Stranger Things Season 5 Finale: Vecna’s Connection to Mind Flayer Explained

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Warning: Spoilers ahead for Stranger Things season 5 finale.

After almost ten years, the sci-fi series Stranger Things concluded with a thrilling final episode. The season 5 finale left viewers with some lingering questions, particularly regarding the complicated backstory and connection between Jamie Campbell Bower’s character – Vecna (also known as Henry Creel, Mr. Whotsit, and 001) – and the Mind Flayer.

In a recent interview with Netflix’s Tudum, the creators of Stranger Things, Matt and Ross Duffer, and actor David Harbour discussed the link between the show’s villain, Vecna, and the Mind Flayer. The season finale featured a key scene where Vecna faced his inner struggles in a cave he’d been hiding in all season, while Will Byers attempted to help him see he was being controlled.

Vecna rejects the idea of pity, claiming the Mind Flayer merely revealed the inherent flaws of the world and humanity. Actor Jamie Campbell Bower described this as a pivotal moment, not just for Vecna’s character, but for the audience as well. He explained that it was the first time in Season 5 he genuinely connected with Vecna and understood his motivations, even feeling a desire to defend him against the widespread hatred. It was in that instant, Bower felt, viewers finally understood why Vecna became who he is.

Image via Netflix

Ross Duffer explained the link between Henry Creel’s past and his transformation into a creature controlled by the Mind Flayer while trapped in those caves.

We considered giving Billy a redemption arc, similar to Darth Vader turning against the Emperor, where he’d betray the Mind Flayer. However, after discussing it with the writers and Jamie Campbell Bower, we realized his character had come too far down a certain path. To make his actions believable, he needed to firmly believe in and stand by his choices, even at this late stage.

Seeing this memory deeply affects him, but he’s too committed to oppose the Mind Flayer now. We deliberately left it ambiguous whether young Henry made a conscious choice to follow this path or if the Mind Flayer had always been in control. However, regardless of how he got there, Henry ultimately sides with the Mind Flayer.

Image via Netflix

Billy’s death in the third season was a turning point. He started as a flawed and unpleasant character, but later became a victim of the Mind Flayer, much like Vecna controlled others. In the dramatic finale at Starcourt Mall, Billy bravely sacrificed himself to save Eleven and his stepsister, Max. Vecna, though, continued with his evil scheme, which ended with Joyce Byers severing his head.

All seasons of Stranger Things are available to stream on Netflix.

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2026-01-01 16:28