AceShowbiz - Stranger Things fans have a new adventure to look forward to with the upcoming animated series Stranger Things: Tales From '85. This fresh installment transports viewers back to Hawkins in the winter of 1985, bridging the timeline between seasons two and three of the original live-action show.

The core Stranger Things narrative spanned from 1983 through 1987, with each season set within a different year. Tales From '85 fills a previously unexplored gap in the timeline, offering new stories about familiar characters as well as introducing fresh faces. The animated adaptation features the beloved group—Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max—alongside a new character named Nikki, described as "a tough, mohawk-wearing gal." Together, they confront new monsters and uncover paranormal mysteries threatening Hawkins.

The series is executive produced by original creators Ross and Matt Duffer, though they are not the showrunners this time around. That role is filled by Eric Robles, known for his work on Glitch Techs and The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy. The production is a collaboration involving Flying Bark, Upside Down Pictures with Hilary Leavitt, 21 Laps with Shawn Levy, and Dan Cohen.

Netflix will release all 10 episodes of Tales From '85 on April 23. Prior to that, the first two episodes—totaling about 55 minutes—will be shown in select AMC theaters on April 18, giving fans an early cinematic experience. This marks Netflix’s second theatrical engagement for the franchise, following a limited big-screen run of the live-action series finale.

The recently released trailer showcases the gang enjoying happier moments in Hawkins during 1985, before the arrival of the sinister villain Vecna and the escalation of threats from the Upside Down. Notably, the return of Eleven is a major highlight, continuing her story after the conclusion of the original series.

Eric Robles, also serving as a writer and executive producer, shared insights about the new creatures featured in the show. He described a shark-like monster inspired by the classic film Jaws, explaining, "It's like Hawkins Lab science meets Upside Down matter. When you put them together, those are the kinds of creatures we have in our world." He added, "Underneath all that snow, there's something lurking, and you just never know where that thing's going to come out and grab you."

The official synopsis sets the stage: "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. Could it be from the Upside Down? From the depths of Hawkins Lab? Or from somewhere else entirely? Our heroes must race to solve this mystery and save Hawkins in this new story set in the Stranger Things universe."

The voice cast for Tales From '85 features Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven (Elle), Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max, Luca Diaz as Mike, Elisha "EJ" Williams as Lucas, Braxton Quinney as Dustin, and Ben Plessala as Will. Other notable voices include Brett Gipson as Hopper, Odessa A’zion as Nikki Baxer, Jeremy Jordan as Steve, Janeane Garofalo as Anna Baxter, and Lou Diamond Phillips as Daniel Fischer. The ensemble is rounded out with Robert Englund as Cosmo, Alysia Reiner as Karen Wheeler, Alessandra Antonelli as Nancy Wheeler, Valeria Rodriguez as Rosario, and Jack Griffo as Jeff.

This animated series promises to expand the Stranger Things universe by exploring untold stories and new supernatural threats during a quieter moment in Hawkins’ timeline. Fans eager for more adventures with Eleven and her friends have a thrilling new chapter to anticipate this spring.