Jamie Campbell Bower has revealed that his approach to portraying Vecna in Stranger Things 5 took an unexpected and fascinating turn — drawing inspiration not just from horror icons, but also from one of television’s most wholesome figures. The actor, who has terrified audiences as the series’ central villain, shared fresh insights into how his performance evolved for the upcoming season.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Bower explained that while earlier versions of Vecna leaned heavily on gothic and vampiric imagery — including influences from Dracula — his creative references became more specific and unconventional over time. For Season 4, Bower drew from Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, particularly the unsettling, emotionless stare made famous by Jack Nicholson. He also cited the American remake of Funny Games, borrowing the calm yet menacing physicality of characters played by Brady Corbet and Michael Pitt.
For Season 5, however, Bower expanded his inspirations further. Among them was the 2020 survival horror film Alone, which centers on a woman fleeing a relentless psychopath. He also looked to actor Van Johnson’s eerie performance in The Pied Piper of Hamelin (1957). But the most surprising influence? Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Bower revealed that the calm, controlled demeanor of Mr. Rogers — particularly as portrayed by Tom Hanks in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood — played a key role in shaping Vecna’s presence this season. He noted that the film’s haunting musical score also influenced the unsettling tone of Vecna’s movements and energy.
The actor recalled rehearsing extensively for a pivotal Season 5 “Shock Jock” scene, practicing his walk down a staircase and filming himself to ensure consistency between Vecna and Henry Creel. Maintaining precise body language was crucial, especially since scenes would be spliced together.
Beyond physicality, Bower views Vecna as a psychological manifestation — a “vine around love,” born from resentment and loss. He spent time questioning Vecna’s motivations, particularly his fixation on recreating the Creel family home. For Bower, this symbolized a twisted attempt to reclaim a sense of safety that never truly existed.
He even pondered unsettling details: where Vecna sleeps, whether he returns to his childhood room, or if his actions reflect a desperate grasp at lost innocence. According to Bower, Vecna’s arc is deeply tied to the erosion of childhood purity — a chilling evolution from innocence to corruption.
As Stranger Things 5 approaches, Bower’s layered, psychological take promises a villain more haunting — and more human — than ever before.
