Vecna's Dark Secrets: Jamie Campbell Bower Reveals Surprising Inspirations for Stranger Things 5

• Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays Vecna, drew inspiration from Dracula and gothic vampires for earlier portrayals.
• For Stranger Things 5, Bower's references include Fred Rogers, The Shining, Funny Games, and the film Alone.
• He specifically cited Tom Hanks' portrayal in A Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood and Van Johnson in The Pied Piper of Hamelin.
• Bower practiced movements for the 'Shock Jock' scene, ensuring body consistency across character interpretations.
• He views Vecna as a manifestation of resentment, a 'vine around love,' seeking to recreate a sense of safety from his past.

Why It Matters: Jamie Campbell Bower used diverse, unexpected inspirations, including Fred Rogers, to shape Vecna for Season 5.