Netflix’s New Stranger Things Spinoff Aimed to Create a Monster as Terrifying as Jaws

Image: Netflix

The original Stranger Things captivated viewers by masterfully blending 1980s nostalgia with gripping supernatural horror. Now, the animated offshoot Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 aims to recapture that same electrifying spirit. Showrunner Eric Robles shared with Polygon that he drew heavy inspiration from classic ‘80s staples like The Goonies and The Lost Boys, but noted that the 1986 animated series The Real Ghostbusters was his most significant creative compass.

“That series featured genuinely terrifying episodes—take the Boogieman or the Sandman installments, for instance. As a child, I recognized that their approach to storytelling was distinct,” Robles explained. “If I can channel that same atmosphere—where the stakes feel authentic, the peril is tangible, and the characters are earnestly fighting to unravel a mystery—that is exactly the kind of show I want to build.”

Image: Netflix

Just as the Ghostbusters sequel leaned into Slimer as a breakout paranormal mascot, Robles considered elevating Dart—the Demodog adopted by Dustin in the series—into a similar role. However, he ultimately moved away from that concept to preserve the show’s gritty tone.

“We had some early character concepts,” Robles noted. “But we quickly realized that leaning too far into a ‘mascot’ vibe risked skewing too young, which would undermine the real danger we were aiming to depict. Because we’re working in animation, there’s a persistent misconception that the medium is inherently for kids, and we didn’t want to play into that.”

While The Real Ghostbusters relied on an episodic format, Robles always envisioned Tales from ‘85 as a tightly woven, serialized narrative. “I wanted the adventure to carry momentum. Solving the mystery was a collective effort,” he said. “The most immersive stories are those where the viewer feels like they are part of the journey.”

The winter of 1985 in Hawkins introduces a shape-shifting menace that demands a layered, multi-arc approach, echoing the tension found in 1979’s Alien. In early episodes, the group is forced into a high-stakes, real-world version of “the floor is lava” as they frantically evade a predator they cannot fully see.

“These kids are staring at a vast expanse of snow, but the real terror lies beneath,” Robles added. “We crafted our own spin on the tension of Jaws, using the Upside Down as our backdrop. We channel the Duffer Brothers’ spirit by constantly asking ourselves, ‘What were the films that shaped our youth?’ then weaving those influences into our own unique narrative tapestry.”

Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 is currently available to stream on Netflix.

Source: Polygon