The identity of Stranger Things season 4’s monster Vecna is subject to many theories, including one that reveals the villain is Billy – but with a twist. Stranger Things’ new villain is set up to be the most terrifying yet, with the monster perhaps even being the key ruler of the Upside Down. Stranger Things season 4’s monster, confirmed to be Vecna by the Duffer brothers, takes over as the core Upside Down foe after the Demogorgons and the Mind Flayer, though with a more menacing supernatural background.
The Dungeons & Dragons-inspired Vecna isn’t Stranger Things’ first monster to either possess or assume the body of one of the young characters in the real world, as the Mind Flayer had previously used Will as a host in season 2 and Billy – along with many other victims – in season 3. However, Vecna’s appearance at the end of season 4’s trailer sees him use the body of another character in a humanoid transformation (with an actual face, unlike the Demogorgon) as he dominates from the Upside Down, which means the host won’t be able to dispel the creature’s influence as they could with the Mind Flayer. Stranger Things season 4’s villain also seems to have been planning his destruction for some time, as suggested by his appearance in the Creel House, hinting that he may have been waiting for the right host to finally take form.
