The world of Hawkins is not done with its strange adventures. Just months after the original series concluded, Netflix has released the first full trailer for Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, the animated spin-off that takes viewers back to the winter of 1985. The trailer dropped on March 26, 2026, giving fans a fresh look at Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and Max as they face a new threat beneath the ice. The series is set to premiere on April 23, 2026, exclusively on Netflix.
The two-minute trailer shows the gang enjoying a normal winter—snowball fights, Dungeons & Dragons sessions, and quiet days. But things quickly take a turn when something mysterious awakens underneath the frozen surface. The trailer mixes familiar Hawkins locations with a bright, animated style that captures the spirit of 1980s Saturday morning cartoons.
A New Story Set Between Seasons 2 and 3
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 fills a gap in the original timeline. The story takes place during the winter following the events of Season 2, before the summer events of Season 3. This timing allows the creators to explore a period when the characters were still living normal lives—Eleven had her powers, Hopper was keeping watch over her, and the Byers family still lived in Hawkins.
The official logline explains: “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.” The mystery pushes the group to investigate whether the threat comes from the Upside Down, Hawkins Lab, or somewhere entirely new.
New Voice Cast Brings Familiar Characters to Life
None of the original live-action actors return to voice their roles. Instead, a new group of voice actors takes over. The cast includes Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven, Luca Diaz as Mike Wheeler, Braxton Quinney as Dustin Henderson, Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas Sinclair, Ben Plessala as Will Byers, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max Mayfield, Brett Gipson as Chief Jim Hopper, and Jeremy Jordan as Steve Harrington.
Fans have already pointed out how close the voice actors sound to the original cast. One viewer on Reddit noted, “The Dustin voice acting is nuts, like that’s literally Gaten.” The voice work aims to keep the characters recognizable while giving the animated version its own identity.
New Character Nikki Baxter Joins the Party
The trailer also introduces a new face. Odessa A’zion voices Nikki Baxter, a “tough, mohawk-wearing gal” who becomes part of the adventure. Nikki is described as a “tinker”—someone skilled with machines—and she brings a fresh energy to the group. Her pink mohawk and punk style stand out in the winter setting of Hawkins.
The introduction of a new character has sparked discussion among fans. Some are excited to see how Nikki fits into the story, while others question why she was never mentioned in the original series. One fan on X wrote, “Still have no idea why they felt the need to insert an entirely brand new character in the middle of all this.” The creators have not yet explained how Nikki connects to the larger Stranger Things story.
Theatrical Screenings Before Netflix Release
Before the full series arrives on Netflix, fans in the United States can catch an early look on the big screen. Netflix is partnering with AMC Theatres to show the first two episodes on April 18, 2026. The screenings will take place in 34 theaters across 20 states, with two showtimes at noon and 3:00 PM local time. The two episodes together run about 55 minutes.
The theatrical event also includes screenings at the Paris Theater in New York and Netflix House Philadelphia. Tickets went on sale on March 18, 2026. This limited release gives dedicated fans a chance to experience the animated spin-off before its streaming debut.
10 Episodes of Animated Adventure
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 consists of 10 episodes, each running about 30 minutes. The animation comes from Flying Bark Productions, the studio behind other popular animated projects. Showrunner Eric Robles leads the creative team, with The Duffer Brothers, Shawn Levy, and Dan Cohen serving as executive producers.
The visual style takes inspiration from 1980s cartoons like He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and The Real Ghostbusters. Robles has called the latter his “north star” for the series. The animation uses bright colors, neon touches, and character designs with slightly larger heads and expressive faces—a style that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Mixed Reactions From Fans
The trailer has received a range of reactions across social media. Some viewers are excited to return to Hawkins. One fan on YouTube wrote, “I have never been so hyped! Seeing the party together makes me happy.” Another said, “Hawkins 1985… we’re so back.”
Others remain unsure about the spin-off. The series finale of Stranger Things, which aired on New Year’s Eve 2025, left some fans with unresolved feelings. A comment on X read, “We will not be watching if it’s directed by the Duffers.” Another user asked, “Why do we need this? Will this answer our unanswered questions?”
Despite the divided opinions, many are willing to give the animated series a chance. A Reddit user shared, “Ok, this looks promising, I will give it a watch bc im craving more st content!”
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Additional Voice Cast Members
Beyond the main group, the series features several notable actors in supporting roles. Janeane Garofalo and Lou Diamond Phillips join the cast in undisclosed roles. Alysia Reiner voices Karen Wheeler, Alessandra Antonelli voices Nancy Wheeler, and Robert Englund voices a character named Cosmo. Englund, known for playing Freddy Krueger, brings a horror connection that fits the Stranger Things world.
The production also includes Valeria Rodriguez as Rosario and Jack Griffo as Jeff. The broad cast suggests the series will explore multiple storylines across Hawkins during the winter of 1985.
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