The much-anticipated spinoff Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is set to expand the universe of the beloved Netflix series with a fresh twist. Set between the events of seasons two and three, the animated series promises a blend of science fiction and the supernatural, all wrapped in a nostalgic 1980s aesthetic. The challenge for creators Matt and Ross Duffer was to introduce new creatures without reopening the portal to the Upside Down, a task that took years to solve.
Enter Eric Robles, a veteran of animated children’s shows like Fanboy & Chum Chum and Glitch Techs. Robles was tasked with cracking the code. “I dissected the show, looking for any loopholes. I found a few of ’em,” Robles shared with Entertainment Weekly. His breakthrough idea? Combining Hawkins Lab science with Upside Down matter, suggesting that the closed gateway has triggered a chain reaction affecting both worlds.
The Creative Vision Behind ‘Tales From ’85’
Robles, serving as the principal showrunner and executive producer, envisions the series as more than just a horror show. “It’s got its bite to it,” he admits. “The stakes are real for the kids. It’s not Scooby-Doo, man. It’s not like, ‘Oh, well, it’ll be fine.’ We don’t know if it’ll be fine.” This statement sets the tone for a series where every episode contributes to a season-long mystery, rather than a simple “monster of the week” format.
The animation is being handled by Flying Bark Productions, known for their work on What If…?. However, Robles draws inspiration from the original Stranger Things posters by Kyle Lambert, which echo the Spielbergian style of Drew Struzan. “Those posters have it all. They have these brilliant colors, there’s darks, there’s vibrancy to it,” Robles explains. “If I can bring those posters to life, I got something pretty awesome. And that’s exactly what we did.”
A New Cast for a New Era
The series introduces a new cast of younger actors taking on familiar roles: Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max, Luca Diaz as Mike, Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas, Braxton Quinney as Dustin, Benjamin Plessala as Will, and Brett Gipson as Hopper. Additionally, Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips lend their voices to undisclosed roles.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the series is expected to premiere in 2026. The Duffers, who are overseeing the final season of the main Stranger Things series, are also involved in the spinoff, ensuring continuity and thematic consistency.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The original Stranger Things season two unfolded in the fall of 1984, with season three picking up in the summer of 1985. This spinoff explores the untapped potential of the intervening months, a period ripe for storytelling. Should Tales From ’85 succeed, Robles envisions future seasons remaining under the same title, with the narrative progressing in real time, hour by hour, day by day.
As the world eagerly awaits more from the Stranger Things universe, this new venture promises to deliver a fresh perspective while maintaining the heart and suspense that fans have come to love. The combination of nostalgic visuals, a gripping storyline, and a talented cast sets the stage for another hit in the making.
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