Netflix to Release THE FIRST SHADOW Documentary

Yes, you read that correctly: the beloved Netflix series has spawned a boundary-pushing theatre production. STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW had its world premiere at the Phoenix Theatre in London back in December 2023 and has since garnered a WhatsOnStage Award, glowing reviews, and a devoted fan base of theatregoers and streaming aficionados alike. This stage play, written by Kate Trefry (from an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne, and Trefry herself), is directed by Stephen Daldry with co-direction by Justin Martin. Unlike the 1980s-inspired TV phenomenon, the theatrical version zaps us back to 1959. We meet a teenage Jim Hopper, Joyce Maldonado, Bob Newby, and Henry Creel—characters the TV audience might associate with David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Sean Astin, and Jamie Campbell Bower, respectively.

But how did a global streaming giant end up collaborating with West End creatives to spin a new chapter in the Stranger Things saga for the stage? That’s precisely the sort of question Netflix’s upcoming documentary aims to answer. Titled Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow, this special promises an all-access pass to the making of the show. If you’ve ever wondered how a cherished TV franchise finds fresh life under the proscenium arch, you’re in for a treat.

The Documentary Insight

Documentaries about theatre aren’t exactly new—countless behind-the-scenes features have given us glimpses into the mania of Broadway and the West End. But Netflix, with its global reach and cinematic flair, might just elevate the form to new heights. Directed by Jon Halperin and produced by Angus Wall, Kent Kubena, and Terry Leonard (with executive producer Matt Bell), the film aims to capture the complexities of mounting a production that merges the big-budget aesthetic of a streaming titan with the intimacy of live performance.

Given that STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW has already racked up stellar reviews, there’s plenty of curiosity swirling around how the creative team fused special effects, period costumes, and illusions to replicate the series’ supernatural ambience on stage. Early reports suggest that illusions played a far bigger role than one might expect, with stage designers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a traditional theatre setting. When the show debuted at the Phoenix Theatre, it wasn’t just the critics who were gobsmacked; fans noted the remarkable mix of 1950s Americana and near-cinematic set transformations.

From the West End to Broadway: A Meteoric Rise

Proving it’s no one-hit wonder, STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW has now made its way across the Atlantic to Broadway. Performances begin this weekend at the Marquis Theatre—an address synonymous with large-scale musicals and blockbuster shows. If you’re wondering whether the seat-shaking spectacle that wowed Londoners could travel intact, rest assured: the creative team is reportedly pulling out all the stops in New York as well. Broadway insiders expect high demand, with ticket sites anticipating swift sales reminiscent of major musical debuts.

This cross-continental success underscores a broader industry trend. In the last decade, musicals and plays adapted from film or television IP have often been massive draws—think of big names like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child or Frozen on Broadway. According to a 2023 study by The Broadway League, shows linked to established franchises typically see higher advance ticket sales by an average of 15%. STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW is very much riding that wave, capitalising on the widespread affection for the Netflix series.

The Mystery of 1959 Hawkins

If you’re a fan of the TV series, you might be thinking, “Wait, 1959? That’s decades before Eleven and the boys, right?” Precisely. The original creators, the Duffer Brothers, partnered with Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry to craft a story that peels back the layers of Hawkins’ history. Rather than replicating the 1980s nostalgia, the stage play immerses you in an older generation’s secrets and struggles. You’ll encounter a young Jim Hopper—before the badges and the heartbreak—and see Joyce in a whole new light, long before she became the frantic mother we know. And let’s not forget a youthful Henry Creel, whose storyline might reveal pivotal origins of the darkness we later see in the series.

For some, this approach to world-building is reminiscent of the expanded universes we often see in comic franchises. Yet, the difference here is a change of medium—from screen to stage—and a leap back in time that frees the story from the show’s existing blueprint. The documentary will reportedly explore how the creative team used archival photos, period fashion, and an inventive set design to evoke post-war America. It’s rumoured that London’s set design drew upon old diner aesthetics, mid-century suburban homes, and even classic car tailfins to give audiences a time-travelling experience.

The Creative Minds

Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow isn’t just a catchy title; it’s an invitation to witness the collaborative chaos that fuels any theatrical production. We’ll see the synergy between director Stephen Daldry, known for Billy Elliot and The Crown, and co-director Justin Martin, who has carved out his own theatrical niche with a keen eye for storytelling. At the centre of the writing process is Kate Trefry, bridging Netflix’s brand with the demands of live theatre.

Fans of the show might be intrigued to learn that the stage version demanded an entirely new approach to fear and suspense. On-screen, jump scares are easy with quick cuts and dramatic music cues. On stage, the director must rely on lighting, soundscapes, and meticulously choreographed movements to build tension. Early audience accounts praise the production’s ability to send a collective shiver down the spine—something not all supernatural plays achieve.

A Surprising Element

While the Stranger Things brand instantly brings to mind parallel dimensions and demogorgons, the play’s biggest triumph might just be its emotional depth. Sure, we expect some telekinetic mayhem (though the real star of Netflix’s series, Eleven, isn’t even born yet in 1959). But multiple theatregoers I’ve spoken with rave about how the prequel format turns the spotlight on characters’ hopes, fears, and budding relationships in an era overshadowed by the Cold War. If you’re curious about how the sweet, unassuming Bob Newby came to be the hero we see in the later timeline, the stage show offers poignant hints. By focusing on the heartfelt humanity behind each role, STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW transcends simple fan service and becomes its own living, breathing narrative.

Industry insiders say that the documentary will delve into these emotional undercurrents, tracing how the actors discovered the motivations for younger versions of well-loved characters. Expect candid interviews, workshop footage, and even glimpses of the creative debates that shaped the final production. It’s always fascinating to watch a cast assemble their roles piece by piece, especially when they’re not merely rehashing what we’ve seen on screen, but forging new identities for iconic characters.

What it Means For Fans

If you’ve already seen STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW or plan to catch it soon—whether in London or on Broadway—this documentary is the perfect companion piece. It promises to sate your curiosity about all those “how did they do that?” moments. Moreover, it will serve as a blueprint for future productions seeking to seamlessly transition from beloved streaming IP to the theatre world.

For the uninitiated, it’s a splendid primer. Perhaps you love the Stranger Things TV series but have never ventured into the West End or Broadway. This Netflix special could be the bridge that encourages you to step foot in a theatre, discover a new dimension of storytelling, and relish the shared energy that only live performance can provide.

Mark Your Calendar: 15 April 2025

Yes, you’ll have to wait a little while, but the documentary officially lands on Netflix on 15 April 2025. The timing is hardly random: according to streaming trends, mid-April often ushers in a surge of platform subscriptions and viewership, likely boosted by holiday breaks and cooler weather in parts of the world. Netflix is, of course, adept at capitalising on such audience patterns.

Still, the wait also reflects the time and care needed to capture Broadway’s opening weeks and gather fresh behind-the-scenes footage. We can expect an immersive documentary that spans multiple continents—showing the production’s evolution from London’s West End to New York’s marquee-laden theatre district. And with the original creative team still at the helm, the result should be a meticulously crafted deep dive rather than a standard-issue promo piece.

There’s a certain magic that happens when two powerful mediums cross-pollinate. STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW isn’t merely a nostalgic tribute; it’s a fully-formed work of art that complements the TV phenomenon by exploring hidden corners of Hawkins’ past. That synergy becomes even more enchanting when captured on film for the world to see. Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow looks set to reveal not just the technical wizardry and creative visions at play, but also the beating heart that drives every actor’s performance and every director’s decision.

If your idea of perfect entertainment merges ghostly mysteries with the raw immediacy of live theatre, this documentary will be your catnip. It grants you the unique privilege of stepping inside a rehearsal room or a scenic workshop without leaving your sofa. And who knows—once you’ve glimpsed this behind-the-scenes odyssey, you might just find yourself booking a seat in the stalls, ready to experience Hawkins of 1959 for yourself. Because if there’s one thing this documentary is likely to prove, it’s that the worlds of streaming and stage can fuse together to create something nothing short of spellbinding. After all, in Hawkins—or any theatre worth its salt—there’s always another secret waiting behind the next curtain.