McDonald’s is bringing a familiar fictional town back into focus, this time through its signature kids’ offering.

The company has introduced a Stranger Things: Tales from ’85-themed Happy Meal in the United States, marking the first time the franchise has taken center stage in a domestic promotion tied to the brand.

Happy Meal tied to new Stranger Things spin-off

The campaign begins May 5 across participating U.S. locations and connects directly to the newly released spin-off series.

Each box carries themed packaging, a collectible activity booklet, and a QR code that opens an interactive digital game.

Twelve character toys are included in the lineup, with two new figures scheduled for release each week.

  • Eleven – Hopper Cabin
  • Dustin – Snack n’ Go
  • Will – Happy Meal
  • Max – Arcade
  • Lucas – Eugene’s
  • Mike – Weekly Watcher
  • Nikki – Iconic Restaurant
  • Ground Horde – Hawkins Lab
  • Snowshark – Hawkins School
  • Creeping Vine – McDonald’s Restaurant
  • Additional characters to be revealed

A broader rollout is already underway in parts of Latin America and Europe.

Digital features become central to promotions

The QR code included in the packaging plays a key role in how the promotion works.

Instead of limiting the experience to a single purchase, the company uses it to guide customers into a wider digital ecosystem that includes games, app engagement, and rewards.

This approach builds on the mobile platform launched in 2015, which supports personalized offers, loyalty tracking, and ordering features.

Recent collaborations follow the same direction, including an earlier Netflix-themed Happy Meal tied to a KPop-inspired concept.