At the Broadway debut of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Noah Schnapp pairs sharp tailoring with a powerful message of self-expression.
By Celebrity Editorial Staff
Hollywood rising star Noah Schnapp radiated with quiet confidence at the Broadway premiere of Stranger Things: The First Shadow. While the spotlight glowed on the theatrical prequel to Netflix’s supernatural hit, it was Schnapp who drew every gaze—dressed in a razor-sharp Celine Homme suit and speaking candidly about living truthfully, both on and off screen. Though not part of the cast, Schnapp attended the premiere as a guest—supporting the franchise that launched his career.
“It made this season a million times better to not be hiding,” Schnapp told Variety on the red carpet Tuesday, reflecting on filming the fifth and final season after publicly coming out in 2023. Styled in a black wool gabardine suit by Hedi Slimane, paired with a crisp white cotton poplin shirt and an ivory carnation at the lapel, Schnapp embodied the quiet power of authenticity through fashion.
Directed by three-time Tony Award winner Stephen Daldry, the Broadway production reimagines the world of Hawkins with bold theatricality—trading CGI for practical stagecraft and emotional intimacy. The play centers on the origin of Henry Creel—better known to fans as Vecna—offering rich backstory that directly informs the show’s fifth and final season.
“The play forced Kate [Trefry] and us to really dive into Henry’s backstory, which plays a role in Season 5—both were sort of in dialogue with each other,” said co-creator Ross Duffer. It’s a rare feedback loop between stage and screen, and a confident creative leap for Netflix.
But beyond lore and legacy, the Broadway premiere was a fashion moment in its own right. Schnapp’s sculptural silhouette in Celine set the sartorial tone, while castmates Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton followed suit in coordinated, understated looks. Alan Cumming, Chris Meloni, and Brooke Shields added their own flair to a guest list that gleamed with crossover cool.
In both presence and persona, Schnapp mirrored the arc of Will Byers—stepping into vulnerability with resolve. His moment on the red carpet felt less like a performance and more like a quiet declaration: of growth, of style, of self.
As Stranger Things ventures into new creative dimensions, so too do its stars. “If people are really passionate about it and if it’s coming from the right place, we’re open to anything,” said Ross Duffer of future adaptations. The same could be said of Schnapp himself—grounded, self-assured, and impeccably dressed for whatever strange new world comes next.