Jamie Campbell Bower believes his character’s fate in Stranger Things season 5 is a fitting conclusion for the series.

Jamie Campbell Bower, known for his role as Vecna, has come to terms with his character’s fate in the finale of Stranger Things season 5, believing it to be the only fitting conclusion for the beloved series.

“It’s the ending the show deserves,” Bower shared during an appearance on a late-night talk show. “I’ve been a fan since the beginning, so joining the cast was a huge milestone for me. I felt incredibly honored to be part of it. Even as the actor portraying Vecna, it feels right. The show is fundamentally about friendship, love, hope, and joy, and of course, the character who embodies the opposite must meet his end. Though, all he really needs is a hug.”

Vecna met his demise in episode 8, the series finale, at the hands of Joyce Byers, played by Winona Ryder. Bower revealed that he only learned of his character’s fate during the table read for that episode. He described the experience as “really strange,” noting that he had contracted COVID and was isolated at home while the rest of the cast gathered in Atlanta. “I felt alone and lonely… like Vecna,” he joked.

Ryder needed just two takes to deliver the final blow that took Vecna down for good. “You can’t rehearse a scene like that. You just have to save it for the take. I think I only did it twice,” she explained.

All episodes of Stranger Things season 5 are now available for streaming.