From the bright lights of Broadway to living rooms across the globe, ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ is officially receiving the pro-shot treatment. Netflix is currently filming the stage production for a future streaming release, bringing this theatrical expansion of the ‘Stranger Things’ universe to a much wider audience. The shoot captures the original Broadway company in its present form, preserving the production as it stands before cast changes take place.
Cast transitions and Broadway milestone
The Broadway company is led by Tony nominee Louis McCartney, who plays Henry Creel after first originating the role in London’s West End. However, a new ensemble is set to step in toward the end of March. Victor de Paula Rocha will take over as Henry Creel, joined by Ayana Cymone as Patty Newby, Shea Grant as Joyce Maldonado, Juan Carlos as Bob Newby and Matthew Erick White as James Hopper Jr.As stated by Variety, ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ opened on Broadway April 22, 2025, at the Marquis Theatre, following its West End debut in December 2023.” The report further noted that the production witnessed a surge in demand after the final season of ‘Stranger Things’ dropped on Netflix. The play has since become one of Broadway’s top weekly earners, recently grossing approximately 1.4 million dollars.
A prequel rooted in ‘The upside down’
Penned by Kate Trefry and based on an original story crafted by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Trefry, the play operates as a standalone prequel within the franchise’s mythology. Set in 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, the narrative follows teenage Henry Creel and his family as they relocate in pursuit of a fresh beginning.As eerie disturbances begin to unsettle the town, Henry slowly confronts the terrifying possibility that he may be tied to the darkness creeping into Hawkins. The storyline delves into the early lives of characters longtime fans will recognize, while carefully planting threads that connect to the events of the television series including its fifth and final season.
When will the filmed version be released?
The filming of Stranger Things: The First Shadow is being done by Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions. While no release date has been announced yet for the filmed version, it was planned to capture the original Broadway cast before they leave on March 29.The First Shadow gained increased interest after Season 5 of the streaming show landed on the OTT platform.
What’s next
Directed by Stephen Daldry and co-directed by Justin Martin, the production features a cast of 34 and ambitious stagecraft that merges practical effects with cinematic flair. The Duffer Brothers serve as creative producers, while Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps Entertainment is attached as associate producer. Netflix had previously chronicled the making of the play in ‘Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow’, released in April 2025. Now, with cameras rolling inside the Marquis Theatre, ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ is set to transcend the theatre space ensuring that even after the stage lights fade, audiences worldwide can experience Hawkins and the looming presence of the Upside Down without ever leaving home.
