Stranger Things Animated Series “Tales from 85” Debuts in 2026 with New Cast

Netflix has officially announced a new Stranger Things Animated Series titled Tales from 85, scheduled to premiere in 2026. The spinoff will explore a previously unseen chapter in the Hawkins timeline, set during the winter of 1985 between Seasons 2 and 3. The project is executive produced by Matt and Ross Duffer, creators of the original series, and aims to evoke the style of classic 1980s cartoons. The announcement was made on Stranger Things Day, November 6, marking a major expansion of the franchise.

Netflix confirmed on November 6, 2025, that Stranger Things: Tales from 85 will debut in 2026. The animated series is set in Hawkins, Indiana, during a period of paranormal unrest. It features a new voice cast portraying younger versions of the original characters. The Duffer brothers stated the format allows the team to “go wild” creatively, introducing larger-than-life monsters and mysteries. The show is produced by Flying Bark Productions with Eric Robles serving as showrunner.

Cast, Setting, and Production Team

• Title: Stranger Things: Tales from 85
• Format: Animated series
• Setting: Hawkins, Indiana — Winter 1985
• Voice Cast:
  • Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven
  • Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max
  • Luca Diaz, Ej Williams, Braxton Quinney as Mike, Lucas, Dustin
  • Ben Plessala as Will
  • Brett Gipson as Hopper
  • Lou Diamond Phillips and Janeane Garofalo in supporting roles
• Showrunner: Eric Robles
• Studio: Flying Bark Productions
• Executive Producers: Matt & Ross Duffer, Shawn Levy, Hilary Leavitt

The original live-action cast will not reprise their roles in the animated version.

Creator Commentary and Fan Response

The Duffer brothers said in a teaser,

“This was one of our first ideas. We wanted to celebrate the Saturday morning cartoon vibe of the ’80s.”

Fans responded positively to the teaser and first-look images, praising the retro aesthetic and new character designs. The announcement trended across social platforms under #StrangerThingsDay and #TalesFrom85.

Franchise Growth and Narrative Expansion

The Stranger Things Animated Series marks a strategic move to extend the franchise beyond its final live-action season. By revisiting the timeline between Seasons 2 and 3, the series offers fresh character development and new threats. The animated format allows for heightened visual storytelling, appealing to both longtime fans and younger audiences.

What’s Next: Release Timeline and Promotional Events

• Premiere: 2026 on Netflix
• Teaser Trailer: Released November 6, 2025
• Next Reveal: Full trailer expected mid-2026
• Franchise Outlook: Final live-action season concludes December 31, 2025
• Additional Projects: Broadway show and rumored spin-off in development

Netflix is expected to showcase more footage at Geeked Week 2026.