Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 teaser drops, animated prequel set for April 2026 release

Netflix has officially unveiled the first teaser for Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, offering fans a fresh return to Hawkins—this time in animated form. 

Released on Monday, the teaser hints that the horrors of the Upside Down are far from over, setting the stage for a new chapter within the beloved Stranger Things universe.

A Return to Hawkins Between Seasons 2 and 3

Set between Seasons 2 and 3 of Stranger Things, Tales From ’85 revisits a period when the Upside Down still posed a looming threat. The story brings back the familiar Hawkins gang—Mike Wheeler, Will Byers, Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair, Eleven, and Max Mayfield—along with fan favourites Steve Harrington and Jim Hopper.

All characters appear as younger, animated versions of themselves, facing humanoid monsters emerging from a parallel dimension. Netflix confirmed that the series will premiere globally on April 23, 2026, teasing fans with the caption: “Something from the Upside Down must’ve survived…”

Something from the Upside Down must’ve survived… Stranger Things: Tales From '85 premieres April 23, only on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/kT7xrRhwQQ

— stranger things (@Stranger_Things) February 2, 2026

Teaser Highlights and Dark Hints

The teaser clip leans heavily into suspense and nostalgia. Jim Hopper is heard warning Mike, “Anything happens to her, these woods hide a lot of mistakes,” while Dustin ominously notes, “Something from the Upside Down must have survived last year.” The footage also shows the group reuniting for one of Mike’s tabletop campaigns, reinforcing the show’s roots in friendship and adventure.

According to Ross Duffer, animation opens new creative doors. Speaking to Netflix’s Tudum, he said, “With animation there’s really no limits,” suggesting the prequel may explore threats and visuals beyond what live-action allowed.

New Voices for a Familiar Story

While the original actors will not return as voice artists, a new cast steps in to bring Hawkins back to life. Brooklyn Davey Norstedt voices Eleven, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport plays Max, Luca Diaz is Mike, Elisha “EJ” Williams voices Lucas, Braxton Quinney takes on Dustin, and Ben Plessala voices Will. Brett Gipson joins as Hopper, with additional voices by Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips.

Created by Eric Robles alongside Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer, Tales From ’85 promises a nostalgic yet fresh dive into the animated shadows of the Upside Down.