This year is shaping up to be an exciting one for fans of Netflix's blockbuster series Stranger Things. After years of waiting, the fifth and final season will reportedly arrive in 2025, likely in the second half of the year. But even though the main live-action series is ending, Netflix isn't ready to say goodbye to the Upside Down just yet.
Netflix returns to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival this year to unveil a first look at its exciting line-up of animated projects. Earlier today, the streamer announced what we can expect to see during their festival slate, and one of them is a peek at Stranger Things: Tales from '85, an animated spinoff series.
The show's third season takes place in 1985, showing us events from that summer, in July, and the following October. The animated series will likely follow other events that took place outside of Hawkins during that time. Season 4 then moves ahead to 1986, and the final season is expected to take place a few years later.
"We've always dreamed of an animated Stranger Things in the vein of the Saturday morning cartoons that we grew up loving, and to see this dream realized has been absolutely thrilling,” creators Matt and Ross Duffer shared with Tudum.
1428 Elm has learned that when Netflix returns to the Théâtre Bonlieu on June 11, showrunner Eric Roberts will present the world-exclusive first look at the Stranger Things animated series. The Duffer Brothers will executive produce the project through their Upside Down Pictures company.
Netflix hasn't released any other information about Tales from '85 yet, but the subtitle is a new reveal, and we can expect more after the Annecy Festival. With Stranger Things ending sooner than later, we could see the animated series debut in 2026.
Additionally, horror fans should keep an eye out for previews of the upcoming Splinter Cell adaptation, arriving in fall 2025. Netflix will also premiere the first look at Devil May Cry season 2.
As for Stranger Things enthusiasts, we previously compiled an article highlighting recent announcements and updates about the final season. The official Stranger Things play The First Shadow also recently opened on Broadway in New York after debuting on West End in 2023.