A new animated Stranger Things spinoff, Tales From 1985, is in the works and set to arrive on Netflix in 2026, styled to evoke an authentic 1980s cartoon.

The story unfolds in Hawkins during winter 1985, with the original kids facing fresh monsters and a paranormal mystery, positioned between Seasons 2 and 3.

Production is led by Flying Bark Productions, with Eric Robles as showrunner and executive producers Matt and Ross Duffer, aiming to capture the magic of the main series while presenting new voice performances for younger Hawkins residents.

Animation is described as kinetic and vibrant, designed to feel like an ’80s Saturday-morning cartoon, and the project explores storytelling with “no limits” within animation.

A teaser and first-look images, including two promotional visuals, were released to showcase the cartoon aesthetic and tease the new adventures of the core group—Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max—facing a Demogorgon and a new threat.

The cast features new voice performers rather than reprising the live-action actors, expanding the ensemble for the animated format.

Creators Matt and Ross Duffer discuss inspirations in a featurette, with Eric Robles explaining how the adaptation preserves the original series’ magic and how the animation process works behind the scenes.

The featurette includes behind-the-scenes storyboard and animation notes, highlighting the adaptation process and the team’s creative approach.

Creators acknowledge that prequels can pose storytelling challenges since audiences know potential outcomes, which may affect depth and surprises.

A teaser and a photo gallery accompanied the announcement, and coverage noted timelines and related materials linked to Stranger Things Day.

Early visuals hint at encounters with a carnivorous plant and a zombie-like creature in Hawkins as the stakes rise for the younger crew.

Eric Robles leads the creative team, delivering high-energy content as the animated Tales From 1985 moves forward.