If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, you’ll love to hear this news: there’s a spin-off of the series coming in late 2023! And no, it’s not a show but a live action play, starring new characters and storylines. The synopsis is quite simple: what actually happened in Hawkins circa 1959? All the burning questions we have about Henry Creel (Vecna), his family, and the Upside Down will hopefully be answered — shedding light on the mysterious parallel world that has been haunting Indiana.
Taking you back to a time “before the world turned upside down,” the new script created by the Duffer Brothers, Kate Trefty and Jack Thorne is coming to London’s Phoenix Theatre in West End — and honestly, it’s motive enough to hop on a flight. Here’s what you should know about the play before getting your suitcases in order:
The story we’ve been told is set in Hawkins, Indiana right around the 80s. But this new play will be set a quarter century before then, in 1959. That means we’ll get to see some of our favorite characters (hello, Joyce and Hopper!) in their school days, before the Creel family settle in town, dragging with them the haunted shadows of the past.
The Duffer Brothers called in producer Stephen Daldry to assist in the illusion and special effects needed for this new play. Here’s what they had to say about the genius:
Collaborating with the brilliant Stephen Daldry has been nothing short of inspiring, and Kate Trefry has written a play that is at turns surprising, scary, and heartfelt. You will meet endearing new characters, as well as very familiar ones, on a journey into the past that sets the groundwork for the future of Stranger Things.
The play sounds so exciting, and while we just might book ourselves a spot once tickets are released, heading over to the Stranger Things Experience, right here in L.A., sounds more realistic (and just as thrilling!) It’s an adrenaline-pumping journey into the Upside Down, perfect for those who’d like to uncover their own superpowers to save Hawkins from danger.