“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” on Broadway announces lead

Photo Courtesy of MGN
By Meghan Boucher

“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” is coming to Broadway and Louis McCartney will reprise his role. The play first debuted in London, where McCartney played Stranger Things villain Henry Creel.

“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” is a prequel to the hit Netflix show. Set 20 years before the events of the first season, it follows Henry Creel (McCartney) as he goes through his teen years,
grappling with his mysterious psycho abilities, and what eventually leads him to become season four’s main villain, Vecna.

McCartney said the play is a great way for fans to reconnect to the show’s story, ​​“It is its own standalone story and it’s got everything in it that will make you love ‘Stranger Things’ again.”

McCartney was cast in the London production after an open casting call. He originally had no plans to act on stage and mainly focused on-screen work, but drawing on his own experiences and connecting with the writing, he was able to bring Creel to life.

“I sort of felt alienated from everybody else at times. But then I also felt included, and people began to understand who I was…It’s very cathartic with Henry Creel. It’s very easy to cry on stage with this writing. It’s so in touch with what everybody else feels.”

“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” was written by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne, and KateTrefry, with Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin as co-directors. Performances for the play will begin March 28, 2025, with an official Broadway opening on April 22, 2025.