A brand new face is arriving in Hawkins, and she or he could change the stability of the Stranger Issues universe in sudden methods. Netflix’s upcoming animated sequence Stranger Issues: Tales From ’85 is increasing the world of the beloved franchise with new characters, new threats, and a recent perspective on a city that by no means stays quiet for lengthy. As a part of our Unique Spring Preview OccasionCollider is worked up to disclose that Odessa A’zion has joined the forged as Nikki Baxter, a pivotal new character launched within the animated continuation of the story, which premieres April 23, 2026. We are able to additionally share a brand new set of unique neon-drenched character posters that may have you ever counting down the times till our return to the Upside Down.
Set through the winter of 1985, Stranger Issues: Tales From ’85 finds Hawkins coming into a uncommon second of calm. After years of presidency conspiracies, supernatural invasions, and battles with the Upside Down, life seems to have returned to regular for Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max. Snow blankets the city because the group settles again into on a regular basis routines stuffed with Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, snowball fights, and quiet afternoons. That peace, nevertheless, proves momentary. Beneath the frozen floor of Hawkins, one thing new has woke up, elevating questions on whether or not the hazard comes from the Upside Down, Hawkins Lab, or elsewhere fully. As a brand new thriller unfolds, the arrival of Nikki Baxter introduces a perspective that reshapes how this acquainted world is seen.
Nikki Baxter Brings a New Perspective to Hawkins
In line with showrunner Eric RoblesNikki Baxter is designed to face aside instantly from the established Hawkins crew whereas nonetheless becoming naturally into their world. “Nikki is a 14-year-old switch scholar from the East Coast — by the use of throughout. She’s sort and dependable, unafraid to make use of her intimidating measurement and punk-rock look to warn off any bullies which may attempt to cross her.” Introducing a brand new character into a franchise as established as Stranger Issues is not any small job, notably one meant to resonate with longtime followers whereas additionally welcoming new audiences. Robles defined that Nikki’s arrival serves each functions, providing an entry level into the story whereas concurrently disrupting the established order that the characters have fought onerous to reclaim. He instructed Collider:
“We needed Nikki Baxter to assist information a brand new era of viewers into the unbelievable world of Stranger Issues. Nikki arrives in Hawkins at a pivotal second — the federal government conspiracies, secrets and techniques, mysteries, and monsters which have stalked the tiny Indiana city for 2 seasons have seemingly been put to mattress for the second. Which means that Nikki gives a recent new perspective on the established order, shaking up dynamics and points-of-view. And maybe even extra importantly, she brings us — and the remainder of the Stranger Issues crew — an thrilling, recent roster of hazard and monsters not like something our children have ever confronted earlier than.”
That promise of recent risks suggests Tales From ’85 gained’t merely revisit acquainted threats. As an alternative, the animated sequence seems poised to broaden the mythology of Hawkins past what audiences have already seen, utilizing Nikki’s outsider standing to query assumptions about security, normalcy, and whether or not the city’s nightmares have been ever really over. Produced by Flying Bark Productions, Stranger Issues: Tales From ’85 comes from showrunner and govt producer Robles, alongside govt producers Matt and Ross Duffer, Hilary Leavitt through Upside Down Photos, Shawn Levy through 21 Laps, and Dan Cohen. The voice forged additionally contains Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max, Luca Diaz as Mike, Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas, Braxton Quinney as Dustin, Benjamin Plessala as Will, Brett Gipson as Hopper, Jeremy Jordan as Steve, in addition to Janeane Garofalo and Lou Diamond Phillips.
Stranger Issues: Tales From ’85 premieres April 23, 2026, on Netflix. Keep tuned for extra updates in your favourite TV reveals and films throughout Collider’s Unique Preview occasion.
