As fans eagerly await the final season of Netflix's "Stranger Things," Jamie Campbell Bower, the actor behind the terrifying villain Vecna, has revealed some surprising inspirations for his portrayal. With Vecna's chilling presence established in the fourth season, Bower is now sharing the diverse range of sources that helped shape the character's evolution in season 5.

Initially, Bower drew inspiration from classic horror figures, particularly Doug Bradley's Pinhead from Clive Barker's "Hellraiser". Bower admitted that he was given sides from "Hellraiser" during his audition. He also looked to gothic vampire imagery, reminiscent of Dracula, to inform his understanding of Vecna. However, as the character developed, Bower incorporated more unexpected influences.

One surprising inspiration for season 5 was Fred Rogers, the beloved host of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood". Bower also used Tom Hanks's portrayal of Rogers in "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" as a reference. He found the score of the film particularly eerie and inspiring. Bower explained that this influence "actually bled into music as well". This influence is most notable in the early episodes of the season, where Henry Creel attempts to become a trusted figure to the children of Hawkins.

Bower also cited the 1957 film "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," starring Van Johnson, as another key inspiration. The legend of the Pied Piper, who lures children away from a town, mirrors Vecna's targeting of Hawkins' children in season 5. Vecna views these children as "weak of body and mind," making them easy to control.

In addition to these, Bower drew inspiration from Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining," particularly the iconic "Kubrick-ian stare," which he incorporated into his performance as early as season 4. He also referenced the 2007 remake of "Funny Games," specifically the mannerisms of Brady Corbet and Michael Pitt. The 2020 horror film "Alone," which tells the story of a woman escaping a bloodthirsty psychopath, also served as an inspiration.

Bower found a play helpful in understanding Vecna/Henry/One in "Stranger Things 5". He stated that the play "qualified" many of the things he had imagined for Henry while preparing to play the character in season 4.

Bower also offered insights into his physical preparation for specific scenes. He described practicing the "Shock Jock" scene, where Vecna transitions between different forms, to ensure the body movements were precise. He saw Vecna as a manifestation of resentment, a "vine around love," and questioned why Vecna would recreate the Creel family home. Bower explained that he saw Vecna as an entirely separate form — the manifestation of resentment, or this "vine around love".

As "Stranger Things" prepares to conclude its epic run, these insights into Vecna's inspirations offer a deeper understanding of the character's complexity and the meticulous work of Jamie Campbell Bower in bringing him to life.