Stranger Things VFX Team Explored 100 Designs for Vecna’s Look
A new Stranger Things documentary uncovers the VFX team's journey through nearly 100 different Vecna designs, drawing inspiration from horror legends and Dungeons & Dragons before landing on the final terrifying form.
The latest Stranger Things documentary pulls back the curtain on just how much work went into creating Vecna ’s chilling appearance. VFX Art Director Michael Maher Jr. shares that the creative team cycled through close to a hundred different concepts before settling on the villain’s final look. Some of these early versions took cues from classic horror figures, including a design reminiscent of the infamous Chatterer Cenobite, known for his unnerving, toothy grin and wordless communication.
Other iterations saw Vecna draped in a cloak, a nod to the Grim Reaper and his association with death. There was even a version that leaned heavily into spider- like features, echoing the Mind Flayer’s menacing limbs. Maher recalls,
“Finally, we used some vines as a diseased aspect, and it clicked.”
The team’s experimentation with these elements ultimately led to the unsettling, vine-covered figure that fans now recognize.
Drawing from Dungeons & Dragons and Horror Icons
Vecna’s final form in the show isn’t far removed from his Dungeons & Dragons origins. In the tabletop game, Vecna is often depicted as skeletal, with a pronounced rib cage, glowing red eyes, and sometimes a distinctive mask or headpiece. The creative team drew on these features, blending them with horror influences to craft a villain that felt both familiar and uniquely terrifying.
The Mind Flayer, another major antagonist, also has roots in D&D, where it’s portrayed as more cephalopod-like—imagine a cross between Dracula and a squid. These references helped ground the show’s monsters in a rich tradition of fantasy and horror, while still allowing the VFX team to put their own spin on the designs.
Behind the Scenes of Stranger Things 5
Fans eager for more behind-the-scenes insights can now watch “One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5” on Netflix. The documentary offers a rare glimpse into the creative process, from initial sketches to the final, screen-ready version of Vecna. It’s a testament to the dedication and imagination of the VFX artists who brought one of the show’s most memorable villains to life.
For those wondering, there’s no secret ninth episode or hidden “Conformity Gate” to uncover—just a deep dive into the artistry and innovation that define Stranger Things.