Interview: Jamie Campbell Bower on Vecna’s Finale in Stranger Things Season 5

Bassyonni

ago 40 minutes

Interview: Jamie Campbell Bower on Vecna’s Finale in Stranger Things Season 5

In an exclusive interview with El-Balad, Jamie Campbell Bower reflected on his role as Vecna in the acclaimed Netflix series, *Stranger Things*. With the highly anticipated season five underway, Bower discussed the character’s multifaceted identity and the challenges of playing such a dark role.

Exploring the Depths of Vecna

Vecna, also known as Henry Creel or Number One, is a complex antagonist who embodies various aspects of himself. Bower described his character’s latest iteration as both dark and multifaceted. “Mister Whatsit” represents a distorted version of safety that Vecna offers children, akin to a sinister version of Professor X.

Season Five Overview

In season five, Vecna’s plotting takes center stage as his schemes unfold in the Upside Down. His focus is on abducting children from Hawkins, who are blissfully unaware of their dangerous surroundings. Bower highlighted the darkness inherent in Vecna’s twisted perceptions of safety for young victims.

A Devastating Role

Bower expressed his emotional investment while portraying Vecna, noting the character’s loneliness and inner turmoil. “He’s actually a very lonely character,” Bower explained. His role has forced him into a darker mental space, making it both a privilege and a challenge to embody Vecna’s sinister qualities.

Filming Experiences

During production, Bower shared bizarre incidents, such as adopting a stray cat and encountering snakes near his home, which seemed to align with the eerie atmosphere of the show. He recounted feeling ill during the final read-through, where he had to participate remotely due to COVID-19, a scenario he humorously likened to the Upside Down.

Insights from the Duffers

While working on season five, Bower sought clarity on Vecna’s endgame from the show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers. Unlike in season four, where he had more insight, he felt kept in the dark this time, leading to numerous text exchanges filled with questions.

Reflections on Performance

Bower discussed the internal struggle between his understanding of Vecna and the character’s confident exterior. Such dissonance added depth to his performance as he navigated complex emotions. He even likened moments on set to a meditative state, allowing him to find clarity and purpose within Vecna’s dark intentions.

Influence from Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Bower has attended the stage production *Stranger Things: The First Shadow* and spoke highly of its impact. He engaged in deep discussions with Louis McCartney, who portrayed Henry on stage. Their conversations revolved around the character’s traumatic childhood and the emotional weight of embodying such a role.

Moving Forward

As season five progresses, Bower is relieved to have moved on from Vecna, working on new projects that help decompress from the character’s intensity. He cleared a metaphorical weight off his shoulders, feeling liberated once filming concluded.