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While we’re all waiting for an announcement of just when we can return to Hawkins for the show’s final season, Netflix has pulled out a surprise for Stranger Things fans — the next Stranger Things project on the streaming giant is just weeks away… and it’s not the show’s final season.

Instead, Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things The First Shadow will drop April 15, showcasing the work that went into creating the theatrical prequel to the hit show that opened in London’s West End in December 2023. (In an unexpected moment of Netflix coincidence, the co-writer of current Netflix hit Adolescence, Jack Thorne, was also one of the co-writers of The First Shadow.)

Directed by Jon Halperin, Behind the Curtain follows the preparation for the show’s worldwide debut at the Phoenix Theater in 2023, with Netflix describing it thusly: “With special behind-the-scenes access, follow the cast and crew of Stranger Things: The First Shadow as they race against time to prepare the ambitious, boundary-pushing stage show for its West End debut amid mounting fan and critic anticipation.”

The release of the documentary comes not only before the final season of Stranger Things, but also ahead of the official Broadway debut of Stranger Things: The First Shadow. The show opened in previews at the Marquis Theater March 28, with its official opening April 22. Think of Behind the Curtain not just as a way for Netflix to keep the Stranger Things faithful occupied ahead of the final season’s arrival, but also as a full-length advertisement for the Broadway show. It’s multipurpose, just as Stranger Things is increasingly becoming intended to be.

Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things The First Shadow will appear on Netflix April 15. Watch the trailer below.

As we all collectively wait for Stranger Things season 5, here's the keys to getting ready:

• How to watch Stranger Things in chronological or release order
• Getting to know the Stranger Things season 5 cast
• There needs to be more death in Stranger Things, says co-star Gaten Matarazzo
• The Stranger Things time jump between season 4 and 5 has been confirmed by Netflix - and it raises some serious questions
• "They land the plane," David Harbour describes the Stranger Things finale, which he calls its "best episode"