The first part of Stranger Things Season 5 starts with the group searching for Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower), but he finds them first. And he looks different. Even though Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) seemingly defeated Vecna at the end of Season 4, he’s still a threat when the new season begins, especially as the anniversary of Will Byers’ (Noah Schnapp) disappearance approaches. When the group finally confronts him, Vecna has visibly changed, appearing even more frightening. This change seems deliberate, offering a glimpse into his condition after an 18-month time jump.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1.
In the fourth episode of Stranger Things Season 5, Vecna appears with noticeably different vines covering his body. They’re more tightly wound and curl upwards towards his face, making him seem both more intimidating and larger overall. However, viewers have pointed out on X (formerly Twitter) that his waist actually looks thinner. Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays Vecna, explained in an interview with Screen Rant that this change is a result of the events that occurred to his character in the Season 4 episode, “The Piggyback.”
As viewers saw at the end of Season 4, Vecna fell and was nearly burned alive, according to Bower. He believes Vecna’s current appearance is a result of both that traumatic experience and spending a long time away from the human world.
Vecna’s frightening look reflects his history, but the creators also intentionally made him more imposing for the fifth season of Stranger Things. Barrie Gower, the show’s prosthetics designer, described the goal as making Vecna significantly more powerful in appearance. However, concept artist and VFX supervisor Michael Maher Jr. explained they wanted to achieve this without simply making him bigger and more muscular – a common villain trope. Judging by the episode ‘Sorcerer,’ they succeeded.
Vecna’s New Look Highlights the Villain’s Mental State After Season 4
I’m really expecting Vecna to be a huge presence in the final season of Stranger Things, and I’ve heard his physical appearance will show just how powerful he’s become. Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays him, told Screen Rant that Vecna’s look will also reflect what’s going on inside his head. Apparently, being trapped and feeling angry has made him even more monstrous in appearance – it’s like his inner feelings are showing on the outside.
Vecna is becoming increasingly bitter and vengeful, making him even more formidable than before. He’s clearly holding onto old grievances, and we’re already seeing how dangerous that makes him with his attacks on the military and kidnapping of the remaining children. If the heroes in Hawkins start to make progress, his rage will likely escalate even further. Honestly, this angrier, more intense version of Vecna is exactly the kind of threat Season 5 needs to really deliver.
Vecna’s Updated Appearance Is Perfect for Stranger Things Season 5
Vecna’s updated appearance might initially surprise viewers, but it actually fits the character well and is a great choice for the final season of Stranger Things. Although some fans still believe the Mind Flayer could be the ultimate villain, Vecna is currently the biggest threat to Hawkins. Making him look even more menacing is a smart decision, and it heightens the worry about what our favorite characters will face. This new look perfectly builds suspense as we head into Volume 2 on December 25.
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2025-12-02 19:40