‘Stranger Things: Tales from ’85’ teaser has fans worried — here’s why the spin-off show could be a misstep
Netflix is officially expanding its ‘Stranger Things’ universe, but not in the way fans were hoping. The streamer recently treated fans to a first look at ‘Stranger Things: Tales from ’85,’ releasing the teaser for the franchise’s first animated spinoff, set to premiere in 2026. While the idea of returning to Hawkins, Indiana, might sound exciting, many viewers are already questioning whether this new series is a creative step forward or a nostalgic misfire. The original ‘Stranger Things’ changed television forever when it premiered in 2016. The series turned its young cast, including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and Gaten Matarazzo, into global stars.
As season 5 prepares to close out the beloved saga in 2025, fans expected a bold new direction for the franchise. Instead, ‘Tales from ’85’ appears to tread overly familiar ground, as reported by ScreenRant. The animated show revisits the same small-town setting and even the same characters, placing its story between seasons 2 and 3 of the main timeline. While the change in format promises a brighter, more stylized look, the plot seems to recycle much of what audiences have already seen. Rather than exploring new corners of the ‘Stranger Things’ world, ‘Tales from ’85’ seems content to stay safely within the boundaries of Hawkins.
And that’s exactly what worries fans. Adding to the skepticism is the fact that none of the original cast members will return, according to NME. Instead, new voice actors, including Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max, and Elisha Williams as Lucas, will bring these familiar faces to life. It’s an ambitious experiment, but it’s also a risky move for a franchise built on its beloved ensemble. In theory, animation could offer new creative opportunities: fantastical monsters, vibrant retro visuals, and even more surreal Upside Down sequences.
But critics argue that by sticking so closely to the show’s original era and cast, ‘Tales from ’85’ risks feeling redundant rather than refreshing. It’s neither a prequel nor a true sequel, just a retelling of moments we’ve already lived through. What makes this decision even more puzzling is the timing. The spinoff was revealed just before season 5’s release, suggesting Netflix wants to assure fans that the ‘Stranger Things’ brand won’t fade once the flagship series concludes. But to some, that reassurance feels like overprotection, a signal that the studio might not fully trust audiences to embrace something unfamiliar.
Of course, there’s still a chance the spinoff could surprise everyone. Perhaps it will dive deeper into the lives of supporting characters or explore unseen moments from between seasons. But as it stands, the project’s premise raises more doubts than excitement. If the Duffer Brothers and Netflix truly want to keep the magic of ‘Stranger Things’ alive, they may need to take bigger creative risks, not just revisit old ones.