Stranger Things Season 5 isn’t the end: How Netflix is expanding the Universe with two bold spinoff projects
A still from ‘Stranger Things.’ Image Credit: Netflix
Even as “Stranger Things” prepares to air its final episode, Netflix is making it clear that the Upside Down isn’t closing for good. While the flagship series will conclude on New Year’s Eve, the franchise is expanding with at least two confirmed spinoff projects, signaling a long-term future for one of streaming’s biggest properties.
The Duffer Brothers’ hit series has already grown beyond television into books, games, and even Broadway. Now, Netflix is taking the next step by officially developing new shows set within the Stranger Things universe.
“Stranger Things: Tales From ’85” – What We Know So Far
The most advanced project is “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85,” an animated series scheduled to premiere in 2026.
Set during the winter of 1985, the show takes place between Season 2 and Season 3 of the original series. Netflix describes it as a return to Hawkins, where familiar characters face new monsters and a fresh paranormal mystery threatening the town.
According to the official synopsis, the series will bring back core characters including Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, Max, and Jim Hopper, though they will be voiced by new actors rather than the original cast.
Confirmed Voice Cast
- Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven
- Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max
- Luca Diaz as Mike
- Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas
- Braxton Quinney as Dustin
- Ben Plessala as Will
- Brett Gipson as Hopper
Additional cast members include Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips, adding further star power to the animated spinoff.
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An ’80s Cartoon Feel With No Creative Limits
The Duffer Brothers have described the animated series as an opportunity to fully embrace the style of classic 1980s cartoons.
Matt Duffer explained that the goal was to evoke the feeling of Saturday-morning animation, while Ross Duffer emphasized that animation removes creative restrictions entirely, allowing the team to push the Stranger Things world in bold new directions.
Eric Robles serves as showrunner, with Netflix already releasing a behind-the-scenes announcement video showcasing the animation process.
A Second, Live-Action Spinoff Remains a Mystery
Beyond animation, Netflix is also developing a live-action Stranger Things spinoff, though details remain tightly under wraps.
The Duffer Brothers have confirmed the series will feature:
- A completely different cast
- A new location
- A different decade (not the 1980s)
- A standalone story, separate from Hawkins
While Finn Wolfhard previously speculated the show could resemble an anthology tied together by Upside Down mythology, the Duffers later clarified that this was not their final concept.
Ross Duffer has stated the spinoff “relates in some ways” to the original series but represents a clean creative reset rather than a continuation.
A Hidden Clue in the Series Finale
Interestingly, fans may already have seen a hint of what’s coming. Ross Duffer revealed that one small scene in the Stranger Things finale subtly points toward the future spinoff, though he stopped short of explaining it.
Whether viewers catch the clue or not, Netflix executives have acknowledged that the project is still early in development, with no confirmed release date. Still, Matt Duffer has said the team is pushing to move forward “pretty quickly.”
Why Netflix Is Betting Big on Stranger Things
With Stranger Things consistently ranking among Netflix’s most-watched series ever, expanding the franchise is a strategic move. Rather than extending the main storyline indefinitely, Netflix is choosing to end the original narrative cleanly while allowing the world itself to evolve.
As Ross Duffer put it, the story of Hawkins may be over, but the mythology of the Upside Down is far from finished.
FAQ
Is Stranger Things getting a spinoff?
Yes. Netflix has confirmed at least two spinoffs: an animated series and a separate live-action show.
What is “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85”?
It’s an animated Netflix series set between Seasons 2 and 3, following familiar characters as they face new supernatural threats in Hawkins.
When will Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 be released?
The animated spinoff is expected to premiere in 2026, though an exact date has not been announced.
Are the original Stranger Things actors returning?
No. The original cast will not voice their characters. New voice actors have been cast for all roles.
Will the live-action spinoff feature Eleven or the Hawkins kids?
No. The Duffer Brothers have confirmed it will feature new characters, a new setting, and a new decade.
Is the live-action spinoff connected to Season 5?
Only loosely. It will relate to the Stranger Things universe but will not continue the Hawkins storyline.
What decade is the live-action spinoff set in?
The Duffers confirmed it will not take place in the 1980s, though the exact decade remains unknown.
Is Stranger Things ending completely after Season 5?
The main series is ending, but the franchise will continue through spinoffs and other projects.
Will the Upside Down still be part of future shows?
Yes. While the story shifts, the mythology of the Upside Down remains a key connective element.
Why is Netflix expanding Stranger Things instead of continuing the show?
Netflix and the creators want to preserve the integrity of the original story while allowing the universe to grow without overcomplicating the core narrative.