Netflix has confirmed that Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 will debut on April 23, 2026, with special theatrical screenings of the first two episodes scheduled ahead of release.
The animated series will be previewed on April 18 in select U.S. theaters, offering audiences an early look at the next chapter set within the Stranger Things universe. The announcement also introduces new character details and voice casting, including Odessa A’zion as Nikki Baxter.
Early Screenings Bring Tales From ’85 to Theaters
Where to Watch Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Before Release
Netflix will host limited theatrical screenings of the first two episodes on April 18 at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM local time. The screenings will take place across 34 AMC Theatres locations in the United States.
Additional screenings are planned at the Paris Theater in New York and at Netflix House Philadelphia.
Tickets went on sale on March 18 at 8 AM PT through AMC Theatres’ official platform. Attendees at U.S. screenings will receive an exclusive collectible, available while supplies last.
A New Story Set in Winter 1985
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 returns to Hawkins during the winter of 1985, placing the story after a period where the immediate threat of the Upside Down appears to have receded.
According to the official synopsis, Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max have resumed everyday life, spending time on familiar activities such as Dungeons & Dragons and winter outings. That calm is disrupted when a new threat begins to surface beneath the town.
The narrative follows the group as they investigate the origin of this emerging danger, which may be connected to the Upside Down, Hawkins Lab, or another unknown source.
The series is designed as a new story within the established Stranger Things timeline.
New Character Introduced: Nikki Baxter
Among the newly revealed characters is Nikki Baxter, voiced by Odessa A’zion.
Showrunner Eric Robles described the role, explaining that Nikki serves as an entry point into the story. He noted that she arrives in Hawkins with her own personal challenges and encounters the central group as events begin to unfold.
As the situation escalates, Nikki becomes involved in the unfolding mystery alongside the core characters, positioned as someone experiencing this world for the first time.
Voice Cast and Creative Team
The animated series features a full voice cast portraying established characters from the original show:
- Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven
- Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max
- Luca Diaz as Mike
- Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas
- Braxton Quinney as Dustin
- Ben Plessala as Will
- Brett Gipson as Hopper
- Jeremy Jordan as Steve
Additional voice cast includes Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips.
The series is led by showrunner and executive producer Eric Robles.
Executive producers include Matt and Ross Duffer, Hilary Leavitt (Upside Down Pictures), Shawn Levy (21 Laps), and Dan Cohen.
The animation is produced by Flying Bark.
A Continuing Expansion of the Stranger Things Franchise
Where Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Fits in the Franchise
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Netflix arrives as part of a broader expansion of the franchise beyond the original series.
Created by the Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things first premiered in 2016 and has since become one of Netflix’s most widely watched titles. Across its first four seasons, the series has accumulated over 1.2 billion views.
The fifth and final season premiered in 2025 and recorded the largest English-language premiere week for the platform, while also returning earlier seasons to the Global Top 10.
The franchise continues through multiple formats, including the stage production Stranger Things: The First Shadow, immersive experiences, and upcoming projects tied to its 10th anniversary in summer 2026.
Key Details
- Title: Stranger Things: Tales From ’85
- Release date: April 23, 2026, on Netflix
- Format: Animated series
- Showrunner/EP: Eric Robles
- Executive producers: Matt and Ross Duffer, Hilary Leavitt, Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen
- Production studio: Flying Bark
- Voice cast: Brooklyn Davey Norstedt, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Luca Diaz, Elisha “EJ” Williams, Braxton Quinney, Ben Plessala, Brett Gipson, Jeremy Jordan, Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, Lou Diamond Phillips
- Theatrical screenings: April 18, 2026, in select U.S. theaters (AMC Theatres, Paris Theater New York, Netflix House Philadelphia)
- Setting: Hawkins, Indiana, winter 1985
- Source material: Original story set within the Stranger Things universe
