawkins, Indiana.
The Duffer Brothers have praisedStranger Things: The First Shadowand, as reported by Deadline, Ross Duffer said:
“The first time we saw the play, we were blown away."
Matt Duffer continued:
“They pulled everything off, and then some. It was one of the most thrilling experiences of our lives.”
Matt Duffer explained toThe Hollywood Reporterthat when the writers were working onStranger Thingsseason 4, they knew Stephen Daldry wanted to work on a play, and the idea came to fruition. The play is about ateenage Henry Creel and his relationship with Patty Newby. FamiliarStranger Thingscharacters such asJim Hopper (David Harbour), Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) and Bob (Sean Astin) are also in the prequel play. It’s definitely fun to see these beloved characters as high schoolers, and it’s intriguing to learn more about Henry’s evil rise. While the story focuses on the events before theStranger Thingspilot, the play’s co-director, Justin Martin, toldLondontheater.co.uk"that there are a number of episodes in season four that really set us up and were done deliberately. “He added, “and we set up a number of things that happen in season five. So, it’s really exciting to be part of the canon.”
The First Shadowis only the beginning of the continuation of this epic tale.The Duffer Brothers are working on a spinoff, which they say will be “very different.”
Behind The Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadowwas executive produced by Matt Bell and produced by Terry Leonard, Kent Kubena and Angus Wall, and directed by Jon Halperin. Fans canwatch the documentary on Netflix on April 15th, 2025. While fans are still curious about the exact release date forStranger Thingsseason 5, theDuffer Brothers gave an update in February 2025and said it will be on the streaming platform this year.
