Stranger Things has left an indelible mark on pop culture, blending 80s nostalgia with supernatural thrills. Even after the live-action series wrapped up its final season, the Upside Down's grip on fans remains tight. Enter Stranger Things: Tales From '85, the highly anticipated animated spin-off that promises to transport viewers back to the eerie town of Hawkins. Showrunner Eric Robles, known for his work on Glitch Techs and The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, recently sat down with Netflix's Tudum to tease this exciting addition to the franchise.
Reviving the Magic: A New Chapter in the Stranger Things Universe
Premiering on Netflix on April 23, Tales From '85 is set in the winter of 1985, slotting neatly between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original series. Co-created by Stranger Things masterminds Matt and Ross Duffer, who also serve as executive producers, the show picks up right after the Snow Ball dance where Eleven and Mike shared their first kiss. This animated venture isn't just a cash-grab sequel; it's a thoughtful exploration of the characters' lives as they navigate normalcy amid lingering shadows from the Upside Down.
Robles, producing through Flying Bark Productions (famous for Marvel's What If...?), was handpicked by the Duffers to tackle a key challenge: With Eleven having sealed the gate to the Upside Down in the Season 2 finale, how could new horrors emerge? "That was the big challenge of developing the show," Robles explained. He dove deep into his love for 80s classics like E.T., The Goonies, and The Lost Boys, dissecting the original series to craft a narrative that feels authentic to the Stranger Things lore.
The Plot Unfolds: A Mystery Without World-Ending Stakes
The series follows Eleven (voiced by newcomer Brooklyn Davey Norstedt), Mike (Luca Diaz), Will (Benjamin Plessala), Dustin (Braxton Quinney), Lucas (Elisha “EJ” Williams), and Max (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport from In Your Dreams). After the Upside Down's terrors seem to fade, the kids revel in everyday joys—Dungeons & Dragons sessions, snowball fights, and budding romances. But peace is short-lived. Something sinister awakens, forcing the group to grab their flashlights and radios once more.
Unlike the high-stakes apocalypses of later seasons, Tales From '85 keeps the action grounded. "These kids are not saving the world, they’re saving the town," Robles emphasized. The mystery builds episode by episode, without resets, immersing audiences in the kids' journey. Early episodes focus on unraveling the threat in Hawkins, emphasizing secrecy to protect Eleven from government interference. If things escalate, adults—and worse—could swoop in, shattering their fragile normalcy.
New Monsters and Familiar Faces: What's Lurking in Hawkins?
While specifics on the new monsters remain under wraps to avoid spoilers, Robles hinted at creatures that echo the original series' grotesque designs but adapted for animation's vibrant style. Drawing from 80s horror tropes, these beasts promise visceral scares tailored to a younger ensemble's perspective. The Upside Down's influence lingers subtly, perhaps through residual rifts or experiments gone awry, ensuring the supernatural elements feel earned rather than contrived.
The voice cast brings fresh energy to beloved characters. Norstedt's Eleven captures the telekinetic girl's vulnerability and power, while Diaz's Mike embodies that awkward teen crush. The ensemble dynamic shines, highlighting friendships forged in fire. Max's inclusion adds layers, as her Season 2 arc sets up emotional depth for the group's protective instincts.
Tone and Themes: Heart, Horror, and the Thrill of Youth
Robles describes the tone as a masterful blend—not pure action or comedy, but a thrilling mix with real danger. "The stakes are real, and bad things can happen to anyone," he said, nodding to Season 1's kid-centric isolation from adults. Themes of protection and family resonate deeply; these preteens aren't just fighting monsters—they're safeguarding each other like a chosen family.
Infused with heart, the series explores young love (post-Snow Ball vibes), the essence of childhood adventure, and the fear of losing innocence. Robles' background in animated storytelling allows for poignant moments amid the chaos, making Tales From '85 more than scares—it's a nostalgic love letter to 80s kid heroism. Influences from Spielberg-esque films ensure a sense of wonder, even as horrors mount.
Why Fans Will Love This Animated Return
What excites Robles most? The chance to "hang out with these kids" in a pre-teen phase, before the original series' teen angst dominates. For longtime fans, it's a bridge filling timeline gaps, offering closure on post-Season 2 recovery while teasing future threads. Animation opens creative doors—dynamic Upside Down visuals, exaggerated monster designs—without the constraints of live-action budgets.
As Netflix expands its animated slate (think Arcane or Blue Eye Samurai), Tales From '85 stands out for its ties to a blockbuster IP. Robles' passion shines through: "I love Stranger Things for the nostalgia, and it checks all the boxes of things I wanted to do." Early buzz suggests it captures the franchise's spirit, blending scares with heartfelt bonds.
In a landscape craving more Stranger Things, this spin-off delivers without overreaching. Whether you're rewatching the originals or diving in fresh, Tales From '85 promises to reignite that Hawkins magic. Mark your calendars for April 23— the kids are back, and the Upside Down never truly sleeps.
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