As the anticipation for Stranger Things 5 builds toward its release this November, fans are eager to explore the depths of the Upside Down once more. A pivotal aspect of the series that has sparked conversation among fans is the strikingly terrifying design of Vecna, one of the show's most formidable antagonists. Behind this iconic look is Barrie Gower, a seasoned make-up artist famed for his work on Game of Thrones and Chernobyl. Gower's artistic vision does not merely contribute to the aesthetic of Vecna but serves as a profound reflection of the character's complex origins and transformations.
Vecna, primarily based on the infamous Dungeons & Dragons villain, is depicted in Stranger Things as a human who metamorphoses into a monstrous entity due to extensive exposure to the Upside Down. In the words of Gower, Vecna represents a human "who mutated into a monster from overexposure to the Upside Down... he's been subjected to all the environments and all the surroundings of the Upside Down basically for 20 odd years." This multi-layered narrative allowed Gower the creative freedom to reinterpret Vecna's design, emphasizing the integration of his environment into his very being. Portrayed by Jamie Campbell Bower, Vecna's aesthetic transformation is as much about the craftsman's skill as it is the actor's commitment. Gower recounts the meticulous process required to bring Vecna to life, explaining that “once the outfit was prepared, it took about seven hours of work to fit Bower into it.” Such attention to detail clearly illustrates the dedication involved in ensuring that every contour and feature remained true to Gower's vision.
One of the most striking aspects of Gower's design is his deliberate choice to utilize practical effects to craft Vecna’s otherworldly appearance. Gower designed the character with "anemic" skin that echoed the toxicity of the Upside Down. He enriched the concept with "a lot of roots and vines and very organic shapes and fibrous muscle tissue," emphasizing a connection between Vecna and the unsettling environment surrounding him. To capture this intricate look, Gower and his team embarked on an innovative sculpting journey. They began with a full body cast of Bower, a fundamental step that ensured precision in fitting the portrayal. Gower elaborated on this arduous venture, stating, “We started off with his life cast, and to make sure everything was going to be super skin-tight, we reduced the life cast by a certain percentage all over.” This complex process involved modeling the body in Plasticine, splitting it into around 18 pieces, and then creating molds from these models. The resulting prosthetic appliances were constructed from a blend of specialized materials, showcasing Gower's expertise in practical effects while skillfully avoiding the crutch of heavy CGI.
The creative endeavors of Barrie Gower in designing Vecna have not only brought an iconic character to the forefront of horror television but have also reinvigorated the public’s appreciation for practical effects in an age dominated by digital animation. Gower's ability to fuse storytelling with visual artistry is evident in Vecna's design—every detail serves a dual role, advancing both character backstory and the visceral fright that the series is known for. As we await Stranger Things 5, it’s essential to recognize the collaborative efforts of artists like Barrie Gower, who infuse dimension into the characters we both fear and root for. With this notable entry into the series, expect nothing less than a chilling exploration of the fantastical and horrific, brilliantly underscored by the talents of those crafting the very monsters that haunt our screens.
