Pop Culture Unplugged Interview

Braxton Quinney Talks Voicing Dustin in Stranger Things: Tales from ’85

The rising voice actor opens up about joining the Stranger Things universe, bringing Dustin’s humor to life, and what fans can expect from this animated chapter.

Braxton Quinney is stepping into one of the most beloved roles in pop culture — Dustin — in Stranger Things: Tales from ’85. In an interview with Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias, Quinney opened up about the journey of joining the Stranger Things universe, the pressure of taking on such an iconic character, and what fans can expect from this new animated chapter.

The project has been years in the making, and for Quinney, finally seeing it released has been incredibly rewarding.

“I’m thrilled for it. It’s been a two to three year process doing all the recordings… I’m just super happy that it’s finally getting out to the public.”

From attending screenings to hearing reactions from fans, the experience has been surreal — especially since Quinney is still in high school and witnessing the excitement firsthand among his peers.

Landing Dustin

Quinney revealed that his path into voice acting started in musical theater before transitioning into voiceover work. When he first auditioned, he didn’t even realize it was for Stranger Things — something that made the eventual reveal even more shocking.

“When they told me it was for Stranger Things, I was like, ‘Oh wow… this is big time.’”

After multiple rounds of auditions and callbacks, Quinney received the life-changing news in a Zoom call — a moment he says he’ll never forget.

Bringing Dustin to Life

Taking on Dustin meant honoring the character fans already know and love, while still bringing something fresh to the role. Quinney went back and studied earlier seasons of the original series to capture Dustin’s personality, especially his humor and charm.

“I really wanted to focus on his comedic aspects… but also just be myself. That took a lot of pressure off.”

That balance — staying true to Dustin while adding his own energy — helped shape his performance throughout the series.

A New Chapter for Fans

Tales from ’85 takes place between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original show, offering what Quinney describes as both a “missing chapter” and an entry point for new viewers.

In this version, Dustin steps more into a leadership role, pushing the group into new adventures and mysteries — something Quinney loved exploring.

“He’s really adventure-seeking… he’s not waiting for things to happen — he’s going after them.”

The series also introduces new characters and deeper dynamics within the group, giving longtime fans more insight into their relationships while adding fresh elements to the story.

Easter Eggs and 80s Nostalgia

One thing fans should definitely keep an eye out for? Easter eggs. Quinney teased that the show is packed with references to classic 80s pop culture, from iconic films to nostalgic callbacks.

“There’s a lot of Easter eggs… especially 80s references like Ghostbusters and Knight Rider.”

These details not only enhance the viewing experience but also stay true to the DNA of Stranger Things.

Dustin in Three Words

When asked to describe Dustin in just three words, Quinney didn’t hesitate:

“Humorous, sarcastic… and caring.”

It’s that combination that continues to make Dustin one of the most beloved characters in the franchise — and Quinney clearly understands what makes him so special.

Looking Ahead

While there’s no official word yet on future seasons of Tales from ’85, Quinney made it clear he’d love to continue the journey.

For now, he’s just excited for fans — both new and longtime — to experience this animated expansion of the Stranger Things universe.

Watch the full interview above and stay tuned for more exclusive conversations on Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias.