| Stranger Things: Tales from '85 | |
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| Genre | |
| Developed by | Eric Robles |
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| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | |
| Animator | Flying Bark Productions |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
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| Stranger Things | |
Stranger Things: Tales from '85 is an upcominganimatedscience fiction television series and a directspin-off ofNetflix's live-actionStranger Things.[1][2]Tales from '85 was first announced by Netflix in April 2025, and will be executive produced by theStranger Things creators,Matt and Ross Duffer, as well asShawn Levy andDan Cohen of21 Laps, Hilary Leavitt of Upside Down Pictures, andEric Robles withFlying Bark.[3]
Tales from '85 will take place between the events of thesecond andthird season ofStranger Things, and will depict the children –Eleven,Mike,Will,Lucas,Dustin, andMax – as they confront new monsters of the Upside Down, and unravel a "paranormal mystery terrorizing their town".[3] The Duffers have said the show intends to capture the feel of an '80sSaturday-morning cartoon in theStranger Things universe.[4]
Tales from '85 is scheduled to premiere on Netflix in 2026.[5]
The series returns to Hawkins in a snowy 1985, where “the original characters must fight new monsters and unravel a paranormal mystery”.[6] The Upside Down's influence is again seeping into the town: familiar locations like Hawkins National Laboratory resurface, and new supernatural creatures emerge (early descriptions include such threats as Upside Down pumpkin-zombies and vine-like monsters). Official descriptions emphasize that this is an “epic new animated series,” promising a blend ofnostalgia andhorror reminiscent of Stranger Things' tone.[2] According toshowrunner Eric Robles, the setup involves “something brewing in Hawkins,” with the kids banding together to investigate the disturbances, much like in the original series. The tone is said to be morefamily-friendly and brighter in visuals than the live-action show (described by Netflix and press reports as “entry-level Stranger Things” suitable for broader audiences).
The main characters from the originalStranger Things series all return in animated form.[6] These include Eleven / Jane Hopper, Mike Wheeler, Will Byers, Lucas Sinclair, Dustin Henderson, Max Mayfield, as well as Nikki Baxter, a new character described as taller and bigger than the core group who joins the Hawkins kids in their adventures. The small-town sheriffJim Hopper is also reported to appear (in glimpse form at least). Previews at the Annecy Festival in June 2025 indicated that the original live-action actors will not be reprising their roles as voice actors.[2] In November the same year, the voice cast was revealed:[5]
Additional voice cast in undisclosed roles includedOdessa A'zion,Janeane Garofalo andLou Diamond Phillips.[5]
Tales from '85 is a co-production of Upside Down Pictures, 21 Laps, and Australian animation studio Flying Bark Productions. Matt and Ross Duffer serve as executive producers through their Upside Down banner, Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen through 21 Laps, Hilary Leavitt through Upside Down, and Eric Robles as showrunner and executive producer.[7] Netflix'sTudum news site confirmed the project's title and the production team on April 23, 2025. The series was originally conceived by the Duffers as an early idea to expand theStranger Things world, and they entrusted Robles with full creative control to develop it.[1]
Animation is handled by Flying Bark in Sydney; Netflix specifically called Flying Bark to bring the show to life.[8] The visual style is high-quality computer-generated animation with an '80s flair; character designs feature “bigger heads and sculpted puppet-like faces,” and the color palette and textures are more vibrant and neon than the live-action show.[3] Robles cites 1980s cartoons andyoung adult horror as major influences – for example,He-Man,Scooby-Doo, and especiallyThe Real Ghostbusters (which he calls his “north star”). The production team also studied modern animated successes likeSpider-Verse andArcane, filtering those techniques through a retro sensibility. Prominent creature designer Carlos Huante (known forET andPrometheus) was involved in creating the new monsters, indicating a darker, moreLovecraftian tone despite the family-friendly veneer.[3]
Stranger Things: Tales from '85 is set to premiere on Netflix in 2026.[5]
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