Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, the highly anticipated animated spinoff of Netflix’s blockbuster series, has finally cracked the enigma of its core storyline. The creators faced a significant challenge: how to introduce new creatures without a direct portal into the Upside Down. This conundrum delayed development but has now been ingeniously resolved.
The Duffer Brothers, Matt and Ross, who masterminded the original series, envisioned an animated show inspired by 1980s cartoons, set between the events of seasons two and three. However, the narrative had to fit within the constraints of 1985, after Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown in the live-action series, sealed the gate to the eerie world of demo-things and Mind Flayers.
Cracking the Story Puzzle
The breakthrough came with Eric Robles, a veteran of children’s animation known for works like Fanboy & Chum Chum and Glitch Techs. “I dissected the show, looking for any loopholes. I found a few of ’em,” Robles shared with Entertainment Weekly. “And then I found this one idea that I was just like, ‘Oh s—! I think that’s it.'” His solution? A fusion of Hawkins Lab science and Upside Down matter, suggesting a chain reaction affecting creatures in our world.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, Robles has revealed that a new cast of younger actors will voice familiar characters. Brooklyn Davey Norstedt takes on the role of Eleven, with Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max, Luca Diaz as Mike, and others reprising beloved roles. Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips are also set to voice undisclosed parts.
Behind the Scenes and Creative Vision
The Duffers, currently focused on the final season of Stranger Things, oversee the spinoff, with Robles as the principal showrunner and executive producer. While horror elements are present, Robles emphasizes that the series is not purely 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.”
The series promises “a lot of freaking cool monsters,” according to Robles, but it’s not just about a “monster of the week.” Each creature is intricately tied to a season-long mystery, ensuring a cohesive and engaging storyline.
Visual Inspirations and Production Insights
Flying Bark Productions, known for their work on What If…?, is animating Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. Robles drew inspiration not from Marvel, but from the original Stranger Things posters by Kyle Lambert, which were influenced by the iconic style of Drew Struzan. “Those posters have it all. They have these brilliant colors, there’s darks, there’s vibrancy to it,” Robles explains. “I’m just like, ‘That’s the show!’ If I can bring those posters to life, I got something pretty awesome. And that’s exactly what we did.”
Looking Ahead
The animated series is set to premiere in 2026, filling the narrative gap between the fall of 1984 and the summer of 1985, the timeline of Stranger Things seasons two and three. Should the series succeed, Robles suggests that any future seasons will continue under the Tales From ’85 title, progressing hour by hour, day by day.
As fans eagerly await the next chapter in the Stranger Things universe, this animated installment promises to deliver a fresh yet familiar experience, blending nostalgia with new stories and characters.
