Stranger Things fans, grab your Eggos! Netflix has unveiled Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, the franchise’s first animated adventure arriving April 23, 2026. Set between Seasons 2 and 3, this series promises untold stories and chilling mysteries lurking beneath winter snow.
| Series Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | April 23, 2026 |
| Timeline | Winter 1985 (between Seasons 2-3) |
| Animation Studio | Flying Bark Productions |
| Showrunner | Eric Robles |
| Executive Producers | The Duffer Brothers |
| Seasons | 2 confirmed |
Stranger Things: Perfect Timeline Gap
Tales from ’85 unfolds during Winter 1985, that deceptively quiet period between Will’s Mind Flayer possession and Starcourt Mall’s chaos. The whole gang is together—from Eleven’s powers to Dustin’s enthusiasm—making it the last moment of innocence before everything changes.
Star-Studded Voice Cast
Broadway sensation Jeremy Jordan (Newsies, Supergirl) voices everyone’s favorite babysitter, Steve Harrington—absolutely perfect casting!
The Core Party:
- Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven
- Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max
- Luca Diaz as Mike
- Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas
- Braxton Quinney as Dustin
- Benjamin Plessala as Will
- Brett Gipson as Chief Hopper
Joining them: Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips in mysterious roles yet to be revealed.
Meet Nikki: The New Face of Hawkins
Enter Nikki Baxter, a pink mohawk-sporting “tinkerer” who joins our heroes. Think Zarya from Overwatch meets Vi from Arcane—tough, resourceful, ready for action. Her connection to Hawkins remains mysterious, but she’ll feel right at home in the universe.
Why Animation Makes Perfect Sense
With the original cast now in their twenties, animation authentically recaptures these younger characters. Flying Bark Productions (Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters) delivers cinematic quality rivaling live-action.
Showrunner Robles promises real stakes: “We want the audience to feel these kids are in danger and bad things can happen to anyone.” Expect genuine scares alongside nostalgia.
What Awaits in Hawkins
According to Netflix, something terrifying has awakened beneath Hawkins’ frozen surface. From the Upside Down? Hawkins Lab? Somewhere entirely new? That’s the mystery.
The Duffer Brothers’ executive producer involvement ensures Tales from ’85 maintains the franchise’s DNA while exploring fresh territory. Similar to other Netflix animated expansions, this demonstrates the platform’s commitment to innovative storytelling.
Mark April 23, 2026 on your calendar—Hawkins is calling, and the snow might be hiding more than Demogorgons.
FAQs
Q: Will the original Stranger Things cast be involved in Tales from ’85?
Q: Do I need to watch previous Stranger Things seasons to understand Tales from ’85?
Yes, watching Seasons 1-2 is recommended as the series references events from Will’s possession and assumes familiarity with Hawkins’ supernatural history.
