Just as the noise from the fan outcry about the disappointing Stranger Things finale was starting to die down, another project from the Netflix sci-fi series is putting the Hawkins kids back in the limelight. Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 is an animated series that takes place between the main series’ second and third seasons, and all things considered, it looks pretty good in its first trailer.
Netflix has pegged the show as a more kid-friendly “Saturday morning cartoon” take on Stranger Things, and it definitely comes off that way based on the clips we’ve seen thus far. It’s colorful, packed with jokes, and even the evil creatures from the Upside Down are kinda cute in its Arcane-esque art style. The main cast of characters are returning in the series, but they are notably not voiced by any of their live-action actors. All of them are grown now, so they probably couldn’t voice their younger selves anyway, and they definitely sound like kids in this first trailer, which you can view below:
While the fifth and final season of Stranger Things created a whirlwind of controversy after some fans were disappointed in its conclusion, even prompting some to spin a conspiracy theory that a secret finale was coming that would address all their grievances, maybe Tales from ‘85 could serve as a low-stakes palate cleanser? I also wouldn’t be surprised, though, if the people who were that dissatisfied with season 5 just wash their hands of the series altogether and don’t watch the show. Which is valid. Live your truth, Byler shippers. Just, you know, be normal about it instead of harassing the creators of the show.
Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 will premiere on Netflix on April 23.