The world of Stranger Things is expanding again. Netflix has released the official trailer for Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, and it strongly suggests that something from the Upside Down has survived. While fans have been waiting for the main story to continue, this animated spin-off shows that the franchise still has many mysteries left to explore.
Set in the winter of 1985, the series brings back familiar characters in a new animated format while introducing a fresh mystery that aims to capture the same tension and excitement as the original show.
Release Date Confirmed for April
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 will premiere on April 23, 2025, on Netflix.
The story is set between Season 2 and Season 3 of the original series, making it a bridge between two major chapters of the Hawkins saga.
Fans can expect to see many beloved characters again, including:
- Eleven
- Dustin
- Mike
- Will
- Lucas
- Max
The trailer also briefly shows Steve Harrington with a new character named Natalie. In a nostalgic moment, Steve initially calls her “Nancy,” which instantly reminds longtime fans of earlier seasons.
Something from the Upside Down must’ve survived… Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 premieres April 23, only on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/kT7xrRhwQQ
— stranger things (@Stranger_Things) February 2, 2026
Who Is Behind the Series?
The animated spin-off was created by Eric Robles, with Shawn Levy and the Duffer Brothers (Matt and Ross Duffer) serving as executive producers.
In an interview with Netflix TUDUM, Robles explained that he has always been a fan of 1980s adventure and horror films like The Lost Boys, E.T., and The Goonies. He said that he loves stories where young characters face real danger and figure things out on their own, which is exactly what drew him to Stranger Things in the first place.
According to Robles, that same spirit of ’80s nostalgia and mystery is at the heart of Tales From ’85.
Early Reactions to the Trailer
Since the trailer dropped, fans have been praising the animation style. Many have pointed out that the characters look charming, detailed, and faithful to their live-action versions while still fitting naturally into an animated world.
With the series still a couple of months away, viewers will have to wait a little longer to see how the full story unfolds. But based on the trailer alone, anticipation is already building.