Netflix’s hit series “Wednesday” is making a much-anticipated return for its second season, promising viewers a blend of supernatural mysteries and fresh challenges for the iconic Wednesday Addams. This new season includes eight fast-paced episodes full of energy. Look out for the first one on August 6th and the second on September 3rd! Tim Burton, the visionary behind the show, will be back as director for all episodes. His personal involvement ensures that the series will keep its distinctive aesthetic.
Fans can look forward to the Addams family officially entering Nevermore Academy this season and further broadening the narrative universe. The plot arc will take a closer look at Wednesday’s home life with these complex familial villains and her changing connections to both friends and enemies. Jenna Ortega, who plays the titular Wednesday, has even hinted that this upcoming season will explore horror motifs in a major way. She’s taking cues from original slasher films such as Carrie and Prom Night.
New Faces and Familiar Voices
The new season features plenty of fresh blood in the cast, but some returning Baton Rouge Regulars. Fred Armisen is back as Uncle Fester, and Lady Gaga is joining the cast as Grandmama, Wednesday’s grandmother. Steve Buscemi rounds out the cast as Barry Dort, Nevermore’s new principal. Of interest is the memorable appearance by frequent Burton collaborator, Anthony Michael Hall.
Even with this fresh, thrilling new lineup, a few old favorites won’t be coming back. Yoko Tanaka, as played by Naomi J. Ogawa, will have a scheduling conflict and will unfortunately be unable to attend. On the other hand, Percy Hynes White will be absent from season 2 after allegations against him surfaced.
“The rumors are false. I can’t accept the portrayal of me as someone bigoted, or criminally negligent of people’s safety. These are the kind of baseless, harmful claims that can create mistrust toward victims.” – Percy Hynes White
Though we see some familiar faces go, the inner circle continues to be an energetic one. In season 1, Emma Myers’ character, Enid — a werewolf of Wednesday’s close friends — played a more passive role. Ortega has previously teased that Enid will be “a little more of a badass,” which suggests some badass character development to come.
Exploring New Themes and Relationships
Season 2 definitely seems to be a deep dive into the complications in Wednesday’s relationships with both her fellow misfits and the authority figures at Nevermore Academy. Ortega used that obsession to paint a complicated, beautiful relationship between Wednesday and Principal Weems and told TVLine,
“Wednesday’s relationship with Weems is one of my favorites because they’re very, very different women and they’re constantly against each other but, simultaneously, they both want to watch each other’s successes and support them, which is such a fascinating dynamic.”
The new season won’t just be about the monsters around the corner — there will be much deeper character progression and relationships at play. Ortega has highlighted that this season will be a break from romantic storylines for her character.
“We’re ditching any romantic love interest for Wednesday, which is really great,” she stated.
This new development opens the door for a much deeper dive into Wednesday’s character that isn’t muddled by the potential for romance.
Teaser Trailer Hints at Thrills to Come
Check out the recently released teaser trailer for a sneak peek at the season’s exciting story arc. Viewers should expect an awesome slate of new foes and adventures. Looking forward to haunted dolls, a killer bee hive and Tyler’s scary-cut exciting metamorphosis into his Hyde-mode! The rich visual elements and eerie themes indicate a season that is “bigger and more twisted than you can ever imagine,” as described by cast member Zeta-Jones.
Ortega has hinted at a full episode inspired by slasher flicks. It will be loaded with allusions to beloved horror cinema! She noted,
“There’s a whole episode based off of slashers, and we make a lot of horror references.”
The standout element of the series though is how well it mixes humor and horror. Newcomers and long-time fans alike will find something to love, thanks to this special combination of stories.
