What did Netflix announce?
On November 6, Netflix announced Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure, a live-action prequel set in the 1950s and planned for 2028. It brings in a new set of characters. Netflix says production will take place in New Mexico. That is the filming location; the announcement leaves the story’s precise location open.
Where does it fit in the story?
Netflix places Other Worlds before The First Shadow, the stage play that follows Henry Creel in Hawkins in 1959. The flagship Stranger Things series comes later, in the 1980s. Tales From ’85 is an animated adventure with familiar Hawkins characters between the second and third seasons of the flagship. If you are sorting by when events happen, the order starts with Other Worlds, then The First Shadow, then the original show, with Tales From ’85 slotted into its middle.
Who is making the prequel?
Kate Trefry, who wrote for the original series and wrote The First Shadow, is a co-creator, writer and showrunner. Matt and Ross Duffer are also involved, and Netflix says Joe Wright will direct the first three episodes. The personnel connect the projects behind the camera even though the story moves to an earlier era and introduces new characters.
How specific is the 2028 release window?
Netflix gave a year. Its November announcement did not include a premiere day, an episode count or a cast list. It also has not established whether the stage play will be necessary viewing. For now, the most useful distinction is the format: Other Worlds is an upcoming live-action series, The First Shadow is a stage play, and Tales From ’85 is the animated series already on Netflix.