Netflix announced Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a documentary premiering April 15 on Netflix. The documentary captures the chaos and creativity behind The First Shadow, the 2023 West End production that served as a prequel to the series. Directed by Jon Halperin and produced by Angus Wall, Kent Kubena, and Terry Leonard, the documentary will feature behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and glimpses of the play’s mind-bending special effects, which left even the show’s creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, in awe.

The documentary would reveal the crew’s challenges in staging illusions and soundscapes for the play’s London debut. It will feature the Duffer brothers, who initially thought Stephen Daldry wanted a Season 1 musical adaptation. Instead, the play expands the Stranger Things universe with an original story co-written by Kate Trefry, blending teenage drama and supernatural horror. Produced by Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions, the play aims to evoke “shock and awe,” per Daldry, through practical effects, stemming from his 2019 pitch.

The Olivier Award–winning stage production transitions to Broadway this spring, with previews starting March 28 and an official opening on April 22 at the Marriott Marquis Theater. Set in 1959, the play explores young Henry Creel’s (played by Louis McCartney) descent into darkness after his family moves to Hawkins. The cast features Rosie Benton, Alex Breaux, and Ta’Rea Campbell, among others. Tickets are now available at StrangerThingsBroadway.com.

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As the documentary revisits the past, fans are laser-focused on the future - and the Duffer brothers are promising tears.

Though Netflix has kept Stranger Things season 5 plot details under wraps, the final chapter will likely center on Hawkins’ battle against Vecna and the Upside Down. Ross Duffer revealed during a conversation with The Wrap that Netflix executives cried during the season pitch, calling it “wild” to witness such reactions. David Harbour (Jim Hopper) teased Variety about a "moving and quite beautiful" conclusion, while Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield) admitted she had no idea how her character’s arc would unfold. The cast also welcomed several newcomers - Jake Connelly and more, though their roles remain tightly under wraps.

Last year, it was confirmed that the season would jump to fall 1987, a shorter timeline than expected. The Duffers acknowledged the challenge of aging cast members, stating they wished to film seasons 4 and 5 back-to-back but faced logistical hurdles. Early script readings reportedly left the crew in tears, hinting at a bittersweet sendoff. As the Stranger Things era nears its end, the documentary and final season together promise to celebrate its legacy while delivering one last supernatural showdown.

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