Photo: getty; netflix
This post contains spoilers forStranger Things.
There’s a new Big Bad onStranger Things.
After defeating monstrous villains such as Demogorgons andthe Mind Flayer,season 4 of the Netflix seriesshows Eleven, Max, Dustin and their pals facing off against the scariest villain yet:Vecna.
Though he’s initially described as a powerful wizard, his character is later revealed to have even deeper connections to Hawkins and Eleven as the season progresses.
Playing this season’s primary villain is none other than Jamie Campbell Bower, who has built up his supernatural/horror bona fides with previous roles inSweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,The Twilight Saga,Harry PotterandThe Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.
In addition to his acting career, the 33-year-old London native has also made a name for himself as a singer for the band Counterfeit.
Netflix previously announced Bower’sStranger Thingsrole asa character named Peter Ballardso as to not spoil his character’s big reveal at the end of season 4, part 1.
“I have no idea where the name Peter Ballard came from,” he toldEntertainment Weekly. “I can only apologize to fans of the show for being part of such a massive red herring. I remember seeing it and being like, ‘Okay, guys. Cheers! That’s going to be a tough one if anybody asks me, but I’ll just go with the party line.'”
Ahead of season 4, part 2, here’s everything to know about the mysterious Vecna.
Vecna in Stranger.Courtesy of Netflix
What is Vecna’s origin story onStranger Things?
After discovering a nest of black widows in their home, Henry became increasingly fascinated with the creatures and began to hate human civilization. He later gained the ability of telekinesis, which he used to torment his family, leading his father to believe their house was haunted.
His resentment for his family eventually led Henry to kill his mother and sister and frame his father for their murders. Since Henry didn’t have a full grasp of his powers at the time, he fell into a coma only to wake up under the care of Dr. Martin Brenner (Matthew Modine).
How does Vecna relate to Eleven onStranger Things?
During Eleven’s time at Hawkins National Laboratory, she developed a camaraderie with Campbell-Bower’s adult Henry after he offered her advice about her powers. He eventually manipulated Eleven into removing the device from his neck, allowing him to murder almost everyone at Hawkins National Laboratory.
Terrified, a young Eleven fought him off and used her powers to send him to the Upside Down, thus beginning his journey as Vecna.
Netflix
What are Vecna’s powers onStranger Things?
Will Vecna be inStranger Thingsseason 5?
Though nothing has been confirmed yet,Bower did hint at his possible return in season 5during an interview withEntertainment Weekly.
When asked if Vecna will be featured in season 5, he teased, “I have had conversations about where the show goes in season 5. I couldn’t possibly give any spoilers or tell you anything at all, but I know a bit.”
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The first seven episodes ofStranger Thingsseason 4 are available to stream on Netflix now; episodes 8 and 9 are slated to drop on July 1.
source: people.com
