The epic conclusion of Netflix's global phenomenon, 'Stranger Things', left not just fans but its own cast in tears. Jamie Campbell Bower, the actor behind the terrifying villain Vecna, recently shared a heartfelt story about the emotional finale and his profound connection with co-star Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven.
A Villain and Hero's Unbreakable Bond
While their characters, Vecna and Eleven, were locked in a deadly battle for the fate of Hawkins, the actors portraying them developed a deep, real-life friendship. Appearing on 'The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon', Bower reflected on their intense dynamic, which began in Season 4. He described how they often chatted but carefully avoided spoilers about the emotional weight of their climactic scenes.
A rehearsal clip from Episode 8, 'The Rightside Up', perfectly captured this chemistry. It showed Millie Bobby Brown advancing menacingly as Eleven before breaking character and sharing a warm hug with Bower, a moment that visibly moved the crew. This off-screen bond translated into powerful on-screen magic during their final confrontation.
Floods of Tears After the Final Curtain
The raw emotion didn't end with filming. Jamie Campbell Bower revealed that immediately after watching the finale, he was overwhelmed. "I was in floods of tears because this show has been such a big part of my life," he confessed. He reached out to Millie Bobby Brown via FaceTime and messages, expressing his deep gratitude for sharing even a small part of her journey.
Bower admitted he even gets emotional just talking about Brown, highlighting their instant rapport. This connection made intense scenes, like Vecna's ultimate demise, feel profoundly real for both actors. Interestingly, Bower learned his character's fate during the Episode 8 table read. However, due to COVID-19 protocols, he was isolated in Atlanta while the rest of the cast gathered, a situation he joked mirrored Vecna's lonely existence perfectly.
An Ending That Felt Right for the Show's Legacy
Despite playing the central antagonist, Jamie Campbell Bower fully embraced Vecna's exit from the series. He stated, "It's the ending the show deserves. I've been a fan since the start. The show is so much about friendship and love, hope and joy. Of course, the person who is not that has to go." He expressed feeling honored to have contributed to the show's legacy.
The family atmosphere fostered by creators the Duffer Brothers was evident until the very end. Bower later joined the full cast for a pajama-clad screening of the finale, where he was seen tearing up next to Cara Buono (Karen Wheeler). For fans craving more, all episodes of 'Stranger Things' Season 5 are now streaming, with the behind-the-scenes documentary 'One Last Adventure' set to release on January 12.
