Shared on Netflix’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the poster shows a neon-soaked Hawkins street at night, glowing with retro energy. Flashing signs light the road while a familiar silhouette grips a flashlight, hinting at danger just out of sight. The artwork leans heavily into the look of classic 1980s cartoons, perfectly matching the title: Stranger Things: Tales from ’85. Netflix has also confirmed that a teaser video will drop on Monday, fueling early excitement.
What the Story Is About
Series creator Eric Robles places the animated story between Season 2 and Season 3 of the live-action show. Set in 1985, the plot returns to Hawkins at a time when calm is short-lived and new supernatural threats begin to surface.
The story follows the core group of kids as they face fresh monsters from the Upside Down. Early signs of trouble include mutated pumpkins and fast-moving vines, offering a new spin on the town’s familiar horrors while keeping the unsettling mood fans love.
New Dangers in Hawkins
Robles explains that a mysterious force disrupts the town’s fragile peace, bringing strange plant life and glowing, corrupted pumpkins to life. The creative team draws inspiration from Lovecraft style horror, but balances it with warmth and adventure, keeping the series suitable for a broad audience. This mix of creepiness and nostalgia gives the show its unique flavor.
Voice Cast and Creative Team
The voice cast includes Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven, Jolie Hoang Rappaport as Max, and Luca Diaz as Mike. Elisha “EJ” Williams voices Lucas, Braxton Quinney plays Dustin, Ben Plessala voices Will, and Brett Gipson takes on the role of Hopper. Surprise appearances from Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips add extra star power.
Behind the scenes, The Duffer Brothers, along with Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen, and Hilary Leavitt, serve as executive producers. Animation duties are handled by Flying Bark Productions, known for its lively and expressive visual style.
Animation Style and Release Window
According to Ross Duffer, animation allows the team to push visual ideas further than live action. The series features oversized heads and sculpted, puppet-like faces, inspired by iconic 1980s cartoons such as The Real Ghostbusters. Creature designer Carlos Huante adds a touch of cosmic horror, keeping the visuals strange but colorful.
Netflix describes the show as an easy entry point into the Stranger Things world, welcoming both longtime fans and new viewers. The animated series is set to premiere in 2026, giving fans plenty of time to speculate and theorize.
With its first poster, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 promises new stories, bold visuals, and the same emotional core that made the franchise a global hit. All eyes are now on the upcoming teaser as anticipation continues to grow.
