Stranger Things may have closed its flagship chapter in spectacular fashion late last year, but Netflix isn’t done with Hawkins, Indiana just yet. This spring, fans are being invited back into the eerie heart of the Upside Down with Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, a brand-new animated series set to premiere April 23rd, 2026, exclusively on Netflix.
The first official trailer delivers a rush of nostalgia and dread, reuniting audiences with Eleven, Mike, and the rest of the beloved gang—this time in an entirely new format that deepens the mythology while exploring untold moments from the past.
Back To 1985 — Where Innocence Meets Imminent Danger
Set between Seasons 2 and 3 of Stranger Things, Tales From ’85 opens during a snowy winter in Hawkins. It’s a time for tobogganing, snowball fights, and cozy nights inside rolling dice over Dungeons & Dragons. Romance is blooming too! Mike and Eleven’s relationship deepens (much to Jim Hopper’s disapproval), Lucas and Max grow closer, and even Steve Harrington finds himself searching for love still haunted by his unresolved feelings for Nancy. But this is Hawkins, and peace never lasts long.
Lurking beyond the familiar small-town charm is a new wave of terror. The trailer teases a chilling lineup of monstrous threats, including giant spiders, mini-Mind Flayers, and a pumpkin-headed nightmare that feels ripped straight out of a dark fantasy fever dream—more Return to Oz than Saturday morning cartoon. The question is are these horrors remnants of the Upside Down, or something even more sinister?
Expanding The Stranger Things Universe
Series creators Matt and Ross Duffer return as executive producers, joined once again by Shawn Levy, ensuring the animated spin-off remains deeply rooted in the DNA of the original series. Animation veteran Eric Robles (Fanboy and Chum Chum, Glitch Techs) serves as showrunner, bringing a fresh yet faithful perspective to the franchise. Robles describes Tales From ’85 as an opportunity to explore what the live-action series never had time to fully unpack:
“We get to spend time with these kids in a way that you did not have time to in the flagship series. We were able to freeze time and really go on these never before told adventures with them in this timeline”.
He adds that the stakes remain unmistakably high:
“We want the audience to feel that these kids are in danger, the stakes are real, and bad things can happen to anyone… that really makes the danger for the kids that much more tangible”.
A Fresh Voice Cast With Familiar Energy
Tales From ’85 features a dynamic voice cast bringing new life to fan-favorite characters such as: Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max, Luca Diaz as Mike, Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas, Braxton Quinney as Dustin, Ben Plessala as Will, Jeremy Jordan as Steve, and Brett Gipson as Jim Hopper
The series also introduces intriguing new characters voiced by Odessa A’zion, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Janeane Garofalo, expanding the Stranger Things universe with fresh faces and unpredictable energy.
A Nostalgic Return With New Nightmares
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 isn’t just a companion piece. In fact, it’s a bold expansion that blends ’80s nostalgia, heightened horror, and character-driven storytelling in a way only animation can allow. By freezing time and diving deeper into Hawkins’ darkest corners, the series promises both comfort and chaos for longtime fans.
Mark your calendars for April 23rd, 2026. Hawkins is calling and the danger is far from over. Stay tuned for more updates as Netflix continues to unravel the next chapter of the Stranger Things legacy.