In a recent panel at the Stranger Things Epic Con, actress Millie Bobby Brown revealed her genuine fear when acting alongside Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays the terrifying character Vecna in the hit Netflix series. During the event held on October 20 in Jackson, Georgia, Brown discussed her experience on set and how Bower’s portrayal of Vecna impacts her emotionally.
Brown humorously expressed her apprehension, stating, “He terrifies me when he is Vecna. I am terrified of his costume. It scares me.” The actress admitted to having a phobia of masks, which makes working with Bower’s character particularly challenging. “I don’t like masks, which is crazy because I am at Comic Con,” she explained. “But I don’t like people covering their faces. It’s definitely a phobia. I’ve had it since I was little.”
The Impact of Vecna
Recalling her first encounter with Bower in full costume, Brown shared, “He comes on to [the] set and I am like, ‘Who is that?’” She was shocked to learn it was Bower, saying, “That’s not Jamie. That is a gremlin that lives in my closet and is waiting for me to fall asleep to kill me.” The crew members on set noticed her distress and encouraged her to find something familiar to ease her fear. However, she humorously remarked, “I’m like, sobbing in my tent and I’m like nothing reminds me of Jamie.”
Brown ultimately found comfort in a simple detail: “I close my eyes, and I smelled on his breath cigarettes. I’m like that’s Jamie.” This small reminder helped her cope with the overwhelming fear that the costume evoked.
Real Fear in Acting
Brown elaborated on her experience during tense scenes, stating, “Any scene that I have to pretend to be scared, he knows it’s real fear.” Despite her trepidation, she expressed her admiration for Bower, saying, “Yes, Jamie is the best. I love working with him — but not other him.” This candid admission highlights the strong connection the two actors share, despite the fear his character instills in her.
In a previous interview, Bower also spoke fondly of his relationship with Brown, referring to her as “Mills.” He emphasized their immediate connection during their first read-through, recalling how her smile during his performance created a sense of safety. “When you connect with somebody like that, there’s this sort of safety that’s brought into the space,” he noted.
Looking Ahead
As fans eagerly await the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, set to premiere in 2025, the dynamic between Brown and Bower continues to captivate audiences. The blend of genuine fear and camaraderie makes their performances even more compelling, leaving viewers excited for what lies ahead in the Upside Down.
Stranger Things seasons 1-4 are currently available for streaming on Netflix, offering fans the chance to revisit the thrilling journey of Eleven and her friends as they confront unimaginable horrors.
