Imagine working alongside someone who unintentionally becomes the source of your deepest fears. This is the experience Millie Bobby Brown, best known for her role as Eleven in Stranger Things, recently shared. During a lively Q&A session at an Epic Con convention, Brown revealed a surprising and personal challenge she faced while filming the highly anticipated fifth season of the beloved series.
At just 20 years old, Brown has already built an impressive career, juggling roles from the animated Harley Quinn to the lead in The Flight Attendant. Despite her busy schedule and numerous successes, she found herself grappling with a profound fear on set. Her co-star, Jamie Campbell Bower, who portrays the menacing Vecna, became the unwitting trigger for this anxiety.
“It’s really a phobia,” Brown confessed to fans. She explained that she feels genuinely terrified whenever Bower steps into the role of Vecna. The character’s imposing costume, which conceals his face, exacerbates her fear. “I don’t like people who cover their faces. It’s a true phobia. I’ve had it since I was very young.”
Millie Bobby Brown’s Unique Way of Thinking About Jamie Campbell Bower
Brown’s phobia became particularly pronounced during scenes where Vecna’s presence was most threatening. She shared an unsettling moment when Bower arrived on set fully transformed. “I didn’t recognize him after his makeup was done,” she recalled. “He looked like a gremlin hiding in my closet, waiting to attack while I slept.” The fear was so intense that Brown sought refuge in her tent to escape the overwhelming anxiety.
To help manage her fear, the production team offered practical advice: associate positive elements with Bower to diminish the terror his character invoked. Brown adopted an unconventional method to cope. “I told myself that nothing reminded me of Jamie. It was horrible, so I closed my eyes and imagined his cigarette breath. I told myself it was Jamie,” she explained. This mental trick helped her differentiate between the actor and the fearsome persona of Vecna.
Despite the challenges, Brown remains deeply appreciative of Bower’s talent. “Jamie is the best. I love working with him,” she affirmed. However, she added a lighthearted note about future collaborations: “If we ever work together again, I’d prefer he doesn’t wear a mask that covers his face!”
Looking Ahead
As Stranger Things gears up for its final season, fans can anticipate a gripping conclusion filled with the show’s signature blend of suspense, supernatural elements, and emotional depth. Brown’s candid revelations about her experiences on set add a new layer of intrigue to the series, highlighting the real-life dynamics that influence the on-screen magic.
While the journey has been tough, Brown’s ability to confront and manage her phobia underscores her resilience and dedication to her craft. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that even in the face of personal fears, passion and professionalism can drive remarkable achievements.