As production continues on the final season of the hit Netflix show, prosthetic make-up designer Barrie Gower shines a light on Stranger Things season 5. The next season of the Netflix sci-fi series is expected to release in 2025 and will bring the story to a close nine years after it debuted in 2016. Alongside credits for Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Gower first worked on Stranger Things season 4 in creating the overall design for the now-iconic villain Vecna.
During a recent interview with Screen Rant for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, the make-up designer touched upon his contributions to Stranger Things season 5. Stating his excitement for working on the show and his appreciation of the cast and crew of the Netflix series, Gower highlighted the work of Vecna actor Jamie Campbell Bower as a particular standout from his experience:
We are involved, and have been involved. It’s a very long shoot, I can say that, and I can’t really say anything about, obviously, the design or the look of Vecna. All I can say is that it’s a joy to come back. It’s only the second time we’ve worked on Stranger Things. We started on season 4, but we’re huge fans of the Duffer Brothers. We’re huge fans of the cast, as well, and crew on Stranger Things. But Jamie Campbell Bower, as always, is just a delight to work with. So, it’s been lovely that we’re returning to a character that we spent many hours working with Jamie on season 4, and he just never gets tired.
While Gower was careful to avoid any specific spoilers, he did praise the Duffer Brothers’ contributions as a fan-pleasing conclusion to the story, promising that the duo “are definitely going to give what the fans are after“:
All I can say is, without giving any spoilers away, it’s an incredible story. It’s an incredible season, the Duffers, I think, are definitely going to give what the fans are after. I think it’s going to be exciting.
Vecna’s New Plans May Be Far Darker
While Vecna may be wounded for some time due to Stranger Things‘ season 5’s reported time jump, Bower has already been seen in a surprising form on set. Alongside new Molly Wheeler actor Nell Fisher, the actor has been seen not as the hulking warped being, but in a much more humanoid form in a suit. With Vecna appearing in Hawkins in disguise, perhaps the villain may be playing a long game to enact both his wider plans and a personal revenge on Eleven and her friends.
However, with Gower’s tease, it can be assumed that Vecna hasn’t completely abandoned his monstrous form. With him having sustained several shotgun blasts and burns, Vecna may be far more damaged and wounded than anticipated. Furthermore, with Vecna possessing a humanoid form in Stranger Things season 5, audiences may end up seeing a transformation between his humanoid form and monstrous appearances.
Screen Rant’s Take On Vecna’s Season 5 Redesign
Is A Monstrous New Look Necessary?
With two forms already confirmed for season 5, many may wonder if Stranger Things‘ endgame villain needs a redesign after his appearance left such an impact on viewers. With the character having made his debut in the penultimate season, there may not be time for a drastic overhaul to his appearance to show his growing power. However, including his season 4 battle scars would emphasize his conflict by having Vecna bear a reminder that he could, and was, almost beaten.
As such, small inclusions like that can emphasize the relationship between him and the main characters, despite him only appearing for the first time a season ago. However, a new look could also be due to his powers evolving, leading him to shed more of his humanity. No matter how Vecna may have changed in Stranger Things season 5, Gower’s impressive FX work will ensure he is a terrifying presence.
