‘Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things The First Shadow’ Documentary Hits Netflix, Offering Exclusive Look at the Broadway Prequel
As Stranger Things fans around the world eagerly await word on the Season 5 release date, Netflix has served up something new to hold them over: a feature-length “making-of” documentary about the Stranger Things prequel play. Titled Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things The First Shadow, this newly released film on Netflix provides an in-depth look at the creative process behind the theatrical production that opened on London’s West End in December 2023 and is now playing on Broadway.
This isn’t a filmed version of the play, but rather a behind-the-scenes exploration that takes viewers into rehearsals, set design discussions, and the day-to-day challenges of staging a major show. With cast and crew interviews, it captures the intense work, pressure, and excitement that come with performing eight shows a week. Here’s what you need to know about both the play and the documentary.
What Is Stranger Things: The First Shadow?
Set in 1959, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is the official stage prequel to the beloved Netflix series. It delves into the origins of Henry Creel—long before he became the menacing Vecna—and follows a teenage Jim Hopper, Joyce, Bob Newby, Ted Wheeler, and other familiar faces navigating life in Hawkins. The storyline introduces Dr. Brenner’s early experiments at Hawkins Lab and traces Henry’s transformation from troubled teen to the show’s formidable villain.
7 Highlights from the Netflix Documentary
1. Going Beyond Broadway Glitz
The film underscores just how challenging it is to create a stage production of this scale, from constructing an immersive Hawkins environment to training actors for physically demanding scenes. Viewers see how every aspect—costumes, lighting, sound, and special effects—needs to come together seamlessly to transport audiences back to 1959.
2. Henry Creel’s Origin Story
Fans get more insight into the backstory of Henry Creel’s dark journey. While The First Shadow covers it on stage, the documentary gives glimpses of how the creative team balanced staying faithful to existing Stranger Things lore with offering new revelations about the series’ villain.
3. Familiar Characters Reimagined
Seeing characters like Joyce, Hopper, and Bob Newby as teenagers is both nostalgic and fresh. The documentary highlights the cast’s process of interpreting well-loved roles, as well as the guidance they received from the show’s creators to ensure the portrayals ring true.
4. Major Technical Feats
Putting on a supernatural story live eight times a week requires technical wizardry. The documentary shows how illusions, set changes, and creature effects are orchestrated in real time, often with just seconds to spare between scenes.
5. Cast and Crew Camaraderie
The playful bond among the cast and crew shines through. From joking around in rehearsals to supporting each other through opening-night jitters, the film captures the “family” vibe behind this high-pressure production.
6. The Pressure of Broadway (and Beyond)
With The First Shadow moving from a successful West End run to Broadway, the stakes have only grown higher. The documentary reveals the stress of transferring a production across the Atlantic and meeting the high expectations of Stranger Things’ loyal fan base.
7. A Peek at Future Stranger Things Connections
While this is a prequel, the documentary teases small Easter eggs that may resonate in Season 5. Viewers can keep an eye out for hints about overarching themes or characters that might connect to what’s next in the Stranger Things universe.
How To Watch
Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things The First Shadow is available to stream now on Netflix. For those fascinated by theater production or simply craving more Stranger Things lore, it offers an engaging look at the artistry and effort behind one of pop culture’s biggest franchises as it ventures into the world of live stage performance.
Final Word
Though it’s not the full stage production, Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things The First Shadow packs plenty of behind-the-scenes magic and in-depth interviews. Whether you’re a devoted Stranger Things fan eager to see Vecna’s origin story—or simply curious about the inner workings of a high-profile Broadway show—this documentary delivers a fascinating glimpse of the creative process from every angle.
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