Stranger Things animated prequel ‘Tales From ’85’ to offer fresh take after finale backlash

Stranger Things universe has just expanded

• "Stranger Things: Tales From '85" is an animated prequel between Seasons 2 and 3.
• Original characters return in animated form, but new voice actors join the cast
• The series explores new monsters, mysteries, and introduces Nikki Baxter

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Netflix’s popular sci-fi thriller Stranger Things wrapped up with a gripping finale in early 2026 after an intriguing five seasons. However, fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the final chapter's flaws and dull, expected conclusion, which caused a significant backlash on social media.

Fans are now holding out hope for a new animated prequel series that supposedly offers a fresh interpretation of the narrative.

The next Netflix series, Stranger Things: Tales From '85, takes place between Seasons 2 and 3 in the Stranger Things universe.

The logline states that "the original characters must fight new monsters and unravel a paranormal mystery terrorising their town in Stranger Things: Tales From '85." The story takes place in 1985, during a very cold winter in Hawkins, and our heroes are about to set off on an epic journey.

In order to fill in the gaps left by the live-action series, the new animated series is anticipated to reinterpret a chunk of the franchise's story.

According to the synopsis, the animated prequel will transport viewers back to Hawkins and to a period when the Upside Down posed a serious threat. Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, and Max—the main cast—will all make a comeback in younger, animated forms. But this time, the original cast members will not be reprising their roles as voice actors.

Brooklyn Davey Norstedt plays Eleven, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport plays Max, Luca Diaz plays Mike, Elisha "EJ" Williams plays Lucas, Braxton Quinney plays Dustin, Ben Plessala plays Will, Brett Gipson plays Hopper, Odessa A'zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips join the Hawkins journey.

More deadly, huge creatures will be included in the prequel series, according to showrunners Eric Robles, Matt, and Ross Duffer.

Inspired by cartoons from the 1980s, the series maintains its essential emotional, character-driven storytelling while fusing old aesthetics with powerful supernatural themes.

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Fans will be shocked to learn that the animated series will have a new character called Nikki Baxter, who has pinkish hair and is referred to as "a tinker."

Since this character wasn't featured in the first season, many are guessing that she either met a horrible death or left Hawkins between Seasons 2 and 3.

Additionally, since Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) closed the entrance to the Upside Down in Season 2, this animated series is anticipated to explore the other impending horrors, such as unidentified beasts and new paranormal forces, and to provide a deeper comprehension of the idea of the parallel universe.