Introduction to Foreign Things: Stories from ’85
Netflix is set to debut its new animation series, Foreign Things: Stories from ’85, with additional characters in the live-action run next year. This announcement was made by John Derderian, the manager of the series at Netflix Animation.
First Look at the Series
As part of the Slate presentation at the Animation Anecy animation film festival, Netflix provided a first look at Stories from ’85. Derderian expressed his excitement, stating, "We’re pushing the limits of what animation can be with Stories from ’85." The series is set to premiere on Netflix Global next year.
Series Plot and Characters
The series takes place in the city of Hawkins in winter 1985, where the characters must fight new monsters and a paranormal mystery that has terrorized the city. The series will feature well-known characters from the popular live-action series, as well as additional characters, such as Nikki Baxter, one of the youth group members.
New Monsters and Inspiration
The series will also introduce new monsters not seen in the original series, including one described by Showrunner Eric Robles as the "Snow Shark for Hawkins." Robles drew inspiration for the series’ look from the work of Meybis Ruiz Cruz, a fan of the live-action series who created animated drawings of the characters. The animation style is defined as "electrical saturation" and is also inspired by 1980s animation series such as Ghostbusters and Transformers.
Production Team
The animation series is produced by Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer, the creators of the original series, along with Hilary Leavitt, Shawn Levy, and Dan Cohen through 21 Laps, and Robles through Flying Bark Productions, the animation studio for the series.
Other Upcoming Netflix Releases
The final season of the live-action Foreign Things series will begin with four episodes on November 26th, followed by three more on December 25th. Other upcoming releases include Genndy Tartakovsky’s adult animation feature, Unfinished, about a dog who discovers it’s been neutered and sets out on one last adventure. The film premiered earlier in Annecy.
Additional Animation Features
The streamer also presented a family feature, In Your Dreams, which follows two children as they travel through the absurd landscape of their dreams. Additionally, BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg will participate in a masterclass about his career and present the first episode of his new animation series, Long Story Short, which premieres on Netflix on August 22nd.
