As the curtain falls on Netflix’s popular series Stranger Things with its impending fifth and final season, fans are eager for answers about the eerie Upside Down and its mysterious villain, Vecna. Although the series might conclude, there are numerous unresolved mysteries that may not unfold on screen but rather, dramatically on stage.
Netflix is fervently preparing for the next segment of Stranger Things, though it has faced temporary halt due to an ongoing writer’s strike. However, the universe of Stranger Things is all set to grow beyond the realm of the digital platform. Among several exciting offshoots, viewers can delve into the backstory of Eddie Munson through a novel penned by Caitlin Schneiderhan, one of the show’s writers. Titled “Flight of Icarus”, this literary exploration is not the only expansion of the story’s universe.
The captivating world of Stranger Things is all set to make a spectacular entrance into London’s theatre scene with Stranger Things: The First Shadow. This theatrical depiction dives into the past, portraying incidents that occurred before Will Bayers disappeared, a central event that triggers the main storyline.
Netflix dropped a gripping trailer for the play on Wednesday, implying ties to the final season of the series. The announcement conveyed, “#StrangerThingsOnStage will take you right back to the beginning of the Stranger Things story – and it might hold the key to what comes next…”
So, what’s the storyline of Stranger Things: The First Shadow?
The trailer opens with footage from the fourth season of the series, played out on a vintage television set, reminiscent of those commonly featured in the series. The narrative then rewinds, immersing viewers into the town of Hawkins, circa 1959.
While the play spotlights multiple characters, a pivotal figure is Henry Creel, the future Vecna. Portrayed by Jamie Campbell Bower, he’s the unseen antagonist who’s been pulling the strings from the inception. The theatrical performance promises to unravel more about Creel’s past and his transformation into Vecna, following the insights provided in the fourth season.
But Creel’s story isn’t the sole focus of Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Viewers will also witness the younger selves of Hopper and Joyce, along with Bob Newby, a character portrayed by Sean Astin, who met a tragic end in the series’ second season.
In the climactic season of Stranger Things, the leading team faces the daunting challenge of permanently ridding Hawkins of Vecna and his threatening army, especially since the Upside Down has begun its eerie domination over the town. Therefore, clues about Creel’s past divulged through the play could be invaluable for defeating him.
With Stranger Things: The First Shadow directed by the acclaimed Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin, and backed by a stellar team including the Duffer brothers — the series’ creators, and Shawn Levi, one of the key producers, fans can look forward to a thrilling addition to the Stranger Things universe. The theatre is ready to take center stage, promising to fill in gaps and tie loose ends, ensuring an enriching and captivating end to this epic saga.
