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?

While new voice actors portray the characters, the Duffer Brothers executive produce the series to ensure it remains true to the original vision.

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.