Hawkins Welcomes an Animated Return.
Netflix is expanding its hit tv franchise. A new animated series arrives soon. “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85” premieres April 23, 2026. This marks a significant addition to streaming releases. The show revives the beloved “Stranger Things” universe. It promises fresh adventures for fans. This news is part of ongoing franchise updates.
A Journey Back to 1985.
The series is set in the winter of 1985. This period falls between seasons two and three. It revisits the iconic characters of Hawkins. The story focuses on the core group. They face new dangers and mysteries. This animated approach allows for expanded storytelling. The Duffers aim to capture ’80s Saturday-morning cartoon nostalgia. It blends familiar charm with new thrills. Furthermore, it explores a time of relative calm before season three. The creators hinted at this expansion in 2022. It is an exciting development for the tv landscape.
New Voices for Familiar Heroes.
“Tales From ’85” introduces a new voice cast. This brings fresh interpretations to beloved roles. Brooklyn Davey Norstedt voices Eleven. Luca Diaz steps in as Mike Wheeler. Elisha “EJ” Williams lends his voice to Lucas Sinclair. Braxton Quinney portrays Dustin Henderson. Benjamin Plessala is the voice of Will Byers. Jolie Hoang-Rappaport voices Max Mayfield. Brett Gipson plays Jim Hopper. Jeremy Jordan joins as Steve Harrington. Additionally, Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips are also part of the cast. Their roles are currently undisclosed. This fresh talent infuses new energy into the characters. It is a key part of these new streaming releases.
Expanding the Stranger Things Saga.
The animated format offers unique creative freedom. Showrunner Eric Robles highlighted this potential. He stated animation has “no limits.” This allows creators to “go wild.” It enables deeper dives into character interactions. The series aims to show the kids’ lives in more detail. It explores their adventures between major plot points. The Duffer Brothers serve as executive producers. They are joined by Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen. Hilary Leavitt also contributes as an executive producer. Flying Bark Productions handles the animation. This collaboration promises high-quality visuals. It is a significant new movie-like event for streaming.
Unraveling a Winter Mystery.
The story details a “paranormal mystery.” It terrorizes the town during a snowy winter. “Something survived” from the Upside Down, the teaser warns. New monsters emerge, challenging the heroes. These include spider-like creatures and a pumpkin-headed threat. The narrative explores secrets beneath Hawkins. It delves into lingering effects from past traumas. The showrunners want audiences to feel the danger. The stakes are real for the young characters. This fresh narrative adds a new layer to the existing lore. It is a compelling addition to tv news.
Anticipation Builds for April.
A first teaser trailer has already been released. It offers a glimpse into the animated world. Fans reacted with excitement online. Many expressed eagerness for this new content. The series will consist of 12 episodes. This provides ample opportunity to explore the ’80s setting. It is another major release from Netflix. The anticipation for April 2026 releases is high. This animated spin-off is a key event. It continues the legacy of the “Stranger Things” tv phenomenon. It offers a novel way to revisit familiar characters. The streaming service is betting big on its popular IPs.
A New Era of Adventure.
“Stranger Things: Tales From ’85” represents a bold expansion. It blends nostalgia with innovative animation. The series promises thrilling adventures. It will also explore character dynamics in new ways. This April premiere is a must-see for fans. It continues the compelling “Stranger Things” story. This marks another major tv and movie release. The series is set to captivate audiences worldwide.
