Jamie Campbell Bower on Vecna's bond with Eleven in 'Stranger Things'

Jamie Campbell Bower has hinted that fans should brace themselves for an even more intense ride as Stranger Things season 5 heads into its second volume.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, the actor, who brought the chilling villain Vecna to life, reflected on the physical and emotional toll of playing the show's most terrifying antagonist yet.

“I felt like I was a wrestler going into the ring,” Bower said, describing the demanding nature of the role. 

He also pointed to moments of release during filming, adding, “But also having those moments of release, like with the fire.”

He recalled paying close attention to even the smallest physical beats on screen.

“Even that little moment when he pushes the flamethrower back, making sure that every single ounce of energy was going into that moment,” he explained.

Beyond the physicality, Bower also teased the emotional stakes driving Vecna's confrontations, particularly his dynamic with Eleven, portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown. 

According to the actor, Vecna has always seen Eleven as far more than just an enemy.

“The relationship between Vecna and Eleven, he very much saw them as equals,” Bower said. 

“She was his sister. He genuinely believed that they could build a better world together.”

That sense of twisted kinship stands in sharp contrast to how Vecna views Will Byers. 

“Whereas with Will, he's just a toy, he's just a plaything,” Bower added.

He continued, “Now it's an irritating byproduct of the fact that he's just a means to an end,” after which he resigned from the chat.