Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow – 5 Important Things we Learned About Season 5
As we anxiously await the release of Stranger Things season 5, Netflix has released Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow—a feature-length documentary that offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
This prequel play, which debuted on London's West End in December 2023 and is now making its Broadway debut, explores the origins of a young Henry Creel, who will grow up to become the notorious Vecna.
While this documentary is not a recording of the play itself, it offers fascinating insights for both fans of Stranger Things and live theater enthusiasts. From the intense production challenges to surprising revelations about the upcoming season five, here are five major takeaways we learned about what’s coming next in the Stranger Things universe.
5. Hints at Stranger Things Season 5 in The First Shadow Story
It turns out that The First Shadow is more than just a prequel; it contains some not-so-subtle hints about what’s to come in Stranger Things season five. As the Duffer Brothers reveal in the documentary, fans should pay close attention to the script of the play, which contains clues about future events in the series.
“Listen, there are also some not-so-subtle hints as to what is to come, in Season 5 and beyond,” said Ross Duffer in the documentary. The documentary even gives us sneak peeks at key words from the script, such as “the black void,” “the rainbow room,” “transfusions,” and “the Mind Flayer.” These cryptic references have fans speculating about how these elements might play a role in the final season of Stranger Things.
4. Bob Newby had a Sister who Romanced Henry Creel
In an intriguing twist, the play introduces Patty Newby, Bob Newby’s sister, who becomes a romantic interest for a young Henry Creel. Patty, portrayed by Ella Karuna Williams on the West End and Gabrielle Nevaeh on Broadway, shares a poignant moment with Henry in the script: "My whole life, I’ve been the girl from nowhere. The one nobody wants. But then I met you, and I swear to God, for the first time, I felt connected."
However, fans may not want to get too attached to this romance. Considering Henry’s eventual transformation into Vecna, it’s unlikely that this love story will have a happy ending.
3. Young Versions of Familiar Characters Appear in the Play
While The First Shadow focuses on Henry Creel’s origin story, it also features a number of familiar characters from Stranger Things. Young versions of Joyce, Hopper, and Bob Newby all make significant appearances. We also see younger versions of Dr. Brenner, Ted Wheeler, Alan Munson (Eddie Munson's father), and other characters fans know well from the TV series.
In the documentary, we get a glimpse of the young Joyce (played by Isabella Pappas on the West End and Alison Jaye on Broadway), who brings some serious drill sergeant energy to her role as a play director in the production. "Every scene I have, I think I’m yelling at someone, which is really fun," Pappas said in the documentary. "It’s great. It’s very cathartic," Pappas added.
2. A Major Season 5 Spoiler was cut from the Play
In one of the most significant moments of the documentary, Stranger Things writer Kate Trefry reveals that the Duffer Brothers instructed her to make a major cut to the script just weeks before the play’s premiere. This change involved reducing the amount of information about a particular character, which Trefry explains with a redacted spoiler.
“It’s going to be 80 percent less. We’re going to be able to tell very little of the story of [bleeped out spoiler],” Trefry said (via People), with the said spoiler censored like a curse word. “We’re going to be able to say something happened, but we’re really not going to be able to say that much," Trefry added.
The Duffer Brothers wanted to preserve a major reveal for Stranger Things season five. While the exact details are still under wraps, it’s clear that the show’s creators are working to ensure that some story elements remain a mystery until the final season.
1. The Season 5 Soundtrack Might Feature “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”
In an unexpected moment during the documentary, director Stephen Daldry sings the classic 1983 hit "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics. While the play itself is set in 1959, this subtle musical reference could hint at an ’80s vibe for Stranger Things season 5. Given the show's track record of featuring iconic '80s songs, it’s possible that this tune could make its way onto the Stranger Things season 5 soundtrack.
A Glimpse Into the Creative Process
As Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow reveals, putting on a live production is no small feat. The documentary delves into the blood, sweat, and tears required to bring The First Shadow to life on stage, offering fans an inside look at the challenges of live theater.
With its blend of Stranger Things lore and behind-the-scenes drama, this documentary provides fans with new insights into the world of Hawkins, Indiana, and the characters they love. While we eagerly await the release of Stranger Things season five, The First Shadow offers a taste of what’s to come—and perhaps a few clues about how the final season will unfold.
For more on the Stranger Things universe, be sure to keep an eye out for ongoing updates as new information emerges.
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