Stranger Things may be over, but the adventures in Hawkins are far from finished. Netflix is already expanding the universe with a brand-new animated series titled Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, and it could be exactly what fans have been waiting for.

The hit show concluded with its final season in December last year. While many viewers praised the emotional ending, the finale also divided the fanbase. Some applauded the satisfying closure, while others criticized the last two episodes, sparking widespread debate online. Now, Netflix has a chance to win back those disappointed fans with a fresh story set in the beloved world of Hawkins.

The animated project was first announced last year and was officially titled Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. The series is co-created by Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer, who previously revealed that the show is designed to “evoke the feeling of an ’80s cartoon,” leaning into nostalgia while expanding the mythology.

So, where does Tales From ’85 fit into the larger Stranger Things timeline? And will any original cast members return? Here’s everything we know so far about the first animated spinoff.

What is Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 About?

Tales From ’85 is set between Season 2 and Season 3 of Stranger Things, placing the story in the winter of 1985. The official synopsis reads:

“In the winter of 1985, snow blankets the town, and the horrors of the Upside Down are finally fading. Our heroes Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max have settled back into a normal life of D&D, snowball fights, and quiet days. But beneath the ice, something terrifying has awakened. Could it be from the Upside Down? From the depths of Hawkins Lab? Or from somewhere else entirely? Our heroes must race to solve this mystery and save Hawkins in this new story set in the Stranger Things universe.”

Showrunner Eric Robles also teased that Dustin will play a major role in the spinoff. Speaking with Netflix Tudum, he explained that Dustin forms a group called the “Hawkins Investigators Club” after the events of the earlier seasons. According to Robles, Dustin feels a sense of excitement when new, strange occurrences begin. His idea for the club is his way of protecting Hawkins while creating something meaningful for the group, a concept that could shape the tone of the entire series.

Is There a Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Trailer?

Yes. Netflix released the official trailer just a few days ago. The preview shows the gang enjoying lighter moments before the introduction of series villain Vecna, played in the original series by Jamie Campbell Bower.

The footage highlights the snowy Hawkins setting, classic ’80s animation style, and hints at a new mystery emerging beneath the town. Watch the trailer below.

Who’s in the Tales From ’85 Voice Cast?

Although the animated series features many familiar characters, the voice cast is entirely new. The main cast includes: Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max, Luca Diaz as Mike, Elisha Williams as Lucas, Braxton Quinney as Dustin, Ben Plessala as Will, Brett Gipson as Hopper, Odessa A’zion as Nikki Baxter, Jeremy Jordan as Steve, Janeane Garofalo as Anna Baxter, and Lou Diamond Phillips as Daniel Fischer.

Additional voices include Robert Englund as Cosmo, Alysia Reiner as Karen Wheeler, Alessandra Antonelli as Nancy Wheeler, Valeria Rodriguez as Rosario, and Jack Griffo as Jeff.

When Does Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Release?

Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 premieres on April 23, 2026, on Netflix. Interestingly, fans will get an early look at the show in theaters. The first two episodes — with a combined runtime of about 55 minutes — will screen in select AMC Theatres locations on April 18, five days before the streaming release.

With its nostalgic animation style, familiar characters, and a brand-new mystery, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 looks set to expand the universe in an exciting way. Whether it redeems the divisive finale or simply offers more time in Hawkins, one thing is certain: the world of Stranger Things isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

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Jonas

I’m the writer behind Fandom Watch, where I share news, guides, and fan theories about shows, anime, and the wider world of pop culture. My goal is to make fandom fun and accessible for everyone, whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard fan.