Stranger Things VFX Team Explored 100 Designs for Vecna

With the release of the Stranger Things documentary, viewers are offered a rare glimpse into the creative chaos that shaped one of the show’s most memorable villains. The process of bringing Vecna to life was anything but straightforward, as the visual effects department found themselves sifting through a staggering number of possibilities before landing on the final, unsettling look.

Michael Maher Jr., the VFX Art Director, recalls the team’s relentless experimentation:

“maybe 100 different looks”

for Jamie Campbell Bower’s character. Among the discarded designs, one bore a striking resemblance to the infamous Chatterer from the Cenobite ranks—complete with the unnerving, toothy grin. Another iteration draped Vecna in a cloak, a nod to the classic Grim Reaper motif, which, in hindsight, felt a touch too literal for the role of a harbinger of doom. There was even a version that edged dangerously close to the Mind Flayer, featuring spindly, spider-like appendages. Maher notes,

“Finally, we used some vines as a diseased aspect, and it clicked.”

From Tabletop to Screen

It’s not lost on fans that the on-screen incarnation of Vecna shares more than a passing resemblance to his Dungeons & Dragons origins. In the tabletop universe, Vecna is often depicted as skeletal, with a pronounced ribcage and, at times, a mask or elaborate headpiece. The glowing red eyes are a recurring feature, lending an otherworldly menace to the character. The Mind Flayer, too, draws from D&D lore, though its original form is more reminiscent of a cephalopod—imagine a cross between Dracula and a squid, if you will.

These nods to classic horror and fantasy were not accidental. The creative team clearly relished the opportunity to blend familiar elements with their own twisted innovations, resulting in a villain who feels both fresh and eerily recognisable.

Behind the Curtain: The Making of a Monster

For those curious about the finer details, the documentary offers a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes images, showcasing the many faces Vecna might have worn. Some designs leaned heavily into body horror, while others flirted with the supernatural. The final choice—a fusion of diseased vines and human form—struck the right balance, capturing the essence of decay and corruption that defines the character’s presence in the series.

One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 is now available for streaming, providing fans with an in-depth look at the painstaking artistry that goes into crafting the show’s most nightmarish figures. And, for those still holding out hope, there’s no secret ninth episode or mysterious Conformity Gate lurking in the wings.