Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Trailer Shows Off New Monsters (And a Lost Character From the Series)

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It feels like just yesterday fans were buzzing about “Conformity Gate” and anticipating a hidden episode, but Netflix’s hit show Stranger Things has officially finished… until now! Next month, the streaming service is expanding the Stranger Things universe with something many classic 80s brands should have done long ago: an animated spin-off series. Get ready for Stranger Things: Tales From ’85!

Following a series of previews and a look at the accompanying action figures – a classic element of any great ’80s franchise – Netflix has now released the official trailer for Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. The new footage seems to recapture the spirit of the show’s early seasons, with the kids embarking on adventures reminiscent of classic Spielberg films. However, this approach introduces new characters and creatures from the Upside Down that are never referenced in the main Stranger Things series, which could create a plot inconsistency.

Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Expands the Franchise, And Might Mess It All Up

This new series takes place between the second and third seasons of Stranger Things and introduces a fresh mystery. While it features beloved characters like Mike, Eleven, Dustin, Lucas, Will, Max, and Steve, it’s different from the original show. None of the original actors are returning to voice these characters; instead, a new cast will be taking on the roles. However, the trailer suggests the new actors do a good job of sounding like the characters fans already know and love.

What sets Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 apart is the introduction of completely new monsters from the Upside Down – creatures we haven’t seen or heard about anywhere else in the Stranger Things universe. This includes terrifying beasts like “The Vine Dog,” a Demogorgon-like monster but much larger, and “The Gourd Horde,” which is essentially a haunted pumpkin.

The new series will feature both new monsters and a completely original character, Nikki Baxter, voiced by Odessa A’zion. While it’s common for new characters to act as audience entry points and new monsters to drive merchandise sales, Nikki and these monsters haven’t appeared in the existing story of Stranger Things. This could create a significant plot hole or alienate fans who find the new storyline doesn’t quite fit with what they already know and love about the show.

Stranger Things has successfully integrated its related stories—like the stage play The First Shadow and several novels set in the past—into the main storyline. Details from these expanded stories have even been referenced in the show itself. However, the upcoming animated series feels different. We’ll soon discover how it connects to the larger narrative and why these events aren’t brought up again later, as it’s scheduled to premiere on April 23, 2026.

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2026-03-26 19:43