There is a notable gap in the Stranger Things timeline, and it begins in the winter of 1985. It is the stretch after Hawkins survives one supernatural crisis and before the town descends into its most public disaster, an off-screen interval that has long fascinated fans. That uncharted window is where Netflix’s upcoming animated spinoff, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, positions itself.

Although the live-action series concluded at the end of 2025, the franchise is clearly not done revisiting Hawkins. The bigger question is, who gets to embody these characters in animated form.

While Tales From ’85 centers on the core gang fans grew up with, the series introduces an entirely new voice cast to bring them to life. Brooklyn Davey Norstedt steps into the animated shoes of Eleven, infusing the character with both vulnerability and fierce determination. Joining her is Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max and Luca Diaz as Mike, each capturing the spirit of their live-action counterparts while bringing fresh energy to the roles.

Elisha Williams voices Lucas, Ben Plessala is Will, and Braxton Quinney handles Dustin’s trademark humor and heart. 

Veteran performers Brett Gipson and Jeremy Jordan give voice to Hopper and Steve Harrington respectively, while Odessa A’zion, fresh off her breakout performance in Marty Supreme joins the cast alongside Janeane Garofalo and Lou Diamond Phillips in roles that are still under wraps. 

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None of the original Stranger Things actors return for this project, but the new ensemble has already sparked excitement among fans eager to hear these reinterpretations. 

Tales From ’85 is designed to fill a narrative gap between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original series, exploring what the Hawkins crew was up to in the winter after the Upside Down first infiltrated their lives. The animated format gives the creators room to explore both the thrill of supernatural scares and the lighter moments of childhood. 

Showrunner Eric Robles has said the series is not just about monsters. It is about friendship and the fierce loyalty that binds this group together. 

“It’s got the thrill of being young, being a kid, and going on these adventures,” he explained to Tudum. 

That balance of heart and suspense is what made Stranger Things a cultural touchstone, and it is the same heartbeat that Tales From ’85 seeks to capture, only this time through neon-tinged animation and ’80s retro flair.

As April 23 draws near, longtime fans and newcomers alike have a fresh reason to revisit Hawkins. Whether Tales From ’85 becomes a cherished companion to the main series or a standalone adventure that stands on its own, it is poised to be a love letter to what made Stranger Things unforgettable. 

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Share your theories and hopes for the animated series, what do you think will be the biggest surprise waiting beneath the snow in Hawkins?