Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 - Meet Nikki Baxter and the New Threat in Hawkins
A fresh addition is coming to Hawkins in the form of Netflix's new animated series, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. The show introduces viewers to Nikki Baxter, a new character who will shake up the town's dynamics in unexpected ways. Set in the winter of 1985, the series follows the familiar group of Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max as they navigate a moment of calm in Hawkins. However, this peace is short-lived as a new threat emerges, sparking questions about the source of danger in the town. Nikki Baxter's arrival brings a fresh perspective to the story, challenging the established order and offering a new lens through which to view the world of Stranger Things.
Nikki Baxter, portrayed by Odessa A’zion, is a 14-year-old transfer student with a punk-rock look and a fearless attitude. Her character is designed to stand out from the existing Hawkins crew while still fitting seamlessly into their world. Showrunner Eric Robles emphasizes that Nikki's introduction serves to engage both longtime fans and new audiences, disrupting the status quo and opening up new narrative possibilities. As the series unfolds, viewers can expect to see Hawkins' mythology expand beyond what they have previously experienced, with Nikki's outsider perspective challenging assumptions about safety and normalcy in the town.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is produced by Flying Bark Productions and features a talented voice cast, including Brooklyn Davey Norstedt, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Luca Diaz, Elisha “EJ” Williams, Braxton Quinney, Benjamin Plessala, Brett Gipson, Jeremy Jordan, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips. The series, created by showrunner Eric Robles and executive producers Matt and Ross Duffer, Hilary Leavitt, Shawn Levy, and Dan Cohen, promises to deliver a fresh take on the beloved franchise. Fans can mark their calendars for the premiere of Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 on April 23, 2026, exclusively on Netflix. Stay tuned for more updates on Collider's Exclusive Preview event and join the discussion to share your thoughts on the upcoming series.