Stranger Things Broadway Play Filming for Netflix Streaming Release

Netflix has begun filming the Broadway production of "Stranger Things: The First Shadow" for a future streaming release, temporarily halting stage performances. The play is a standalone prequel set in 1959 Hawkins, focusing on a young Henry Creel. It features a large cast and is directed by Stephen Daldry with Justin Martin. No release date for the filmed version has been announced.

Key Points: Stranger Things Broadway Play Filmed for Netflix

  • Filming this week for Netflix
  • Broadway performances cancelled Feb 10-14
  • A prequel set in 1959 Hawkins
  • Explores young Henry Creel's origins
3 min read

'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' Broadway play filming to start soon for streaming

Netflix films 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' Broadway play for future streaming. A prequel set in 1959 Hawkins.

"The filming brings the theatrical chapter of the 'Stranger Things' universe to streaming audiences - Variety"

Washington, DC, February 11

The popular series 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' Broadway play will stream on Netflix, reported Variety.

According to the outlet, the streaming giant Netflix is filming the Broadway production of 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' this week for a future streaming release.

The filming brings the theatrical chapter of the 'Stranger Things' universe to streaming audiences and captures the show's original Broadway company in its current form.

To accommodate the shoot, producers Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions cancelled performances from February 10 through February 14. The play will resume its regular performance schedule on February 15.

No release window has been set for the filmed version, reported Variety.

The Broadway cast is led by Tony nominee Louis McCartney, who stars as Henry Creel after originating the role in London's West End.

A new ensemble will take over the production in late March, with Victor de Paula Rocha stepping into the role of Henry Creel alongside Ayana Cymone as Patty Newby, Shea Grant as Joyce Maldonado, Juan Carlos as Bob Newby and Matthew Erick White as James Hopper Jr.

'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' opened on Broadway April 22, 2025, at the Marquis Theatre, following its West End debut in December 2023.

Written by Kate Trefry and based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers and Jack Thorne along with Trefry, the play functions as a standalone prequel rooted in the mythology of the hit series.

Set in 1959 Hawkins, the story centres on teenage Henry Creel as his family relocates in search of a fresh start. As unsettling events ripple through the town, Henry begins to grapple with the frightening possibility that he may be connected to the darkness taking hold.

According to the outlet, the production explores the early lives of characters familiar to fans of the series, while laying groundwork that connects directly to the events of the television show, including its fifth and final season.

Directed by Stephen Daldry and co-directed by Justin Martin, the play features a cast of 34 and expansive stagecraft that blends practical effects with cinematic storytelling. The Duffer Brothers serve as creative producers, with Shawn Levy's 21 Laps Entertainment acting as associate producer.

Netflix previously documented the making of the stage production in "Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow," released in April 2025, reported Variety.

With cameras now rolling inside the Marquis Theatre, the Broadway chapter of 'Stranger Things' is poised to live on long after the lights dim, offering fans a front-row seat to the Upside Down.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting move by Netflix. While I love the series, I wonder if a filmed play will have the same impact as the show. The experience of theatre is so different. Still, more Stranger Things content is always welcome!
R
Rohit P
They cancelled shows for a week just to film it? Must be a huge production. Hope it's worth it for the fans. The cast change in March is also interesting - will they film that version too?
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in Delhi, this makes me so happy! I've been following the West End reviews. Bringing Broadway to our screens is a great equalizer. More productions should do this.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I hope they don't over-commercialize the franchise. The series was perfect. A prequel play is fine, but let's not stretch it too thin. The magic should remain in the original format.
K
Kavya N
Yaar, this is so cool! My brother and I are huge fans. We'll definitely have a watch party with samosas when this streams. Exploring Henry Creel's backstory in 1959 Hawkins sounds brilliant. 🤩

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