Documentary on ‘Stranger Things’ Play Set for Netflix Premiere

NEW YORK, NY — Netflix is set to release a documentary, “Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” showcasing the making of the highly anticipated stage adaptation of the popular series. Premiering on April 15, 2025, the film provides a glimpse into the rigorous preparations leading up to the play’s opening night on April 22, 2025, at the Marquis Theater in New York.

The documentary offers special backstage access to the cast and crew as they race against time to deliver an ambitious stage adaptation that has already garnered critical acclaim in its West End debut at the Phoenix Theatre in London in December 2023.

Ross Duffer, co-creator of the “Stranger Things” series, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The first time we saw the play, we were blown away. They pulled everything off and then some. It was one of the most thrilling experiences of our lives.” His co-creator, Matt Duffer, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the uniqueness of the theatrical experience.

Directed by Jon Halperin and produced by Angus Wall, Kent Kubena, and Terry Leonard, with Matt Bell serving as executive producer, the documentary delves into the creation of the play, which has a strong foundation in the series’ mythology. Stephen Daldry, the Tony-winning director, elaborates on the creative process, stating, “The challenge is to create a visceral experience for the audience, where they feel shock and awe, surprise and delight. There are moments in the show where you will think, ‘I don’t understand how they did that.’”

The play, set in 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, focuses on the teenage character Henry Creel, played by Louis McCartney. The narrative explores his origins and deeper complexities, offering insights into the character who eventually becomes the villain, Vecna, in the series.

The production is co-directed by Justin Martin, with a creative team that includes original story contributions by Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry, who also wrote the script. Daldry remarked that the aim of the play is to enhance the storytelling of Season 5 of the series, particularly through a richer understanding of Henry’s character.

“The goal of the play was always to enhance Season 5,” Ross Duffer explained. “While Season 5 explores Henry’s backstory, the play provides a much deeper understanding of who he was — and how and why he became Vecna.”

Previews for “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” begin on March 28, 2025. McCartney, who earned a Stage Debut Award for his role in the West End production, will reprise his performance on Broadway. He will be joined by a diverse cast including Alison Jaye, Burke Swanson, and T.R. Knight.

The documentary serves not only as a celebration of the artistic endeavor but also as a promotional effort, coinciding with the musical’s Broadway debut, aiming to attract both loyal fans and new audiences. The intricacies of merging television narratives with live theater are one of the film’s focal points, showcasing the innovative techniques employed in the production.

As fans eagerly await the Broadway opening, Netflix also encourages viewers to catch up on previous seasons of “Stranger Things,” as this stage adaptation is designed to complement the established narrative while standing as a compelling story on its own.