Netflix has unveiled the first teaser for Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, an animated spin-off of its global sci-fi phenomenon that promises to expand the beloved universe in a bold new direction. Set to premiere worldwide on April 23, 2026, the series blends signature nostalgia with fresh mystery, reimagining Hawkins, Indiana through animation while staying rooted in the show’s iconic mythology.
Tales From ’85 is set during the winter of 1985, carefully positioned between Season 2 and Season 3 of the original live-action series. The teaser hints at a deceptive calm settling over Hawkins following the chaos of the Mind Flayer, as Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin and Max attempt to return to everyday life. Snow-covered streets, cosy Dungeons & Dragons sessions and carefree snowball fights paint a picture of temporary normalcy—until signs emerge that something sinister may still be lurking beneath the town’s frozen surface.
As the teaser unfolds, eerie visuals and mounting tension signal the arrival of a new supernatural threat. While familiar paranormal elements anchor the story, the animated format allows the series to introduce fresh creatures and mysteries that push beyond the limits of live-action storytelling. The result is a chilling continuation that feels both nostalgic and unexpectedly new.
Although the original cast does not reprise their roles, a new voice ensemble steps in to bring the characters to life. Brooklyn Davey Norstedt voices Eleven, Luca Diaz takes on Mike Wheeler, Braxton Quinney voices Dustin, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport plays Max, Elisha “EJ” Williams is Lucas, and Benjamin Plessala voices Will. Brett Gipson lends his voice to Jim Hopper, with additional performances from Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo and Lou Diamond Phillips, expanding the animated universe further.
The series is produced by Flying Bark Productions, with Eric Robles serving as showrunner and executive producer alongside original creators Matt and Ross Duffer. Longtime collaborator Shawn Levy also joins the executive production team. The animation style is designed to evoke the spirit of 1980s cartoons while maintaining the dark, suspenseful tone that defines Stranger Things.
With Tales From ’85, Netflix aims to deepen the mythology of Hawkins while giving fans a fresh way to experience the world they know—proving that the Upside Down still has stories left to tell.