From Vecna to Celeborn: Jamie Campbell Bower on his journey towards the light

There are actors who seem destined for certain worlds, whose sensitivity comes through in every look, gesture, and word. Over the years, Jamie Campbell Bower has become one of the most recognizable faces of fantasy on both the big and small screen, winning over millions of fans around the world.

His performances in titles such as Harry Potter, Twilight, Camelot, and most notably Stranger Things showcase not only an actor with ethereal features and a razor-sharp gaze, but a performer capable of imbuing any type of character with authentic emotional weight.

His arrival in the cast of The Rings of Power therefore feels like a natural progression—especially as he takes on the tole of Celeborn, Galadriel’s husband and future Lord of Lothlórien. Speaking recently with Esquire, Bower reflected on what he described as his “journey into the light”: a striking transition from the dark, visceral presence of Vecna, one of modern television’s most iconic villains, to the robes of a Sindarin Prince.

Bower on his journey from Stranger Things to The Rings of Power

“Coming from a character that was so rooted in resentment and let that darkness define him, it’s cathartic stepping into the light of the character that has experienced suffering but hasn’t chosen the path of I’m in pain, therefore, I’m going to make everyone else feel pain. It’s a really beautiful and totally opposite way of thinking and living. I will be honest with you, there was definitely a resistance within me towards this idea. I had to really spend a lot of time thinking about what joy means. I’m also so aware now that your name is Joy”.

In just a few words, the British actor managed to articulate the philosophical contrast between the two characters—polar opposites in nearly every respect. Celeborn is no stranger to suffering; he understands what it means to fall victim to the world’s brutality, as shown by the wars he has endured and the devastating losses he has suffered, most notably during the tragic Ruin of Doriath. Yet Celeborn remains a luminous, wise, and noble figure—which is precisely why Bower had to ‘rediscover’ joy and beauty in order to fully immerse himself in the role.

On Elves, relationships, and existence in Tolkien’s world

“What’s really interesting about elves in general is that time means something so different to them, right? They live for thousands of years. Regardless of Celeborn’s immediate emotion, like jealousy, he gets to truly see that Galadriel has been deeply hurt by what Sauron did. That gives him a new perspective. It’s such a beautiful world in which you get to explore the nature of relationships, of existence. These characters are changed for the better because they are shown forgiveness and given an opportunity.”

Bower reflects on the Elves’ perception of time, which inevitably proves significantly different from that of the other races of Arda, who lack the immortality granted to the Eldar. The actor describes the whirlwind of emotions Celeborn feels upon reconciling with Galadriel, jealousy included, as he comes to grasp the sufferings Sauron inflicted on her—forcing him to shift his perspective and widen his overall vision of things. The third season will inevitably lead to a significant evolution for Celeborn and especially Galadriel, who will get to rediscover aspects of herself she had suppressed for a long time. Their reunion will mark one of the most delicate milestones in defining who both characters are destined to become in the future of the show: the wise and powerful rulers of Caras Galadhon.