Netflix to film Stranger Things prequel play The First Shadow for streaming
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The gist
Netflix is filming the Broadway and West End play Stranger Things: The First Shadow for a streaming release.
The stage prequel traces villain Vecna's origins and has sold nearly 1.8 million tickets.
Background
Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a stage play written by Kate Trefry, directed by Stephen Daldry and co-directed by Justin Martin, based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers (co-creators of Stranger Things), Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry. It is a prequel tracing the origins of Vecna, a central villain in the Netflix series. The play recently extended for a final time and has sold nearly 1.8 million tickets across the West End and Broadway over more than 1,500 performances. The news comes as the show's Broadway run and a wave of Stranger Things Day tie-ins are underway.
How it unfolded
- Nov 3, 2026Netflix announces it will film The First Shadow for a streaming release, bringing audiences the origins of Vecna.
- Nov 3, 2026The play's second Hawkins High School Homecoming Week begins at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway, with friendship bracelet crafting in the lobby.
- Nov 5, 2026Dark Horse Comics gives fans an exclusive limited-edition print of its First Shadow graphic novel cover at the theater.
- Nov 6, 2026A Sharpie Day lobby takeover invites fans to color and sign a larger-than-life Mind Flayer mural.
- Dec 27, 2026The First Shadow plays its final performance at London's Phoenix Theatre.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Netflix says filming the play will bring audiences the origins of Vecna.
Still unverified
Fans have theories about what Finn Wolfhard and Caleb McLaughlin are shooting together; the project has not been identified.