Netflix Details ‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85’ With First Look, New Voice Cast and 2026 Launch

The showrunner outlines a continuity workaround that links Hawkins Lab science to Upside Down matter to introduce fresh threats within canon.

Overview

Entertainment Weekly published new 3D images showing Eleven, Mike, Max, Lucas and the ensemble in wintry settings following an earlier teaser.
The animated spinoff is set in winter 1985 between seasons 2 and 3 and is explicitly positioned as part of established canon.
Netflix confirms a new voice cast that includes Brett Gipson (Hopper), Luca Diaz (Mike), Brooklyn Davey Norstedt (Eleven), Braxton Quinney (Dustin), Elisha Williams (Lucas), Ben Plessala (Will) and Jolie Hoang-Rappaport (Max).
Showrunner Eric Robles describes the core premise as “Hawkins Lab science meets Upside Down matter,” citing a chain-reaction explanation for new creatures despite the sealed gate.
Season 1 unfolds hour by hour with the Tales From ’85 banner structured to allow additional seasons if the series performs, and Netflix targets a 2026 debut after the Season 5 finale on December 31.