NEW YORK — Louis McCartney, who portrayed a haunting creature in the London production of “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” is set to bring his character to the Broadway stage.
“Being able to share this story again in a different part of the world is truly a privilege,” McCartney expressed. “I’m absolutely thrilled to cross the ocean and take on this role once more, but this time, I believe we will elevate the experience in New York.”
The narrative is set in Indiana, two decades before the series of the popular Netflix show takes place, and it centers around McCartney’s character, Henry Creel, who is depicted as a timid and socially awkward teenager. For fans of “Stranger Things,” it is known that this teen evolves into the nefarious monster Vecna by the show’s fourth season.
“For those who haven’t seen ‘Stranger Things,’ this is an excellent chance to get acquainted with it, as it serves as a prequel,” he noted. “It stands on its own with a storyline that encompasses everything fans adore about ‘Stranger Things.’”
Originally from Belfast but based in London, McCartney landed his role through an open casting call, receiving high praise for his portrayal of a teen endowed with psychic and psychokinetic powers. He believes that the Broadway incarnation will surpass the original, given the larger setting offered by the theater.
“This is a new playground for us,” he stated. “Think about what we’ve already achieved and multiply it by ten. As our illusions improve, so will the depth of the story. There’s more narrative to explore, and I believe we have the potential to delve deeper.”
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” is slated to commence performances on March 28, 2025, with the official opening scheduled for April 22, 2025. The story originates from the Duffer Brothers, along with Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry, directed by Stephen Daldry and co-directed by Justin Martin.
McCartney, a devoted fan of “Stranger Things,” did not initially intend to become a stage actor. He trained primarily for screen performances and credits directors Daldry and Martin for recognizing his capabilities.
Describing “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” as both extraordinary and visually captivating, with its demogorgons and special effects, McCartney emphasizes that the production is built on poignant themes of tragedy, especially for his character Henry, who resembles a “Hamlet”-like figure previously portrayed on-screen by Jamie Campbell Bower.
“Henry carries the burden of the world, struggling to comprehend his own issues. Like most 14-year-old boys, he seeks to understand the turmoil in his mind,” McCartney elaborated.
“At its core, it’s about love. That’s the heartbreaking part — every action he takes is motivated by love, yet he finds himself torn in multiple directions.”
The setting of the play unfolds in 1959, where the audience encounters the troubled Henry as he relocates to Hawkins, Indiana, alongside his troubled father and overly protective mother. As odd occurrences take place, including the mysterious deaths of pets and erratic radio signals, the story begins to unravel.
Drawing from his own adolescent experiences, McCartney taps into the essence of adolescence when a teenager navigates feelings of alienation and a lack of social adeptness, particularly in interactions with girls.
“There were times when I felt disconnected from others, but then there were moments of inclusion where people began to appreciate who I was,” McCartney reflected. “Bringing Henry Creel to life is quite cathartic. The writing is so relatable that it makes it easy to express vulnerability on stage.”