Netflix doesn’t have an official date for the last season of Stranger Things, but it’s got something to tide over fans in the upcoming play, First Shadow. The prequel just began its preview run this weekend ahead of its full launch in April, and that means it’s time to start hyping it up. Netflix has provided two new screenshots for the Broadway production, which show Louis McCartney as Henry Creel—aka One, aka Vecna—using his powers and making contact with the Mind Flayer.
In addition to that, Netflix announced an upcoming documentary covering First Shadow’s production before its West End opening night in December 2023. Along a seal of approval from Stranger Things creators Ross and Matt Duffer, the West End show opened to critical acclaim and later won two Olivier Awards for set design and entertainment of comedy or play. McCartney himself also took home a Stage Debut Award for Best Performer in 2024.
Set in 1959, First Shadow sees the 15-year-old Creel as he and his family have just moved to Hawkins for a fresh start. Initially, Henry’s able to make friends, join the school play, and cross paths with teenage versions of future Stranger Things mains like Hopper and Joyce. Things get more complicated when weird crimes start happening around the city, which may be connected to his powers. Along with McCartney, the Broadway cast includes Alison Jaye, Burke Swanson, and T.R. Knight.
In a Tudum blog, director Stephen Daldry discussed the challenge of “creating a visceral experience for the audience, where they feel shock and awe, surprise and delight. You have to deliver that. The fusion of television and theater is about the speed of narrative and how you create it … There are moments in First Shadow where you will think: I don’t understand how they did that.”
Behind the Curtain will hit Netflix on April 15, a week before the play opens at the Mariott Marquis Theater on April 22. You can buy tickets here.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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