Season 5 of “Stranger Things” promises an enhanced portrayal of the character Vecna. Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays Vecna, dedicated significant time to understanding his role. He combed through various audition materials and crafted a vision board filled with iconic horror movie villains, including Doug Bradley’s Pinhead and Freddy Krueger.
Vecna’s Evolution
Henry Creel, alternatively known as Vecna, starts as a young boy with psychic abilities. Over the seasons, he transforms from the first test subject of Hawkins Labs into a formidable monster in the Upside Down. The changes to his appearance reflect physical and psychological deterioration.
Transformation for Season 5
For Season 5, the creative team aimed to make Vecna’s look stronger yet distinct from typical representations of power. Michael Maher Jr., a visual effects supervisor, stated the goal was not to simply bulk him up. Instead, they focused on showcasing the aftermath of his injuries from the previous season. These injuries influence his terrifying updated look, emphasizing his vulnerability and enhanced menace.
- Vecna’s appearance is sharper and more imposing.
- New elements include Medusa-like vines serving as armor.
- His hand has become extendable, aligning with the Upside Down’s nighttime horror.
Behind the Scenes Collaboration
The process of bringing Vecna to life in “Stranger Things” involves extensive teamwork. Barrie Gower, the prosthetics expert, has collaborated closely with Maher to blend practical effects with visual enhancements. They explored the intricate balance of prosthetics and spandex suit to represent Vecna’s monstrous form.
Creating the new design took around three months, involving discussions to ensure that enhancements were feasible without overwhelming practical effects. Bower’s costume included approximately 26 prosthetic pieces, allowing the character to maintain a cohesive appearance.
Bower’s Commitment to the Role
Jamie Campbell Bower portrays both Vecna and Henry with nuance. While Vecna is devoid of humanity, Bower finds the portrayal of Henry, who can mask malicious intentions, to be challenging yet intriguing. For this character, Bower drew inspiration from Mister Rogers, infusing a sense of warmth that conceals deeper malevolence.
The transformation process is not only physically taxing but also mentally draining as Bower shifts from his lighter self to the dark energy of Vecna. He described the feeling of losing himself to the character as makeup progressed, demonstrating a commitment that is vital for the role.
As the narrative unfolds, audiences can anticipate the emergence of Henry’s dark side, highlighting the complexity of his character in the final season.
