Actor Jamie Campbell Bower, who brings the terrifying villain Vecna to life in the hit Netflix series 'Stranger Things', has offered a fascinating glimpse into the creative process for the final season. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Bower revealed that his inspirations evolved significantly, moving from general gothic vampire imagery to more specific and surprising references for the upcoming Season 5.
From Dracula to Fred Rogers: An Unlikely Mix
Bower explained that in earlier seasons, he drew heavily from classic gothic figures like Dracula. However, for the latest season, his references became more precise and varied. One of the most unexpected inspirations he cited was the beloved children's television host, Fred Rogers from 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood'.
"Mr. Rogers was a really interesting reference because that actually bled into music as well," Bower told Entertainment Weekly. He also mentioned using Tom Hanks' portrayal in 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood', noting the film's eerie score contributed to Vecna's unsettling aura.
A Deep Dive into Horror Cinema
The actor's preparation is a masterclass in cinematic study. For the iconic, chilling stare, Bower looked to Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining', a technique he had been eager to use since Season 4. For the physicality and menace in Season 4, he borrowed from the antagonists in the American remake of the thriller 'Funny Games', specifically the postures of actors Brady Corbet and Michael Pitt.
Looking ahead to Season 5, Bower listed two key inspirations: the 2020 horror film 'Alone', about a woman pursued by a psychopath, and actor Van Johnson's performance in the 1957 film 'The Pied Piper of Hamelin'. This blend of modern survival horror and classic storytelling informs Vecna's relentless and almost mythical presence.
The Psychology of Vecna: Recreating a Broken Home
Bower sees Vecna not just as a monster, but as a manifestation of deep-seated resentment, which he describes as a "vine around love." He delved into the character's tragic past in the Creel house, where a young Henry (Vecna's human form) killed his mother and sister.
"I'd ask myself questions like, 'Of all the things that could exist, why recreate the house?'" Bower said. He explored what home and safety meant to Henry, suggesting Vecna's actions might be a twisted attempt to recreate the safety he never had as a child. This psychological depth extends to mundane details, like where Vecna might sleep, further grounding the supernatural horror in human trauma.
Bower's meticulous process was also evident in his preparation for a specific Season 5 scene dubbed the "Shock Jock" moment. He reviewed videos of himself on set, practicing movements to ensure physical continuity when the final footage is spliced together.
The second volume of 'Stranger Things 5' is now streaming on Netflix, promising to conclude the saga with a villain shaped by a unique blend of childhood innocence and cinematic horror.
