Stranger Things: The First Shadow Broadway production being filmed for Netflix release
Netflix is filming the Broadway cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow this week before they leave in March. The prequel play explores Vecna's origin story in 1959 and has been grossing $1.4 million weekly since season 5 dropped.
The wait for a filmed version of Stranger Things: The First Shadow just got shorter — or at least, the filming part did. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions are filming the Broadway production this week, with performances cancelled from February 10-14 to capture the original cast before they depart on March 29.
Why film it now?
The timing isn't random — it's all about preserving the original Broadway cast, led by Tony nominee Louis McCartney as Henry Creel. The cast that opened the show at the Marquis Theatre on April 22, 2025 will be replaced by a new lineup in March, including Victor de Paula Rocha taking over as Henry Creel.
The Broadway production has been one of the highest-grossing shows each week since Stranger Things season 5 dropped on Netflix, most recently bringing in $1.4 million. Not bad for a show about teenagers with supernatural problems.
What the play actually covers
Set in 1959, The First Shadow serves as a prequel to the Netflix series, exploring Henry Creel's origin story — yes, the guy who becomes Vecna. It features high school versions of characters from the TV series as their lives get turned upside down by Creel's newfound powers.
Writer Kate Trefry confirmed the play's importance to the franchise: 'It's totally canon. It's totally tied into the series, from seasons one through five. It had to be this missing puzzle piece that connects all of these different things.'
When you might see it
Here's where things get vague — no timeline or release schedule has been set for the filmed version. Netflix and the producers are clearly focused on capturing the performance first, then figuring out the when and how later.
The play originally opened in London in December 2023 before making its Broadway debut. There's already a Netflix documentary about the creation process called 'Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow', which debuted in April 2025.
Where to catch up on Stranger Things
While we wait for news on the filmed play's release, UAE viewers can stream the entire Stranger Things series on Netflix, including the recently concluded fifth and final season. All episodes are available with Arabic subtitles, and the platform typically releases content simultaneously in the UAE and globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Stranger Things: The First Shadow be released on Netflix?
No timeline or release schedule has been set yet, but the production is being filmed this week for future release on the platform.
Is Stranger Things: The First Shadow canon?
Yes, writer Kate Trefry confirmed it is 'totally canon' and ties into seasons one through five of the series, serving as a missing puzzle piece.
Who is in the original cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow?
The original Broadway cast is led by Tony nominee Louis McCartney as Henry Creel, among others. This cast departs on March 29, 2025.
Why were Stranger Things: The First Shadow performances cancelled?
Performances from February 10-14 were cancelled to allow Netflix and producers to film the stage production with the original cast.
Written by
Subscribe to our newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates and news
Member discussion