The Upside Down isn’t closing shop just yet. As the original Stranger Things series prepares for its final curtain call, Netflix has already conjured up the next chapter in Hawkins’ haunted saga—with a fresh twist and a new (animated) face.
A franchise that refuses to vanish into thin air
Even as fans brace themselves for the epic final season of Stranger Things, Netflix isn’t planning to leave Hawkins behind anytime soon. Why would it? The show has become a full-blown pop culture juggernaut, and in today’s streaming landscape, ending a successful franchise without a successor is like leaving Eggo waffles uneaten—just plain wrong.
Enter Stranger Things: Tales of 85, an upcoming animated spin-off that will nestle itself neatly between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original series. Think of it as a missing chapter, an unseen winter in Hawkins that’s about to get the spotlight it never asked for. The creative torch has been passed to Eric Robles, the brain behind Glitch Techs and Fanboy & Chum Chum. The Duffer Brothers are still hovering in the shadows, of course—this is their Upside Down, after all—but Robles is the one steering the snow-covered ship.
Welcome back to Hawkins—now in animated 3D
The project was unveiled at the Annecy International Animation Festival, where Netflix rolled out a teaser trailer that got fans buzzing. Set during the chilly months of winter 1985, the series features familiar faces: Mike, Eleven, Will, Dustin, Lucas, Max, and the ever-iconic Jim Hopper. So far, there’s no confirmation on whether the original cast will lend their voices, but the trailer didn’t skimp on atmosphere.
A brand-new character, Nikki Barber, was introduced—likely to play a pivotal role in the unfolding drama. Whether she’s friend, foe, or somewhere in between remains to be seen, but she’s already being touted as a key piece of the puzzle.
Not your Saturday morning cartoon
Forget the slapstick animation style of weekend cartoons. Robles made it clear that Tales of 85 aims for a cinematic tone, not a sugar-coated nostalgia trip. Using sleek 3D animation, the series reimagines well-loved Hawkins landmarks—the Byers’ home, the arcade, even that ominous government lab—with enough eerie polish to keep older fans intrigued.
In terms of creative inspiration, Robles and the Duffers tipped their hats to The Real Ghostbusters—a surprisingly gritty animated series from the late ’80s. They’ve also pulled cues from E.T., Goosebumps, and even Transformers. The result? A show that walks the tightrope between childlike wonder and unnerving suspense.
Aimed at the young, but not sugar-coated
While early indications suggest the series is geared toward a younger audience, don’t expect Paw Patrol with Demogorgons. If anything, Tales of 85 promises to preserve that signature Stranger Things tension—spooky, mysterious, and occasionally disturbing.
The plot will centre on a brand-new supernatural mystery, complete with monsters, weird phenomena, and plenty of that familiar “what is going on in this town?” energy. If the Duffer brothers’ track record is anything to go by, expect emotional depth tucked beneath the jump scares.
Mark your calendar (and maybe grab a flashlight)
Set to premiere in 2026, Stranger Things: Tales of 85 is shaping up to be more than a footnote. With high production values, a creative team that understands the weight of the original, and a narrative that dares to explore new shadows, this isn’t just a filler episode in animated form.
For fans, it’s another chance to lose themselves in the town that’s never quite as sleepy as it seems. And for Netflix, it’s a reminder: some stories—especially the strange ones—just aren’t meant to stay closed.
Meet Bill, a curious mind with a rebellious streak and a shared enthusiasm for lifestyle and culture. Like his longtime collaborator William, he’s captivated by the pulse of current events. But Bill brings a twist, he thrives on spontaneity, often following instinct over convention. His unconventional flair adds a dynamic edge to the team, making every project a little less predictable and a lot more exciting.
