Vecna’s Prosthetics in ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Unveiled
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Vecna’s striking appearance in season 5 of the popular series ‘Stranger Things’ has left fans intrigued and wanting to know more. The character, played by Jamie Campbell Bower, has undergone a noticeable transformation, sparking conversations among viewers and even drawing attention from celebrities like Jimmy Fallon and Millie Bobby Brown. The change in Vecna’s look has a lot to do with the intricate prosthetics involved in bringing the character to life on screen.
Barrie Gower, the makeup effects department head for ‘Stranger Things’, recently shared exclusive insights with PEOPLE about the creation of Vecna’s prosthetics. Bower, who portrays Vecna, had to endure long hours in the makeup chair, sometimes up to nine hours, during the filming of season 4. However, in season 5, the approach to Vecna’s appearance shifted towards a more digitized portrayal.
The character’s altered appearance in season 5 can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Vecna’s storyline in season 4 left him with significant physical damage, which naturally influenced his portrayal in the subsequent season. Despite this, Gower emphasised that they aimed to make Vecna appear “larger than life” in season 5, prompting a change in how the prosthetics were applied to Bower.
In season 4, the makeup team spent an average of seven hours daily applying prosthetic pieces to Bower’s entire body, incorporating both physical and digital effects to enhance Vecna’s look. However, for season 5, the focus shifted more towards CGI, with prosthetics being limited to Bower’s head and one arm. This adjustment to a more digitally rendered body for Vecna explains the character’s altered appearance in the latest season.
The meticulous process of transforming Bower into Vecna involved using cutting-edge techniques and materials. Each day on set, Bower would don a new set of prosthetic appliances, as the pieces had to be replaced daily due to the rigours of filming. The application and removal of the prosthetics required a team effort, with careful attention to detail to maintain continuity throughout the filming process.
Gower highlighted the collaborative effort between the makeup team and Bower to capture the essence of Vecna’s character. Despite the shift towards digital effects, Bower’s performance remained integral to bringing Vecna to life on screen. The intricate details of Vecna’s prosthetics, such as the digitally printed fabric suit and mechanical extensions, added layers to the character’s portrayal in season 5.
The evolution of Vecna’s prosthetics from season 4 to season 5 reflected a shift in approach towards a more streamlined and efficient process. While season 4 saw extensive makeup sessions lasting hours, season 5 required significantly less time for application and removal. Bower’s dedication to the role, coupled with the expertise of the makeup team, contributed to the seamless transition in Vecna’s appearance.
Overall, the behind-the-scenes journey of creating Vecna’s prosthetics in ‘Stranger Things’ season 5 offers a glimpse into the intricate craftsmanship and creativity involved in bringing fictional characters to life. The collaboration between the cast and crew, coupled with technological advancements in prosthetic design, has elevated the visual storytelling aspect of the series, captivating audiences and leaving them eager for more surprises in future seasons.