Stranger Things has long drawn inspiration from ’80s horror, from its Stephen King-inspired title font to its synth-heavy score and mythological monsters. Creators Matt and Ross Duffer have honored that legacy in multiple ways, including casting Robert Englund—Freddy Krueger himself—as Victor Creel in the main series. Now, with the animated anthology Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, the Duffers are expanding that tribute by bringing Englund back in a brand-new role.
According to a release from Entertainment Weekly, Englund will play Cosmo Russo, the editor-in-chief of The Weekly Watcher, a Hawkins tabloid known for its exaggerated, often false accounts of local scandals, mysteries, and supernatural events. In a statement, Netflix describes Cosmo as an opportunist who thrives on sensationalism but privately believes Hawkins is truly a hub of strange happenings.
Tales From ’85 continues this approach by reimagining familiar characters with new voices. While the show features Mike Wheeler, Chief Hopper, and Eleven, the actors behind these roles have changed. Instead of Finn Wolfhard, David Harbour, and Millie Bobby Brown, the animated series features Luca Diaz, Jeremy Jordan, and Brooklynn Davey Norstedt in these iconic parts.
The cast is rounded out by additional new voices, including:
- Odessa A’zion as Nikki Baxter, a cool and confident local teen
- Janeane Garofalo as Anna Baxter, Nikki’s mother
- Lou Diamond Phillips as Daniel Fischer, a new character introduced in the series
Bringing back Englund in a fresh role aligns with Tales From ’85’s strategy to distance itself from the main Stranger Things mythology. Set between seasons 2 and 3 of the original series, the anthology includes references to the Upside Down and features familiar creatures like the Demo-Dog. However, trailers and descriptions emphasize a lighter, more adventurous tone reminiscent of the show’s early seasons.
This shift feels particularly timely following the mixed reception of the main series’ fifth and final season. While some fans praised its epic stakes and theatrical release, others felt it strayed from the elements that made Stranger Things a cultural phenomenon. Tales From ’85 aims to recapture that nostalgic, kid-friendly spirit, as evidenced by Englund’s mischievous new character.
“Cosmo is fully aware of his reputation as an opportunist, but he simply doesn’t care. His focus is on the people who eagerly line up at the supermarket, drawn in by his bombastic headlines, compelling them to pick up a copy. Despite his public sensationalism, he privately believes that Hawkins is genuinely steeped in strange happenings.”
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 will premiere on Netflix on April 23, 2026, offering fans a lighter, more nostalgic take on the beloved franchise.
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