Another Trip to Hawkins: ‘Tales From ’85’ Hits Theaters This April
Revisit the Upside Down in 2D animation
Even though the flagship series wrapped up its final season this past New Year’s Eve, Netflix isn’t ready to let go of Hawkins just yet. This week, the streamer confirmed that the first two episodes of the highly anticipated animated spinoff, “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85,” will receive a special limited theatrical release.
In a move similar to the dual-release strategy used for the Season 5 finale, Netflix is partnering with AMC Theatres to bring the animated world to the big screen five days before it hits your living room.
The new series, led by showrunner Eric Robles, takes us back to the winter of 1985—fitting right between the events of Season 2 and Season 3. Here is everything you need to know about the “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85” release date, the new voice cast, and where you can snag tickets.
What is “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85” about?
The spinoff captures the vibe of classic Saturday-morning cartoons, but with the signature “Stranger Things” dread. Set during a snowy winter in Hawkins, the story finds Eleven and the gang trying to enjoy a “normal” life of Dungeons & Dragons and snowball fights.
However, beneath the ice, something terrifying has awakened. Whether it’s a remnant of Hawkins Lab or a new evolution of the Upside Down, the trailer teases new monsters—including the fan-dubbed pumpkin zombies—that threaten the town’s brief moment of peace.
“Stranger Things: Tales From ’85” release date
You have two ways to watch the debut episodes this April:
- Theatrical release: Screenings will take place at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. local time on Saturday, April 18, 2026, across 34 select AMC Theatres locations in the U.S.
- Netflix release: The full 10-episode season premieres globally on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Tickets for the theatrical event went on sale on March 18 through the AMC Theatres platform. Attendees at the U.S. screenings will also receive an exclusive collectible while supplies last.
“Stranger Things: Tales From ’85” cast highlights
While the characters are familiar, the voices are new. The live-action cast has been replaced by a fresh lineup of voice talent:
- Brooklyn Davey Norstedt: Eleven
- Luca Diaz: Mike Wheeler
- Braxton Quinney: Dustin Henderson
- Elisha Williams: Lucas Sinclair
- Ben Plessala: Will Byers
- Jolie Hoang-Rappaport: Max Mayfield
- Odessa A’zion: Nikki Baxter (A new tinker character with short pink hair)
- Robert Englund: Returning to the franchise in a new undisclosed role
How to watch the “Stranger Things” universe
If you need a refresher on the lore before the animated series drops, here is where to find everything:
- The main series: All five seasons of “Stranger Things” are available to stream on Netflix.
- The spinoffs: The filmed Broadway production of “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” and the “Beyond Stranger Things” aftershow are also currently on the platform.
- Theatrical future: Beyond the April 18 screenings, additional previews are scheduled for the Paris Theater in New York and Netflix House in Philadelphia.
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