Was Stranger Things’ Vecna star Jamie Campbell Bower in the Harry Potter movies? Details explored

Stranger Things 5 is all set to drop on Netflix on November 26, 2025. It will showcase all the events that lead to the final battle between Jamie Campbell Bower's Vecna and Millie Bobby Brown's Eleven. The protagonist and her friends, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, Max, and more, have been unitedly fighting against the evil forces from the Upside Down. However, things took an even darker turn with the entry of Vecna in season 4.

Vecna's role and evil deeds laid out that he was behind all the chaos the team at Hawkins had been facing since season 1. Jamie Campbell Bower brought Vecna alive through his significant performance in the fourth installment. The actor joined the team of Stranger Things late but became a vital part of the series since then.

As fans await to witness what his character will bring ahead in the final season, many remain unaware of his striking connection to the Harry Potter films. Jamie Campbell Bower played the role of Gellert Grindelwald in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 (2010). He also reprised the role later in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018).

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Stranger Things star Jamie Campbell Bower played a significant role in the Harry Potter movies

Jamie Campbell Bower at the Opening Red Carpet - 72nd San Sebastian Film Festival (Image via Getty)

Jamie Campbell Bower is known for his portrayal of Vecna in Stranger Things, making him a prominent part of the upcoming final season. The antagonist has sinister plans that will challenge Eleven and her friends in season 5. However, Bower's role in the Netflix series is not the only prominent negative character he has played for a popular franchise.

Several fans will be amused to know that Bower has played a brief role in the Harry Potter movies. He was seen as young Gellert Grindelwald in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1. Grindelwald had a romantic relationship with Albus Dumbledore in the past, which ended bitterly. He had stolen the Elder Wand before, making him a key figure in Voldemort's search for the wand in the first part of the seventh movie.

Bower appeared in photographs as young Grindelwald, with Hermione recognizing him and disclosing it to Harry in the film. Harry also sees him later in a vision in which Voldemort heads to Grindelwald regarding the Elder Wand.

Jamie Campbell Bower also reprised his role later in the film, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. While Johnny Depp played the role of Grindelwald mainly, Bower briefly played the younger version of the character.

Although his presence in the films was very short, his role and the connection he had with the plot made Bower a significant part of the popular franchise.

Also read: "just you wait"- Jamie Campbell Bower discusses the finale and his role in Stranger Things 5

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Other works of Jamie Campbell Bower

Be it his menacing presence in Stranger Things or the complex character in the Harry Potter movies, Jamie Campbell Bower's performance made his characters iconic in both franchises. His journey in the industry began with Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in 2007. Since his debut, the actor has worked in several prominent films and series.

Bower was a part of The Twilight Saga (2009-2012), appearing in the films as Caius. The actor portrayed the character of King Arthur in the series Camelot (2011). He is also seen in The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones in the role of Jace. Known for the chilling voice he gave to Vecna, the actor also lent his voice to the character of Skiff in several projects of the Thomas & Friends franchise.

With Stranger Things 5 being one of the most anticipated projects of the actor presently, viewers can expect to witness a unique side of Bower as Vecna in the upcoming show.

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Stranger Things 5 will be out on November 26, 2025, on Netflix.

Edited by Eeshna Dashottar