Netflix Releases Official Trailer for 'Stranger Things: Tales from '85' Animated Spin-Off
Netflix has officially unveiled the trailer for 'Stranger Things: Tales from '85', the highly anticipated animated spin-off of the globally beloved Stranger Things franchise. This exciting preview offers fans their first glimpse into a new supernatural adventure set in the iconic town of Hawkins, Indiana, expanding the rich universe of the original series.
First Look at the Chilling Mystery of 1985
The trailer, which dropped on 2 February 2026, provides a thrilling sneak peek into the animated series that bridges the narrative gap between seasons two and three of the live-action saga. 'Stranger Things: Tales from '85' is set in the winter of 1985, a period previously unexplored in the main series but brimming with untold stories of friendship, danger, and the pervasive influence of the Upside Down.
In this animated adventure, familiar characters including Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, and Max reunite to confront new monsters emerging from the Upside Down. Together, they must unravel a paranormal mystery that threatens to terrorize their hometown, showcasing their camaraderie and bravery in the face of supernatural threats.
Expanding the Stranger Things Universe
Since the conclusion of the fifth and final live-action season in late 2025, fans have been eagerly awaiting more content from the Stranger Things universe. This animated series offers a fresh and innovative way to delve deeper into the story, free from the constraints of live-action production. It embraces a nostalgic '80s Saturday-morning cartoon aesthetic while faithfully preserving the eerie tone and thematic depth that define the original show.
According to the official teaser released by Netflix, the influence of the Upside Down has not entirely vanished. Something from that dark dimension may have survived, poised to haunt Hawkins once again. The trailer tantalizingly hints at familiar locations such as the Hawkins National Laboratory and introduces strange new threats, including vine-like creatures and bizarre paranormal events that our heroes must confront.
Creative Team and Production Details
The series is executive produced by the visionary creators of Stranger Things, Matt and Ross Duffer, alongside Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen of 21 Laps, Hilary Leavitt of Upside Down Pictures, and Eric Robles of Flying Bark Productions, who also serves as showrunner. The creative team has expressed their commitment to capturing the spirit of classic '80s cartoons while maintaining the unsettling atmosphere that fans cherish.
Voice Cast and Character Introductions
'Stranger Things: Tales from '85' features a talented new voice cast bringing beloved characters to life in animated form. The cast includes:
- Brett Gipson as Jim Hopper
- Luca Diaz as Mike Wheeler
- Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven (Jane Hopper)
- Braxton Quinney as Dustin Henderson
- Elisha Williams as Lucas Sinclair
- Ben Plessala as Will Byers
- Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max Mayfield
- Jeremy Jordan as Steve Harrington
Additionally, the series introduces supporting voice performances from Odessa A'zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips in undisclosed roles. A new character named Nikki Baxter joins the Hawkins kids as a taller, older addition to the group, adding fresh dynamics to their supernatural adventures.
Premiere Date and Expectations
Netflix has confirmed that 'Stranger Things: Tales from '85' will premiere globally on 23 April 2026, giving fans a concrete date to anticipate this spring. The series is expected to consist of multiple episodes that fill narrative gaps in the Stranger Things timeline, offering a unique perspective on the characters' lives during a time when their friendships were strong and supernatural dangers loomed large.
This animated spin-off promises to enrich the Stranger Things lore, providing both longtime enthusiasts and new viewers with an engaging and visually distinct extension of the beloved saga. As the trailer sets the stage for another thrilling chapter in Hawkins, audiences worldwide are poised to embark on this nostalgic yet chilling journey into the past.
