Hard to believe the main Stranger Things saga wrapped up just days ago with that epic finale on New Year’s Eve. But Hawkins isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Netflix dropped big news on the animated spin-off Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 back on Stranger Things Day in November 2025, and excitement hasn’t slowed down. This cartoon-style adventure heads back to the mid-’80s vibe everyone loves, channeling those classic Saturday morning shows with a supernatural twist.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Release Date Speculations
No exact premiere date locked in yet, but everything points to 2026, likely in the spring – think March to May timeframe. Netflix confirmed the 2026 rollout, and insiders mention a two-season order produced back-to-back. A teaser hit screens on November 6, 2025, giving that first peek at the animation style. After the live-action finale’s massive send-off, this timing keeps the momentum rolling without much wait.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Expected Cast
Original stars like Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard sit this one out – fresh voices bring the characters to animated life. Here’s the lineup announced so far:
- Eleven: Brooklyn Davey Norstedt
- Max: Jolie Hoang-Rappaport
- Mike: Luca Diaz
- Lucas: Elisha “EJ” Williams
- Dustin: Braxton Quinney
- Will: Benjamin Plessala
- Hopper: Brett Gipson
Extra talent rounds out the roster with Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips in mystery roles. Plus, a brand-new face joins the crew: Nikki Baxter, a clever tinkerer rocking spiky pinkish hair – sounds like she’ll shake things up.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Potential Plot
Action picks up in the snowy winter of 1985, slotting right between Seasons 2 and 3. The kids – Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, Max – team up with Hopper to battle fresh Upside Down horrors. Official synopsis: “Welcome back to Hawkins in the stark winter of 1985, where the original characters must fight new monsters and unravel a paranormal mystery terrorizing their town.”
Expect wilder creatures (rumors of pumpkin-zombies and vine beasts), bigger action sequences, and deeper feels, all without live-action limits. The Duffer Brothers call it a love letter to ’80s cartoons – bright colors, adventurous energy, but still packed with that signature suspense and heart.
