13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Netflix's Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 coming soon. Here's what we know
TNN Stranger Things Animated Series
Netflix is expanding the Stranger Things universe with an exciting new animated series titled Stranger Things: Tales From '85 . Unveiled during the streamer's presentation at the Annecy International Animation Festival, executive producer Eric Robles treated attendees to an extended first look at the show, reported
Set Between Seasons 2 and 3
Set in the frigid winter of 1985, Tales From '85 takes place between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original live-action series. It follows familiar faces—Will, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Max, Eleven—and introduces a new character, Nikki Baxter, a young 'tinkerer' who joins the gang to face off against a terrifying new breed of vine monsters from the Upside Down. As they confront these new threats, the group also unravels a disturbing paranormal mystery gripping their town.
A Fresh Take With Retro Roots
The animation style, created by Flying Bark Productions, blends cutting-edge CG animation with 2D painterly stylization. It draws visual inspiration from modern hits like Spider-Verse and Arcane , all while capturing a nostalgic '80s Saturday morning cartoon vibe reminiscent of classics like The Real Ghostbusters and the Beetlejuice animated series.
Unlike those 2D classics, however, Tales From '85 boasts high-end CG animation with cinematic quality, much like polished video game cutscenes. While Netflix has yet to release official images, a few glimpses from the exclusive sizzle reel at Annecy showed Hawkins Lab, a furious Chief Hopper, and the core group navigating new challenges.
Is It Canon? Absolutely.
The Duffer Brothers confirmed that Stranger Things: Tales From '85 is part of the official canon. It deepens the backstory of the beloved characters and fills in narrative gaps between the live-action seasons.
Release Date and Production Team
Although no official release date has been announced, Netflix stated the series is set to premiere in 2026. The show is executive produced by: Eric Robles ( Fanboy & Chum Chum )
) The Duffer Brothers (via Upside Down Pictures)
Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen (21 Laps)
Hilary Leavitt (Upside Down Pictures) Flying Bark Productions, also behind The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender , is handling the animation.
