‘Stranger Things’ Prequel Story to Hit Stage

‘Stranger Things’ Prequel Play ‘The First Shadow’ Headed to London’s West End

The play, from one of the series’ writing team, will focus on a younger Hopper, Joyce, and Henry Creel –– AKA the kid who will become Vecna.

'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' was written by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry.

Netflix has hardly been shy in producing or merchandising whatever it can from huge hit ‘Stranger Things’. But while a prequel story is something we certainly thought could happen given the mythology that creators Matt and Ross Duffer have woven for the series, we’re not sure we expected it to premiere on the London stage.

But that’s just what is happening: ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ is coming to the Phoenix theater in the UK capital by the end of 2023.

Based on an original by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry, the play has been written by Trefry, a co-executive producer on the series.

Filmmaker Stephen Daldry, who has a big stage resume, will direct the show alongside Justin Martin.

Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, and Kate Trefry.

What’s the story of the ‘Stranger Things’ prequel play?

Here’s the logline for the new ‘Stranger Things’ prequel…

Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister won’t take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado just wants to graduate and get the hell out of town. When new student Henry Creel arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy… and the shadows of the past have a very long reach.

Here’s what the Duffers have to say about the play:

“We are beyond excited about ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’. Collaborating with the brilliant Stephen Daldry has been nothing short of inspiring, and Kate Trefry has written a play that is at turns surprising, scary, and heartfelt. You will meet endearing new characters, as well as very familiar ones, on a journey into the past that sets the groundwork for the future of ‘Stranger Things.’ We’re dying to tell you more about the story but won't - it’s more fun to discover it for yourself. Can’t wait to see you nerds in London!”

The producer of the show, Sonia Friedman, says,

“The world and mythology of ‘Stranger Things’ has enabled a rich and fertile ground for creating an incredible story for the stage. The Duffer Brothers have built a huge global following for good reason, and a world-class creative team has built on their boundless imagination to dream up an unbelievably exciting theatrical event for our audiences. Set within the canon of ‘Stranger Things’, this new play opens in London, with the West End hosting the only place in the world to experience this new story –– for now. I’m thrilled to reunite with my visionary long-term collaborator Stephen Daldry. Together, with our brilliant Netflix partners, we can’t wait to welcome Stranger Things fans into theatre, and theatregoers into the realm of ‘Stranger Things’.”

(L to R) Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer on the set of Netflix's 'Stranger Things.'

When will ‘Stranger Things’ end?

The fact that the creators mention laying the groundwork for the future of ‘Stranger Things’ is interesting, since the show –– at least in its current incarnation –– is heading towards the end. Season 5 of the show has yet to shoot, which means it likely won’t hit Netflix until 2024 or even 2025. Yet the Duffers have talked about potential spin-offs, so even if you’re preparing to mourn the end of the show, we’re sure that there will be future visits to the Upside Down.

Can I buy tickets for the ‘Stranger Things’ play?

While it does mean a trip to London for now (there are no details yet about any plans for it to be staged in the States yet), fans looking to score tickets can register at this link: strangerthingsonstage.com.