Everything you need to know about 'Stranger Things: Tales from '85'
Netflix's 'Stranger Things' spin-off debuts this month. Here's a look at what viewers can expect from the new animated series.
'Stranger Things' might be over, but Netflix is not done with the mysteries of Hawkins.
More than three months after season 5 wrapped, the streaming giant is gearing up for the release of an exciting new spin-off.
'Stranger Things: Tales from '85' is an animated science fiction series based on the events that take place between seasons two and three of the original show.
What is Stranger Things: Tales from '85 about?
It's winter in 1985, and Eleven, Will, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Max are facing new monsters in Hawkins. Showrunner Eric Robles describes the creatures as "Hawkins Lab science meets Upside Down matter".
The Duffer Brothers, who return as executive producers, say they tried to bring back the nostalgia of the Saturday morning cartoons they grew up watching.
"To see this dream realised has been absolutely thrilling... the scripts and artwork are incredible," the brothers said in a statement.
'Stranger Things: Tales from '85' synopsis
"Return to Hawkins with Stranger Things: Tales From '85, an exciting new animated series from showrunner Eric Robles and executive producers the Duffer Brothers. 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."
When does Stranger Things: Tales from '85 come out?
'Stranger Things: Tales from '85' is set to debut on Netflix on Friday, April 23.
Some fans will get to see the first two episodes before the series is released. They will be screened at selected cinemas on April 18 for a limited time.
Stranger Things: Tales from '85 cast
The characters fans have come to know and love will return for the animated series, but they will be voiced by different actors.
So, no Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink and Gaten Matarazzo. However, the animated characters closely resemble them.
Brooklyn Davey Norstedt will voice Eleven, while Luca Diaz will voice Mike. Here's a look at the rest of the main voice cast.
- Jolie Hoang-Rappaport: Max
- Elisha 'EJ' Williams: Lucas
- Braxton Quinney: Dustin
- Benjamin Plessala: Will
A new character named Nikki Baxter will also be introduced. She will be voiced by Odessa A’zion as Nikki Baxter.
Stranger Things: Tales from '85 trailer
The first teaser for the show was released in February 2026, followed by the official trailer on March 26.
It captures the same humour, fun and adventure from the original series. There are also many creepy, scary mysteries to solve.
"This looks so so so beautiful!!! OMG I can't wait to see it," one 'Stranger Things' fan wrote on Instagram.
Another fan added, "I actually can't wait. I have such bad post 'Stranger Things' depression."
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Image credit: Netflix