To many fans, it would seem impossible to think of Eleven without Millie Bobby Brown. Brown’s portrayal of the telekinetic hero has become one of the most iconic in modern television since the debut of ‘Stranger Things’ in 2016.
That’s why viewers were taken aback by Netflix’s animated offshoot, ‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85‘s completely different take on the character’s voice.
Millie Bobby Brown Remains Eleven, But Netflix Needed A Younger Voice
The decision came as a surprise at first glance. After all, Brown is still pretty attached to Eleven. Moreover, the animated series is set in a time when the franchise was quite young. However, the recasting wasn’t to replace Brown; it was to keep a version of Eleven alive that no longer exists.
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‘Tales From ’85’ takes place between Season 2 and Season 3 of ‘Stranger Things‘. It follows the story of when Eleven and her friends were still kids. Brown is still the original one behind the character. However, she’s now an adult, and her voice has aged with the years.
The primary reason for a change in the cast, as show runner Eric Robles explained, is due to the authenticity. The creative team didn’t want the actors to rehash their younger selves, but for the actors to have a natural feel for the youthful energy, spontaneity, and sound of ‘Stranger Things’ in its early seasons.
That plan resulted in the hiring of Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven. The younger voice will make the animated series feel more in sync with the story it is telling, something fans might notice at first. It’s a creative decision that may have been somewhat surprising at first, but the rationale behind it can’t be denied.
The Animated Spin-Off Is Finding Its Own Identity
Perhaps most interestingly, ‘Tales From ‘85’ has become so out of the woodwork from the live-action series so quickly! The animated show isn’t just turning to the past; it’s also created its own mythology. Netflix has already picked up Season 2 of the series, which is set to further delve into the mysteries raised in Season 1.
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One of them is a peculiar blue flower that was found in the Upside Down, a red flag that foreshadows a much greater threat to come. Season 2 will also feature another paranormal danger related to Hawkins’ silver mines that have been abandoned, and will pose another mystery for the young heroes to solve.
This is what makes ‘Tales From ’85’ interesting. It is not a ‘Stranger Things‘ knock-off. Rather, it channels the mood of the franchise and takes a unique route. The switch to a new Eleven might be a bit difficult to take at first, but it really does help to keep the series true to the age of the favourite characters.
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