The Play That Started It All: Go Behind the Scenes of Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Go Behind the Curtain with Stranger Things: The First Shadow
The new Netflix documentary takes fans deep into the creation of the spine-chilling West End hit
Stranger Things Goes Theatrical – And Now You Can See How It Was Made
If you thought Stranger Things couldn’t get any bigger, think again. Netflix just dropped a brand-new documentary, Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow, and it’s a must-watch for every fan of the Upside Down.
The film takes you behind the scenes of the hit West End stage production, following the creative team and cast as they race against time to open the show on December 14, 2023, at London’s Phoenix Theatre.
Whether you're a diehard Stranger Things fan or just curious about how such an ambitious show was pulled off on stage, this documentary is packed with surprises, emotions, and jaw-dropping moments.
The Origin of Vecna: Stranger Things Goes Back to the Beginning
The play, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, tells a brand-new story, written by Kate Trefry based on an idea from the Duffer brothers and Jack Thorne (Enola Holmes 2). It dives into the early life of Henry Creel, who later becomes the infamous villain Vecna in Season 4 of the show.
Set in 1959 Hawkins, decades before Eleven and her friends fought monsters from the Upside Down, the play shows a seemingly normal town hiding dark secrets. Familiar names like Jim Hopper, Bob Newby, and Joyce Maldonado appear as teenagers navigating everyday life—until Henry Creel shows up and everything changes.
“The goal of the play was always to enhance Season 5,” says Ross Duffer.
“It gives fans a deeper understanding of how Henry became Vecna.”
How the Play Was Born: From Idea to Opening Night
Surprisingly, the idea to turn Stranger Things into a stage play didn’t come from Netflix—it came from Stephen Daldry, a Tony-winning director known for massive stage productions. Back in 2019, Daldry approached the Duffer brothers with a bold idea.
“We assumed he wanted to adapt Season 1 into a musical,” recalls Matt Duffer.
“But he wanted an original story. That was really exciting for us.”
Together with co-director Justin Martin, Daldry and the Duffers worked to build something never seen before: a visceral, immersive stage experience that feels just as thrilling and mysterious as the TV series.
Behind the Scenes: A Look Inside the Documentary
Directed by Jon Halperin and produced by Angus Wall, Kent Kubena, and Terry Leonard, Behind the Curtain brings viewers backstage with the team working tirelessly to make the impossible happen.
The documentary shows:
- The rehearsal process and how actors got into character
- The technical challenges of recreating supernatural moments live
- The pressure of opening night with high expectations from fans and critics
- Emotional moments from the cast and crew as the story takes shape
“You have to create shock, awe, surprise, and delight,” says Daldry.
“There are moments where you’ll think, ‘How did they do that on stage?’”
Meet the Star: Louis McCartney as Henry Creel
A major highlight of both the play and the documentary is Louis McCartney, who plays Henry Creel. For his powerful performance, McCartney won the 2024 Stage Debut Award for Best Performer in a Play and the Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Most Promising Newcomer.
The documentary captures his transformation into the show’s lead villain—and it’s truly mesmerizing to watch.
And the best part? McCartney will reprise his role when The First Shadow opens on Broadway this spring!
Broadway Debut: Stranger Things Hits NYC in 2025
After stunning audiences in London, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is headed to Broadway. Previews begin March 28, and the official opening night is set for April 22 at the Marriott Marquis Theatre.
Tickets are already on sale at StrangerThingsBroadway.com—and with buzz building from both the play and the documentary, you’ll want to grab yours fast.
How the Play Connects to Season 5 (No Spoilers!)
The play isn’t just a side story—it’s a key part of the Stranger Things universe. It sets the stage (literally) for the events of Season 5, diving deeper into Vecna’s psychology and the twisted forces that shaped him.
“It was designed to work independently,” says Ross Duffer.
“But if you’ve seen the show, your understanding will be much richer.”
So whether you're bingeing Stranger Things again or just catching up, watching this play—and now the documentary—is the perfect way to prep for what’s coming next.
Where to Watch the Documentary
Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow is now streaming on Netflix. The trailer is also available online, giving a thrilling preview of what’s in store.
If you're a fan of:
- Behind-the-scenes theater stories
- Creative process documentaries
- Stranger Things lore and origin stories
… this one’s for you.
Stranger Things Reinvents Itself — Again
Just when you thought you knew everything about Hawkins, Stranger Things: The First Shadow pulls you in even deeper. The documentary captures not just the magic of the show—but the blood, sweat, and emotion that went into making it real.
It’s spooky, it’s moving, and it shows that even after four seasons, Stranger Things still has new stories to tell.
So dim the lights, press play on Netflix, and get ready to go behind the curtain.
