Ahead of Stranger Things Season 5 premiere Shawn Levy shares behind-the-scenes images from early years of the Netflix show

Star Wars Celebration Japan Day 1 - Source: Getty
Co-producer of Stranger Things Shawn Levy - Source: Getty

With Stranger Things Season 5 approaching, one of the executive producers of the series, Shawn Levy, has shared something quite unique: a set of behind-the-scenes photos of how the show looked in its early days. The pictures he posted on his Instagram transport us to the very beginning of everything, depicting the individuals and their efforts that created the world of Hawkins.

In the photos, the cast members can be seen sharing laughs, sets being constructed, and special effects being brought to life. It is a touching reminder that, prior to turning into a global phenomenon, Stranger Things was merely a team of passionate individuals making something they care about.

These photos hit a little differently with the final season on its way. Not only are they nostalgic, but they are also a form of gratitude to all the people who have been along for the magical ride: the fans, the cast, and the crew.


A stroll down set-memory lane

The images that Shawn Levy posted are not typical publicity pictures but instead even more like an old mixtape that you stumble upon a few years later. They are uncouth, authentic, and heartfelt. In place of slick, artificial photographs, there are shots of the cast simply being themselves: having fun between takes, adjusting props, and the crew laughing over setting up tricky shots.

It is a lesson that every adventure and excitement in Stranger Things was created by real people who worked, experimented, and learned in the process of doing it. Levy captioned the first carousel of images, saying,

“It’s been the adventure of a lifetime. BTS pics each day, every day, till the very end. A personal look back at these years that turned all our worlds upside down.”

The second set of pictures that he shared today simply read: “Early days in Hawkins.” The photos are all like goodbye notes to something special.

To the fans, whether they have grown up with the show or discovered it in their adulthood, these pictures are memories. They remind all of us that behind all massive pop culture phenomena, there exist simple yet human beginnings of friends getting together and doing what they love.


The cast and crew bond and creative energy

Warmth and friendship are two of the most notable aspects of the photo dump that Levy shared. The actors, most of whom were only teenagers when the TV series first premiered in 2016, appear to be very relaxed and natural, even as they joined something big. The crew may be observed at work on giant props, 80s-style machines, and special effects systems, which reminds us that the Upside Down world was created by real people.

These images reveal that friendship, fear, and the complex process of growing up, which are the core of Stranger Things, are based on the authentic relationships occurring behind the scenes. To those fans who have been watching the show since their childhood, these pictures make the show all the more special. Stranger Things is not just a popular show on Netflix but a close-knit family that has grown so much over the years.


Building momentum for Stranger Things Season 5

Posting these old pictures isn’t all about memories; it is also a clever strategy. The final installment of Hawkins’ tale, Stranger Things Season 5, is almost upon us, which is why nostalgia is high. The posts on Shawn Levy’s Instagram reflect the exact feeling. The images bring fans to where it all started and make them even more emotional about what is going to happen next.

These behind-the-scenes shots help viewers remember just how far the characters and the story have come as we move closer to the big finale of the show. The fans are also occupied with identifying minute details, such as props or recognizable locations in the background, and speculating whether they could be clues about some mystery in Stranger Things Season 5. This way, the posts are both a nostalgic treat to old followers and a subtle teaser of the final season to come.


For more such insights on Stranger Things Season 5, keep following SoapCentral.

Edited by Sroban Ghosh