Stranger Things: The First Shadow Announces Initial Broadway Casting

Stranger Things: The First Shadow, the highly anticipated stage prequel to the hit Netflix series, has revealed its first Broadway casting. West End star Louis McCartney will make his Broadway debut as Henry Creel when the show begins previews at the Marquis Theatre on 28 March 2025, with an official opening night set for 22 April.

McCartney, who originated the role of Henry Creel in the London production in 2023, will perform his final show in the West End on 10 November before transitioning to the Broadway stage. The full cast for the Broadway run is yet to be announced.

The play, written by Stranger Things series writer Kate Trefry, is co-directed by Tony Award winner Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin. The story, crafted by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne, and Trefry, explores Hawkins in 1959 and follows a young Henry Creel as he arrives in town and begins uncovering dark secrets that his family cannot outrun. Fans will also see younger versions of beloved characters Jim Hopper, Joyce Maldonado, and Bob Newby.

The creative team for Stranger Things: The First Shadow boasts some of theatre’s top talent, including set design by Miriam Buether, costumes by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting by Jon Clark, and sound by Paul Arditti. The production will also feature illusions and visual effects by Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher, with video design and effects by 59 Productions. DJ Walde provides original music and arrangements, while choreography is handled by Coral Messam, and movement direction by Lynne Page.

As the Broadway debut approaches, anticipation continues to build for the latest installment of the Stranger Things universe, bringing the eerie world of Hawkins to the stage.

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