This 1985 Stranger Things Reveal Changes Everything Fans Thought They Knew

Stranger Things fans, get ready for a fresh blast of 1985 nostalgia with a twist—this time, Hawkins returns in animated form. Netflix has released its first teaser for the animated spin-off, promising an all-new take on the iconic gang and their supernatural adventures.

Back to Hawkins, Now Animated

Netflix is set to take viewers back to Hawkins, Indiana—but this time, the story unfolds through animation, not live-action. The upcoming series, Stranger Things: Chronicles of 1985, is scheduled to premiere on April 23, 2026. The plot picks up after the events of season two, with the teaser revealing that “something survived” when Eleven closed the portal to the Upside Down at the Hawkins Lab.

Hawkins lies beneath a blanket of winter snow. Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max have returned to their routines, trading Dungeons & Dragons games for snowball fights. But beneath the ice, a new and unknown threat has awakened, putting the town’s fragile peace at risk.

The source of this menace—whether it’s the Upside Down, Hawkins Lab, or somewhere entirely new—remains a mystery for the characters to solve as they fight to protect their home.

New Voices Take Over Fan Favorites

One major change awaits longtime fans: an entirely new voice cast. Neither Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven) nor David Harbour (Chief Hopper) returns to voice their characters. Instead, the series introduces a new group of voice actors:

Brooklyn Davey Norstedt steps into the role of Eleven, while Jolie Hoang-Rappaport voices Max and Luca Diaz is Mike. Elisha Williams, Braxton Quinney, and Benjamin Plessala handle Lucas, Dustin, and Will, respectively. Among the adults, Brett Gipson voices Hopper, with Jeremy Jordan as Steve. The cast also features Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips.

The Creative Team Stays Familiar

Original creators Matt and Ross Duffer return as executive producers, helping guide this new animated chapter. Eric Robles leads the project as director. This blend of familiar creative leadership and new talent aims to keep the essence of Stranger Things alive, even as the format and voices change.

Why This Twist Matters for Fans

Chronicles of 1985 isn’t just a retelling of old stories. With a plot set directly after season two and a menacing hint that “something survived,” the series promises to explore uncharted territory in the Stranger Things universe. Fans will see beloved characters tackle fresh challenges—and hear them in entirely new voices.

Stranger Things: Chronicles of 1985 lands on Netflix April 23, 2026. Until then, keep those Eggo waffles handy and stay tuned for more clues about what’s lurking beneath Hawkins’ icy surface in this all-new animated adventure.