Additional Coverage:
- Netflix reveals trailer and release date for Stranger Things animated spinoff Tales From ’85 (digitaltrends.com)
Stranger Things Universe Expands with New Animated Spinoff, “Tales From ’85”
Good news, Hawkins fans! While the main “Stranger Things” saga may have concluded on Netflix last year, the upside-down world is far from closing its gates. Netflix has just unveiled the first trailer for an exciting new animated spinoff, “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85,” promising to keep the spirit of Hawkins alive with a fresh adventure slated for release later this year.
The original “Stranger Things” captivated audiences for five seasons, culminating in a massive finale. However, it seems both viewers and creators alike felt there were still untold stories lurking within this beloved universe. That lingering sentiment clearly resonated with the Duffer Brothers, who are actively guiding this animated offshoot in a playful new direction.
“Stranger Things: Tales From ’85” Plot and Timeline Revealed
Netflix has officially confirmed that “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85” will make its debut on April 23, 2026. The recently released trailer provides the first substantial peek into what’s in store for fans.
Set chronologically between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original series, “Tales From ’85” reunites the familiar gang, albeit with a fresh tone and format. The animated series transports viewers back to Hawkins during the winter of 1985, where the young protagonists once again find themselves entangled in a paranormal mystery threatening their quiet town.
“When we started talking about was there anything else we wanted to do with Stranger Things, this was one of our first ideas,” shared Ross Duffer. According to the Duffer Brothers, the animated medium grants them the creative freedom to explore larger threats, introduce stranger creatures, and experiment with a different sense of scale, all while maintaining the emotional core that defines “Stranger Things.”
New Voice Cast Brings Fresh Perspective to Beloved Characters
While the characters may look and sound a bit different in this animated iteration, the show’s creators emphasize that the heart of “Stranger Things” remains firmly intact, blending childhood adventure with genuine danger and high stakes.
The spinoff introduces a completely new voice cast to bring these iconic characters to life. Brooklyn Davey Norstedt lends her voice to Eleven, with Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max, Luca Diaz as Mike, Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas, Braxton Quinney as Dustin, Benjamin Plessala as Will, and Brett Gipson as Hopper. Jeremy Jordan joins the ensemble as Steve, alongside Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips in additional roles.
With its release date now locked in and the initial trailer making waves, “Tales From ’85” is poised to offer fans another compelling reason to revisit Hawkins and discover what new troubles await.