Netflix announces new ‘Stranger Things: Tales’ from '85 series and we can't wait for it
For a while, it seemed as if audiences from across the globe were settling with the conclusion of 'Stranger Things' on Netflix, a bittersweet moment that was as cathartic as it was sombre, akin to bidding a fond friend farewell. The immensely popular Duffer Brothers show came full circle with its finale episode titled 'Rightside Up', which was also given a theatrical release, a feat unprecedented in the history of the streaming platform giant. However, the nostalgic show's conclusion was fated to be somewhat of a mixed bag.
Granted that it isn't an easy feat to balance audience expectations and deliver narrative fulfillment that satisfies all sections of the audience, the conclusion of 'Stranger Things' Season 5 caused a divide among fans and audiences. On one hand, the finale was hailed as an exemplary work of art, while on the other hand, persistent criticism targeted the abrupt undoing of several character arcs and loose ends. This gave rise to the 'Conformity Gate' theory online, which claimed that the show's finale is not final and that another finale episode would air soon. That theory has now been duly debunked. Nevertheless, the fact remains that 'Stranger Things' is one of the most sought-after intellectual properties of our age, and Netflix isn't letting go of the franchise anytime soon.
As confirmed by Tudum, the Duffer Brothers are now working in association with showrunner Eric Robles on 'Stranger Things: Tales From '85'. The 3D animated series is set against the backdrop of the Winter of 1985 and unfolds between Seasons 2 and 3 of the flagship show. Thus, in a sense, the animated series could be considered a prequel. The official synopsis reads, "The original characters are about to embark on an epic journey in which they must fight new monsters and unravel a paranormal mystery terrorizing their town."
With the recent backlash centering on the show's narrative direction, it is understandable that both Netflix and the Duffer brothers wish to pivot to the nostalgic heart of the live-action show, and what better way to do this than to call back to the peak years of the Hawkins clan? Season 2 saw Will being manipulated by the Mind Flayer, Eleven lying low at Hopper's cabin, and the introduction of Kali, according to ScreenRant. Season 3 chronicled the Russians constructing an underground lab beneath the Starcourt Mall in Hawkins.
All of the familiar characters from the original show will return to the animated series. However, the latter would feature a fresh voice cast comprising Jolie Hoang‑Rappaport as Max, Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven, Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas, Luca Diaz as Mike, Ben Plessala as Will, Braxton Quinney as Dustin, Brett Gipson as Hopper, alongside Janeane Garofalo, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Odessa A’zion. Netflix has yet to announce an official release date.
