Sad that Stranger Things is over? Wipe those tears away as Netflix takes fans back into the eerie, nostalgia-soaked world of Hawkins, Indiana, with Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85, the latest spinoff from the hit science fiction horror franchise.
With new mysteries unfolding in the winter of 1985, the upcoming installment promises new adventures for the original characters, which involve fighting new monsters and unraveling a paranormal mystery. Blending familiar locations with new supernatural creatures, we know it is going to be an epic animated series that you wouldn’t want to miss!
Below is a list of all the information you need to know before getting back into the Stranger Things universe:
Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85: When To Watch
Credits: Netflix
Credits: Netflix
Credits: Netflix
According to Netflix Tudum, the animated series premieres on April 23, 2026. However, for those in the United States, you are in for a treat: you will have the chance to see the first two episodes a bit earlier!
Animation Magazine revealed there will be screenings in 34 theaters across the U.S. in partnership with AMC Theatres on April 18, 2026, at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. local time. Paris Theater in New York and Netflix House in Philadelphia will also hold the same event. For fans wishing to secure their seats early, make sure to purchase your tickets online.
Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85: Where To Watch
A still from Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 / Credits: Netflix
If you are not from the U.S., your best option to watch the highly anticipated spinoff is via Netflix, the franchise’s longtime home.
You can avail a subscription package depending on your budget, starting at $7.99 per month for basic plan with ads. Once you are set, you can stream Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 on your mobile phone, tablet, or smart TV.
Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85: Who Are The Cast Members
A still from Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 / Credits: Netflix
The talented voice cast of Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 is as follows:
Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven
Voicing Eleven is young actress Brooklyn Davey Norstedt, who previously starred in the miniseries WeCrashed. We first met Eleven in the first season after she escaped from Hawkins National Laboratory. She possesses powerful psychic abilities and becomes central to the fight against supernatural forces in the series.
Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max Mayfield
Jolie Hoang-Rappaport is another young blood in the industry, and she voices Max in the show. The character is described as a tough and independent girl who joins the team and later plays a crucial role in the narrative.
Luca Diaz as Mike Wheeler
Luca Diaz is a Canadian voice actor who previously worked on Transformers: EarthSpark. He will portray Mike Wheeler in the animated series, who often serves as the group’s leader. He also develops a relationship with Eleven, which has been set up since the beginning of the original show.
Elisha Williams as Lucas Sinclair
Elisha Williams will be playing Lucas Sinclair in the upcoming spinoff, one of the main characters and the most protective of the group. He also developed a relationship with Max Mayfield. If you think Williams’ voice sounds familiar, it’s because he previously worked on the TV shows The Wonder Years and Henry Danger.
Braxton Quinney as Dustin Henderson
At 16, Braxton Quinney has a background in voice and theater, making him the perfect voice talent for Dustin Henderson. He previously starred as an extra in Bigger and You Can’t Take My Daughter. Dustin is one of the main members of the group, notable for his rare genetic disorder and his nerdiness.
Benjamin Plessala as Will Byers
Benjamin Plessala lends his voice to Will Byers, whose life is turned upside down after crossing paths with a humanoid predator. Despite his efforts to escape, the creature trapped him in an alternate dimension. Plessala is known for his works on Big Little Lies and Shameless.
Brett Gipson as Jim Hopper
Brett Gipson plays Jim Hopper, the chief of police of Hawkins, Indiana, and a central protagonist in the story. After Joyce Byers reported that Will had mysteriously disappeared, Hopper’s life became even more complicated. Gipson has appeared in several television shows, such as Station 19 and NCIS.
Odessa A’zion as Nikki Baxter
Nikki Baxter is a new character in the Stranger Things TV franchise, which was initially revealed in 2025. Described as “a tinker” with pinkish hair, she’s set to join the team in fighting off the monsters in the new spinoff. Odessa A’zion, who is known for her roles in Marty Supreme and the HBO series I Love LA, voices the character.
Other voice actors lending their talents to the animated series include:
Jeremy Jordan as Steve Harrington
Janeane Garofalo as Anna Baxter
Lou Diamond Phillips as Daniel Fischer
Robert Englund as Cosmo
Alysia Reiner as Karen Wheeler
Alessandra Antonelli as Nancy Wheeler
Valeria Rodriguez as Rosario
Jack Griffo as Jeff
Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85: What’s The Story All About
A still from Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 / Credits: Netflix
Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 takes place in Hawkins, 1985, where our beloved characters set out to investigate a supernatural mystery involving strange new monsters.
While the series stays true to the original’s spooky roots, the animation features a brighter, more colorful visual style, making it more appealing to the general audience and even considered the “entry-level Stranger Things.”
If you are wondering about the timeline or which period this new spinoff falls into, it takes place between Seasons 2 and 3, after the Mind Flayer event and before the Starcourt Mall disaster. Matt Duffer confirmed this during an interview with Collider:
It’s set between Seasons 2 and 3, and Eric and the team did such an incredible job capturing the spirit of what the show was back then. So, if you love the show the most around Seasons 2 and 3, I think you’re going to love the cartoon. The animation is stunning.
While the complete plot details are still kept under wraps, Duffer assured fans that the animated series will retain the original show’s feel. He praised showrunner Eric Robles for capturing what it felt like when the characters were just kids.
Again, he reiterated that this is a monster show, but because it is told in cartoon style, it can appeal to people of all ages.
Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85: Official Trailer Release
A still from Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 / Credits: Netflix
Is there an official trailer yet for Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85? Yes, there is! It was uploaded on March 26, 2026, and currently has 1.5 million views as of this writing. The striking animation completely stood out, a far cry from the dark atmosphere of the live-action series.
In the video, we see all the young main characters riding bikes along a snow-covered path, and another scene where they are happily playing a snowball fight. The next moment, a new character, Nikki Baxter, is seen being pursued by a strange creature, which is ready to attack until Eleven intervenes.
The gang started wondering where this monster had come from, even though the gate had already been closed. As expected, they resolved to put an end to this mystery, of course, with the help of their new ally and her cool gears.
Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85: Frequently Asked Questions
A still from Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 / Credits: Netflix
Despite the animated series arriving on the platform this month, Netflix has kept many of its crucial details shrouded in mystery. Check out some of the frequently asked questions below for your reference:
How many episodes will Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 have?
The first season will consist of 10 half-hour episodes. Each episode runs around 27/28 minutes.
Will any of the live-action actors reprise their roles in the spinoff?
None of the actors from the original series will return.
Is there an early screening for Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85?
Yes. If you live in the US, you can watch the first two episodes via a limited release in select theaters on April 18.
Are you excited to watch the new Stranger Things spinoff? Let us know in the comments!
TV Series:Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85Showrunner:Eric RoblesBased on:Stranger Things by The Duffer BrothersProduction Companies:Upside Down Pictures21 Laps EntertainmentRelease Date:April 23, 2026Episode Count:10
Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 will premiere on Netflix on April 23, 2026 (USA).
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