Fans of Stranger Things have exciting news to look forward to: Netflix is officially developing an animated series set in the beloved universe of Hawkins, Indiana. Announced by the Duffer Brothers in April 2023, this project marks a new and imaginative expansion of the Stranger Things franchise.

The Announcement and Vision

Not in the mood to read, watch the video here.

The Duffer Brothers, the creators of Stranger Things, shared their enthusiasm when they revealed the news. They stated:

“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.”

Their goal is to capture the nostalgic magic of the classic Saturday morning animated shows that were staples of childhood entertainment in the ’80s and ’90s.

Who’s Behind the Animation?

The project is being developed in collaboration with Eric Robles, the creative mind behind Glitch Techs and Fanboy & Chum Chum. The animation work will be handled by Flying Bark Productions, a studio known for high-quality animated content. Together, they aim to deliver a new kind of experience that remains true to the heart of the original series while offering a fresh, stylized take.

What to Expect

While Netflix has not released specific plot details or a release date yet, hints suggest that the animated series will bring a lighter, more whimsical style compared to the darker, horror-driven tone of the live-action show. This “Saturday morning cartoon” spirit could allow the creators to explore more imaginative scenarios, characters, and adventures — potentially even ones that wouldn’t fit into the live-action storytelling.

Given the creative freedom of animation, fans might see different versions of familiar characters, explore new corners of the Upside Down, or even jump into previously unseen stories connected to Hawkins and beyond.

Part of a Larger Stranger Things Universe

The animated series, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, is part of Netflix’s broader plans to expand the Stranger Things universe. Other projects currently in development include a live-action spin-off series and a West End stage play titled Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which explores the origins of Henry Creel (Vecna), Dr. Brenner, and Hopper long before the events of the TV show.

This expansion aligns with the Duffer Brothers’ vision of Stranger Things not just as a TV show, but as a full-fledged universe capable of telling many different kinds of stories across multiple formats.

When Will It Be Released?

As of now, Netflix has not announced an official release date for the animated series. However, with the final season of Stranger Things expected to air in late 2025, it’s possible that the animated series will be positioned to keep fans engaged in the Stranger Things world as the main storyline wraps up.

The announcement of the Stranger Things animated series has sparked fresh excitement among fans eager for more adventures in Hawkins. With the Duffer Brothers’ nostalgic passion for animated storytelling, Eric Robles’ creative energy, and Flying Bark Productions’ animation expertise, this new chapter in the Stranger Things universe promises to be a thrilling addition to the franchise.

Stay tuned — the world of Stranger Things is just getting started.