‘Stranger Things’ Is Back in 1985 as New Spin-Off Trailer Teases a Chilling Upside Down Return
Netflix is heading back to Hawkins with a new animated chapter in the Stranger Things universe. A trailer released on Monday confirms that Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 will take fans back to the cold winter following the events of Season 2. The show is set to stream on Netflix starting April 23, according to the platform.
The preview makes it clear that the danger in Hawkins is not over. Even though Eleven appeared to shut the door on the Upside Down years ago, the trailer hints that a threat is still out there. One warning message in the trailer says that something survived, setting the tone for what is being called a missing story from the original timeline.
Something from the Upside Down must have survived…
— Netflix (@netflix) February 2, 2026
Stranger Things: Tales From '85, a new animated series, premieres April 23. pic.twitter.com/7lwtOsU0wr
The animated series is set during a quieter moment in the kids’ lives. Hawkins is covered in snow, and the group seems to be enjoying a break from chaos. But peace does not last long. A new mystery begins to spread through the town, and the kids once again find themselves trying to protect their home from an unknown force.
Netflix also shared the official story description, which explains what viewers can expect. In the winter of 1985, snow blankets the town and the horrors of the Upside Down are finally fading. Our heroes Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max have settled back into a normal life of D&D, snowball fights, and quiet days. But beneath the ice, something terrifying has awakened. Could it be from the Upside Down? From the depths of Hawkins Lab? Or from somewhere else entirely? Our heroes must race to solve this mystery and save Hawkins in this untold story set in the Stranger Things universe.
The project is led by showrunner Eric Robles and backed by Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer. Shawn Levy is also involved through his production company. The animation is handled by Flying Bark Productions. Netflix released several first-look images alongside the trailer.
A new voice cast brings the animated versions of the characters to life. Brooklyn Davey Norstedt voices Eleven, with Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max and Luca Diaz as Mike. The cast also includes Elisha “EJ” Williams, Braxton Quinney, Benjamin Plessala, Brett Gipson, Jeremy Jordan, Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips.
This series adds another layer to the Stranger Things world without changing the main storyline. It focuses on a time fans already know but fills in gaps that were never shown on screen.
This is a smart move by Netflix. The story stays close to what fans love while trying something new with animation. It also gives longtime viewers a reason to come back without waiting for the next live-action season. What do you think about this animated spin-off and the return to 1985? Share your thoughts in the comments.
