⚡Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 — Official Announcement, Cast, Release Date & Story Details Revealed

🧠 Something Survived in Hawkins...

The Stranger Things universe is expanding once again — and this time, it’s animated. Netflix has officially announced Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, a brand-new animated series from showrunner Eric Robles and Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer, debuting in 2026.

Set between Seasons 2 and 3 of the hit live-action show, Tales From ’85 promises to bring Hawkins, Indiana, back to life in a whole new way — filled with mystery, nostalgia, and monsters from another dimension.

“With animation, there’s really no limits,” says Ross Duffer. “Eric and his team can just go wild… and they have.”

🔥 What Is Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 About?

The year is 1985. Winter has gripped Hawkins, and something sinister is stirring beneath the snow.Our favorite young heroes — Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Max, and Will — face a new supernatural threat that challenges everything they thought they knew.

According to the official Netflix logline:

“The original characters must fight new monsters and unravel a paranormal mystery terrorizing their town in Stranger Things: Tales From ’85.”

Showrunner Eric Robles (of Flying Bark Productions) teases,

“Get your flashlight, get your backpack — it’s going to be amazing.”

The Duffers say the concept was born while brainstorming how to expand Hawkins’ mythology:

“When we started talking about whether there was more to explore in Stranger Things, this was one of our first ideas.”

🎨 A New Vision for Hawkins

The new animated series promises a stylized, cinematic look, blending ‘80s animation nostalgia with modern visuals. Expect to see familiar faces — and terrifying new creatures — brought to life in a way never before possible.

The show is executive produced by Matt and Ross Duffer, Hilary Leavitt (Upside Down Pictures), Shawn Levy, and Dan Cohen (21 Laps Entertainment), alongside Robles and his team at Flying Bark Productions — the studio behind Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and What If...?

“We couldn’t be more blown away by what Eric and his team have created — the scripts and artwork are incredible,” the Duffers shared. “The adventure continues.”

👥 Official Cast of Stranger Things: Tales From ’85

Netflix has revealed a stellar young voice cast, along with some exciting new names joining the Stranger Things world:

• Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven

• Jolie Hoang-Rappaport (In Your Dreams) as Max

• Luca Diaz as Mike Wheeler

• Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas Sinclair

• Braxton Quinney as Dustin Henderson

• Ben Plessala as Will Byers

• Brett Gipson as Chief Hopper

And joining the cast in new roles: Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips — all confirmed to appear in the Hawkins adventure.

🕹️ How It Connects to the Stranger Things Universe

Tales From ’85 isn’t a reboot — it’s canon. The series fits neatly between Stranger Things Seasons 2 and 3, exploring the untold winter when Hawkins was supposedly “at peace.” Spoiler: it wasn’t.

Expect emotional callbacks, subtle foreshadowing for Stranger Things 5, and even some hints about the origins of the Upside Down.

🗓️ Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 — Release Date

The series is set to debut on Netflix in 2026, marking a new chapter for the franchise as the live-action saga nears its end.

Fans won’t have to wait too long for more Hawkins action, though — the fifth and final season of Stranger

Things premiere soon:

• Nov 26, 2025 — Episodes 1–4

• Dec 25, 2025 (Christmas Day) — Episodes 5–7

• Dec 31, 2025 (New Year’s Eve) — The Finale

💥 First Look: Stranger Things Day 2025 Teaser

The teaser trailer released during Stranger Things Day gave fans their first look at the show’s vibrant animation style and chilling tone. It features Eleven and the gang exploring snow-covered Hawkins — until the shadows move again.

“Nothing is quite as they thought it was,” teases Robles.

🎥 RSVP: Stranger Things 5 Virtual Watch Party

Before Tales From ’85 drops, fans can join the official Stranger Things 5 Virtual Watch Party on Nov 6, 2025, at 8 p.m. EST via Tudum.

The livestream will include:

• Exclusive cast interviews

• Surprise appearances

• A sneak peek at the first five minutes of the new season

🧩 Why Fans Are Hyped for Tales From ’85

• New Visual Frontier: Animation lets the Duffers explore the Upside Down like never before.

• Retro Energy: The art style channels classic ‘80s animation — think The Real Ghostbusters meets Akira.

• Expanded Lore: New monsters, mysteries, and character arcs add depth to the Stranger Things timeline.

• Perfect Timing: Arriving right after Stranger Things 5, the show keeps Hawkins alive for years to come.

💬 Fan Reactions

Within hours of its announcement, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 dominated social media. Fans praised the nostalgic tone, the animation reveal, and Netflix’s decision to expand rather than end the beloved world.

“It’s giving Scooby-Doo meets Hawkins — and I’m obsessed.” – @FanOfTheUpsideDown“We’re eating good, Stranger Things fans!” – @

🪞 Final Thoughts

The end of Stranger Things doesn’t mean goodbye — it means evolution. With Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, Netflix is giving fans a new way to return to Hawkins — through the limitless imagination of animation.

So grab your flashlight, zip up your Members Only jacket, and get ready…Because something survived in ’85. 👾