First Look at the New ‘Stranger Things’ Spinoff Has Been Released
Netflix has shared the first official preview of its next Stranger Things project, giving fans a look at what comes after the main series.
The new show is called Stranger Things: Tales from ’85. It is an animated spinoff set during the winter of 1985. The story fits between seasons 2 and 3 of the original Netflix series and focuses on a new danger coming from the Upside Down.
The reveal came from Netflix, which released a poster showing Eleven back in Hawkins with her friends. The image places her at the front of the group as they face a strange new creature tied to the Upside Down. Netflix also confirmed that a teaser trailer will be released tomorrow.
This animated series will not feature the original cast. Millie Bobby Brown and the other actors are not returning to voice their characters. Instead, Eleven will be voiced by Brooklyn Davey Norstedt, while Mike will be voiced by Luca Diaz. Even with the change, familiar characters like Dustin, Will, Lucas, and Max will still appear.
The spinoff also introduces a new character named Nikki Baxter. Netflix has not shared many details about her yet, but she is connected to the new threat that hits Hawkins. Her role raises questions, since she is never mentioned in later seasons of the original show.
The winter setting is another big change. Most of Stranger Things took place during warmer months, so snow-covered Hawkins brings a new feel to the story. It also suggests the show may explore parts of the timeline that were never fully shown before.
Although the series is animated, the Duffer Brothers are still involved as executive producers. Netflix has described Tales from ’85 as a lost chapter in the Stranger Things story and said the show aims to capture the magic of childhood that defined the early seasons.
Tales from ’85 is set to arrive sometime in 2026. Netflix has not announced an exact release date yet, but early promotion suggests it could arrive in the first half of the year. The announcement comes just over a month after the original Stranger Things ended on December 31, 2025.
While fans are excited to see Eleven again, many are also curious about the 3D animated style and how it will handle the darker tone of the series. The show will not explain Eleven’s fate from the finale, since it takes place earlier in the timeline, but her return is still a major draw.
This spinoff feels like a safe but interesting way to keep the Stranger Things world alive. The timeline choice makes sense, and animation allows the story to try new ideas. Still, replacing the original voices is a big risk. What do you think about the animated format and the new cast? Share your thoughts in the comments.
