In the latest episodes of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” Season 5, the ominous villain Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower, makes a compelling return. After wreaking havoc in Season 4, Vecna appears dormant at the start of the new season, but his malicious plans are very much alive. The narrative unfolds 18 months after Vecna’s nearly cataclysmic attack on Hawkins, with the U.S. military temporarily controlling the opening to the Upside Down. However, as the tension builds, Vecna targets a fresh set of victims, starting with Holly Wheeler, the younger sister of Mike and Nancy.
As the plot develops, viewers find out that Vecna, also known as Henry Creel or 001, has been using the guise of “Mr. Whatsit,” a character inspired by Madeleine L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” to lure innocent children. Holly’s abduction leads her into Henry’s mindscape, where she encounters Max Mayfield, who has been hidden away in an underexplored corner of Henry’s consciousness since the dramatic events of Season 4.
Bower’s portrayal of Vecna is intricately crafted, as he reveals that he draws significant inspiration from music to embody the character. He listens to a mix of genres—from meditative, dark soundscapes to heavier black metal music—believing that music helps him tap into the darker aspects of Vecna’s persona. Reflecting on Henry’s backstory, Bower has contemplated the character’s complex relationship with his caregivers, which adds depth to Vecna’s motives and interactions with the other characters.
The visual experience of Season 5 has also evolved, featuring a blend of practical effects and CGI. Bower has collaborated closely with the makeup and effects teams to ensure that Vecna remains imposing and memorable on screen. His use of prosthetics, along with sophisticated costume designs, enhances the character’s menacing presence, while still allowing Bower’s physicality to shine through.
As the story progresses, the psychological dynamics between Vecna, Will Byers, and Max are explored, touching on themes of unfinished business and past trauma. Bower discusses the emotional weight of these interactions, hinting at significant developments and revelations as the season progresses.
As fans prepare for Volume 2, Bower emphasizes the gripping nature of the cliffhangers in Volume 1, inviting viewers to brace themselves for more suspenseful and explosive moments ahead. The anticipation builds for how these complex threads will weave together as the series reaches its climax, ensuring that both newcomers and devoted fans remain deeply engaged with the unfolding narrative.