Netflix announces Stranger Things animated spinoff Tales From '85: Release window, characters and more
Netflix revealed the first details for Stranger Things: Tales from '85 at the Annecy film festival
Netflix is taking fans back to Hawkins, but this time, in animated style. At the Annecy Film Festival on Wednesday, the streaming giant revealed the first details for Stranger Things: Tales From '85, an animated spinoff set in the chilly winter months of 1985.
Back to the mid-'80s
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is set between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original series, according to Hollywood Reporter. The animated show brings back familiar faces and adds a new one. Meet Nikki, a fierce new character with a mohawk and a serious attitude. She teams up with the usual gang to take on strange monsters and solve a new paranormal mystery shaking up Hawkins.
Saturday morning nostalgia meets modern animation
Showrunner Eric Robles revealed that the idea came from Saturday morning cartoons like Scooby-Doo, Masters of the Universe and The Real Ghostbusters. But while the vibe is inspired by those retro shows, the look is much more modern. Think the animation styles of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Arcane, mixed with spooky Goosebumps-style visuals.
The character designs are by Meybis Ruiz Cruz, and the creepy creatures, including zombie pumpkins and a snow shark with teeth, are brought to life by Carlos Huante.
Familiar names behind the scenes
The Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, are executive producers of this animated series through their production company, Upside Down Pictures. They are joined by Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen (21 Laps), Hilary Leavitt and Eric Robles (Flying Bark Productions).
Release window
While there is no exact release date yet, Netflix confirmed that Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 will arrive sometime in 2026.
In the meantime, fans can gear up for the fifth and final season of the live-action Stranger Things, which will roll out in three parts: Part 1 hits on November 26, Part 2 lands on Christmas, and the series finale drops on New Year’s Eve.
FAQs
What is Stranger Things: Tales From ’85?
It is an upcoming animated spinoff of Stranger Things. The story takes place between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original series.
Will the original characters from Stranger Things appear in Tales From ’85?
Yes, the animated series brings back the original characters and also introduces a new one named Nikki. She is a mohawk-wearing girl who joins the group.
When will Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 release?
Netflix has not shared an exact date yet, but the show is expected to release sometime in 2026.
