Stranger Things is getting a prequel to help ease the wait for season 5 — although to check it out, you’ll have to go to London. Now, Netflix announced Stranger Things: The First Shadowa stage play that will be screened at the Phoenix Theater in London’s West End starting in “late” 2023 and that serves as a different origin story.
Stranger Things creators the Duffer brothers will serve as creative producers, while the story is written by Kate Trefry, a writer on the show since season 2. The story follows younger versions of characters like Hopper and Joyce as they deal with early days of darkness Living in Hawkins, Indiana. Here is the official premise:
Hawkins, 1959: a regular city with regular concerns. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister won’t take her 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…
Apart from some works inspired by Saul Bass (pictured above), there aren’t any production images yet. It also looks like the game could have some powerful story implications, with Netflix saying in the announcement that “this thrilling new adventure will take you back to the beginning of Stranger Things story — and may hold the key to the end.” You can register for priority access to tickets right here.
The fourth season of Stranger Things, which was split into two parts, Netflix wrapped last summer. No word yet on when season 5 will debut.