Netflix has unveiled the trailer for Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, an exciting new animated spin-off set to expand the beloved Hawkins universe. This series premieres in 2026 and serves as a bridge in the timeline, taking place during the stark winter of 1985—between the events of Seasons 2 and 3 of the original show.
The teaser and announcement trailer drop viewers right back into the familiar yet eerie town of Hawkins, Indiana, where Eleven (Janeane Garofalo voicing in the animated form), Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, Max (voiced by Jolie Hoang-Rappaport), and even Hopper reunite to face fresh threats from the Upside Down. Something sinister survived from ’85, as the tagline teases, unleashing new monsters and a chilling paranormal mystery that once again terrorizes their small town.
Unlike the live-action series, Tales from ’85 embraces an animated style inspired by classic ’80s Saturday-morning cartoons—think vibrant visuals, adventurous energy, and that nostalgic retro flair the Duffer Brothers grew up loving. Executive produced by Matt and Ross Duffer alongside Shawn Levy and others, with showrunner Eric Robles at the helm (via Flying Bark Productions), the project captures the heart of the original: friendship, supernatural scares, and coming-of-age drama, but with the freedom animation provides to go wild with creatures and Upside Down lore.
The trailer features glimpses of the core group investigating strange phenomena amid snowy streets, flickering lights, and shadowy new entities emerging from the rift. It builds that signature tension with synth-heavy music, quick cuts of the kids banding together, and hints at emotional stakes that test their unbreakable bonds.
While Stranger Things Season 5 wrapped the main story, Tales from ’85 keeps the Hawkins magic alive for fans craving more. Expect the same mix of horror, heart, and ’80s vibes—just drawn in a fresh, animated light. Mark your calendars for 2026 on Netflix; the Upside Down isn’t done with us yet.
