Netflix Expands ‘Stranger Things’ Universe with Animated Prequel

Netflix is dropping “Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85’,” an animated spinoff premiering April 23, designed to keep the franchise hot between major releases.

• Something survived: The story is set in the winter of 1985, between Seasons 2 and 3, and follows the Hawkins crew as they face a new paranormal threat. A teaser trailer hints that “something survived” after Eleven closed the gate to the Upside Down.

• Familiar faces, new voices: While the original characters return, they are voiced by a new cast. The series also introduces a new character, Nikki Baxter, whose absence in later live-action seasons already has fans speculating about her fate.

“Tales from ‘85” is Netflix’s strategic play to keep the franchise from cooling off. The animated series is the latest expansion of the universe, following a prequel stage play and preceding another live-action installment still in the works. Animation gives Netflix a cost-effective way to keep its global fanbase engaged with one of its most valuable properties.