Netflix may have officially closed the chapter on Stranger Things with its fifth and final season earlier this month, but the world of Hawkins is far from over. After the finale received mixed reactions and heavy backlash online for its predictable storytelling and unresolved plotlines, the streaming giant has now revealed a brand-new animated project that aims to revive excitement among fans.
Titled Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, the upcoming animated series is set to expand the franchise by revisiting one of its most intriguing timelines — the period between Seasons 2 and 3. According to early details shared by Netflix and the creators, the show promises a fresh narrative approach while staying rooted in the emotional core that made Stranger Things a global phenomenon.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 — What Is the New Series About?
Set in the winter of 1985, Tales From ’85 transports viewers back to Hawkins at a time when the town was still recovering from the horrors of the Mind Flayer and the trauma left behind by the Upside Down.
According to the official logline, the story follows the familiar group of kids as they face new monsters, unexplained paranormal forces, and a dangerous mystery threatening their town.
While the gate to the Upside Down was seemingly closed by Eleven at the end of Season 2, the animated series explores the idea that evil in Hawkins never truly disappears — it only changes form.
The narrative is expected to fill several gaps that were left unexplored in the live-action series, giving fans deeper insight into how the supernatural continued to impact the town during the time jump between Seasons 2 and 3.
Familiar Faces Return — But With a Twist
One of the biggest highlights of Tales From ’85 is the return of the franchise’s beloved characters — this time in animated form.
The series will feature:
- Eleven
- Mike Wheeler
- Will Byers
- Dustin Henderson
- Lucas Sinclair
- Max Mayfield
- Jim Hopper
However, the original cast members including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and Gaten Matarazzo will not be returning as voice artists.
Instead, Netflix has brought in an entirely new voice cast, including:
- Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven
- Luca Diaz as Mike
- Ben Plessala as Will
- Braxton Quinney as Dustin
- Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas
- Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max
- Brett Gipson as Hopper
The creative decision allows the animated show to stand on its own while maintaining continuity within the Stranger Things universe.
A Brand-New Character Sparks Fan Theories
Much to fans’ surprise, the animated series will introduce a new original character named Nikki Baxter.
Described as a “tinker” with pinkish hair, Nikki’s role has already triggered intense speculation across social media. Since she was never mentioned or referenced in the live-action timeline, fans believe one of two things may happen:
- She may meet a tragic end
- Or she might leave Hawkins before Season 3 begins
Her mysterious absence from later events has made her one of the most intriguing elements of the animated prequel.
Inspired by 1980s Cartoons, With a Darker Edge
According to showrunner Eric Robles, along with creators Matt and Ross Duffer, Tales From ’85 draws inspiration from classic 1980s animated shows — but with a much darker and more emotionally complex tone.
The series blends:
- Retro cartoon aesthetics
- Supernatural horror
- Psychological tension
- Character-driven storytelling
The Duffers have also confirmed that the animated format allows them to introduce larger, more lethal creatures that would have been difficult to execute in live action.
This opens the door for bolder visual storytelling, bigger monsters, and deeper exploration of the Upside Down’s mythology.
Why This Animated Series Matters After Season 5 Backlash
The final season of Stranger Things faced heavy criticism from fans worldwide. Many viewers felt that the ending relied too heavily on nostalgia while leaving major questions unanswered.
With Tales From ’85, Netflix appears to be addressing those concerns by:
- Expanding unexplored timelines
- Deepening the lore of the Upside Down
- Reintroducing suspense-driven storytelling
- Offering new character arcs
For long-time fans, this animated series represents a second chance — an opportunity to reconnect with Hawkins without rewriting the original ending outright.
When Will Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Release?
As of now, Netflix has not announced an official release date for Stranger Things: Tales From ’85.
However, the project is currently in active development and is expected to premiere sometime in 2026. The series will stream exclusively on Netflix.
To further fuel fan interest, the platform recently released a behind-the-scenes documentary titled One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things Season 5, offering insight into how the franchise concluded — and why the universe is still continuing in new forms.
Jay-Ho Insider
While the live-action journey of Stranger Things may have reached its conclusion, the franchise itself is clearly far from finished. With Tales From ’85, Netflix is betting on nostalgia, deeper mythology, and creative freedom that animation provides.
For fans who weren’t fully satisfied with the series finale, this animated prequel could become the emotional and narrative bridge they’ve been waiting for — a return to Hawkins where mystery still rules, danger lurks in the shadows, and the Upside Down continues to haunt the town.
