The Upside Down is getting a Saturday morning makeover. Netflix dropped the first official teaser and voice cast announcement for Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, the highly anticipated animated spinoff that’s bringing Hawkins back to life in a whole new way. Set to premiere in 2026, this series bridges the gap between seasons two and three of the original show, taking fans back to the winter of 1985 when things were about to get seriously weird again.
The announcement came on Stranger Things Day (November 6), and it’s packed with nostalgia. Created by Eric Robles and produced by Flying Bark Productions, the Australian studio behind some killer animation work, this isn’t your typical spinoff cash grab. The Duffer Brothers are executive producing alongside Shawn Levy, ensuring the DNA of what made the original series special stays intact. Ross Duffer emphasized that with animation, there are “really no limits,” letting the creative team go absolutely wild with the supernatural elements fans crave.
A new voice for familiar faces
Here’s where things get interesting: none of the original live-action cast is returning for voice work. Instead, Netflix assembled a fresh roster of talent, including Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max, and Luca Diaz as Mike. The full lineup also features Braxton Quinney as Dustin, Ben Plessala as Will, Ej Williams as Lucas, and Brett Gipson as Hopper. Joining them are Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips in undisclosed roles.
The series introduces Nikki Baxter, an original character described as a “tinker” with pink-tipped hair who’s bigger than the core group. Early footage shown at the Annecy Film Festival teased familiar locations like the Palace Arcade and Hawkins Lab, but with a vibrant, Saturday morning cartoon aesthetic that feels both retro and refreshing. The synopsis promises new monsters, including Upside Down pumpkin-zombies and vine creatures, alongside the paranormal mysteries that define the franchise.
What makes Tales From ’85 intriguing is its positioning as “entry-level Stranger Things.” It’s designed to be more family-friendly while maintaining that signature blend of horror and heart. As showrunner Robles put it, the show captures “the magic of Hawkins in a new way,” inviting both longtime fans and newcomers to grab their flashlights and backpacks for an epic adventure.
Ready for more geek news and exclusive content? Follow Geek Realm Hub on Facebook and stay plugged into everything from the Upside Down and beyond!