The ‘Stranger Things’ Broadway Prequel Is Coming to Netflix [Exclusive]

22 hours ago 4

Published Feb 10, 2026, 12:00 PM EST

Stranger Things is Netflix's signature breakout hit, and the series has expanded past the streamer into merchandise, comic books, and even a Broadway show detailing the origin of its signature villain. For fans without the wherewithal to make it to a Broadway or West End performance of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, however, that chapter of the story remains as inaccessible as the Upside Down...until now.

Collider is proud to exclusively reveal that Stranger Things: The First Shadow will be professionally filmed by Netflix for a future release; however, no release date for that version has yet been announced. A week of performances has been cancelled, from Tuesday, February 10 to Saturday, February 14, to facilitate filming. This also means that the performance will feature the Tony Award-winning production's original cast; it includes Louis McCartney (Silent Roar), T.R. Knight (Grey's Anatomy), Gabrielle Nevaeh (That Girl Lay Lay), and Alex Breaux (who played a different role on the fifth season of Stranger Things). Collider confirmed the play would be filmed late last year.

What Is 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' About?

The play centers around the origin of Henry Creel Jr., the psychokinetic resident of Hawkins, Indiana, who later became the gruesome entity known as Vecna. As his powers grow, the teenage Henry becomes increasingly influenced by a shadowy entity from another dimension; while a teenage Jim Hopper and Joyce investigate, Dr. Martin Brenner of the Hawkins National Laboratory becomes intrigued by Henry's abilities. As he experiences the first stirrings of romance, Henry struggles to control his paranormal powers before they take everything from him. The play ties the origins of Henry's powers to his father's service aboard the USS Eldridge, the Navy ship alleged to have been part of the paranormal "Philadelphia Experiment" during World War II.

Written by Stranger Things scribe Kate Trefry from a story by her, Matt and Ross Duffer, and British playwright Jack Thorne (Adolescence), and directed by Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot) and Justin Martin (Prima Facie), Stranger Things: The First Shadow first made its debut in London's West End in 2023 before coming to Broadway last year. The Broadway production won Tonys for its scenic design, lighting, and sound, and was awarded a special Tony for its special effects.

A filmed version of Stranger Things: The First Shadow will be available to watch on Netflix at some point in the future; no release date has yet been announced. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.