Stranger Things has just ended, but the first spin-off series is already in production. It is supposed to take place during the events of the main series, which raises some questions regarding a new character.
What kind of spin-off is it? The main story of Stranger Things has concluded with Season 5, but Netflix is clearly interested in continuing that very successful franchise in another form.
Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 is a spin-off set in the universe of the main series and is expected to be released in animated form in 2026. However, there is no concrete date yet. It is certain that the idea originates again from the brothers Matt and Ross Duffer – the showrunners of the original.
The series is set again in the small town of Hawkins in 1985 and takes place between Seasons 2 and 3 of Stranger Things. Once again, the characters will confront monsters and all sorts of supernatural phenomena, including a reunion with familiar places like the Hawkins National Laboratory. Overall, the series is supposed to feel like a cartoon from the 80s.
Fans of the original can look forward to the return of familiar characters. However, alongside figures like Mike, Eleven, Dustin, and Will, a new kid joins the group. Her name is Nikki Baxter, and she will likely be the most intriguing aspect of the spin-off – especially since she could become a problem.
On MeinMMO, you can find a ranking of all five seasons of Stranger Things.
The big question mark named Nikki Baxter
Who is Nikki Baxter? The newcomer is a girl who will experience adventures alongside the already known characters. She is said to be taller than the other kids and is described as a “screw-up”, but unfortunately, not much more is known about her yet.
But one question arises: Where was Nikki Baxter during the events of the main series? After all, Tales from ’85 takes place during that time. However, Nikki has never appeared before or after Seasons 2 and 3.
Her name isn’t even mentioned, let alone do her actions have known repercussions on Stranger Things. Therefore, the spin-off must provide a compelling reason why she is never mentioned in the later seasons of the series.
Did Nikki and her family move away from Hawkins? Did the kids fall out with each other and are now ignoring Nikki? Or does the character face a tragic fate, as some fans in the Reddit community of Stranger Things are already fearing?
What do fans think? The announcement that a new character named Nikki Baxter will join the group has already provoked reactions in the community on Reddit, although most of them are rather pessimistic.
- “Well, I think Nikki is dead,” writes Drama_Coockie25 referring to the possible end of the spin-off.
- Outta_the_Shadows also expresses sorrow: “RIP Nikki. The poor girl never had a chance.”
- Judgejudyx, on the other hand, states: “That’s pretty standard. Introduce new characters that the fans grow to love, and then kill them off so the main characters are spared.”
All this is, at this point, mainly one thing: speculation. What exactly will happen to Nikki is still unclear and will likely only come to light with the release of the new animated series.
However, the showrunners need to come up with a good reason for her absence in Seasons 3, 4, and 5 to avoid disturbing the canon and logic of the universe. What are your thoughts on this? Are you looking forward to Stranger Things: Tales from ’85? Feel free to share your opinion with us in the comments. Besides new monsters, familiar creatures may also make a return: Stranger Things: The 5 most dangerous monsters of the Netflix series ranked
