Cast and Release Date Updates You Need to Know
The thrilling escapades of Wednesday Addams are just beginning. The Netflix original series Wednesday skyrocketed to become one of the platform’s most-watched productions in history, and fans can rejoice knowing that more episodes are on the horizon. The eagerly anticipated Season 2 has been officially greenlit, with filming set to commence in 2024, promising even more darkly delightful adventures for viewers.
Fans of the show have been eagerly awaiting updates regarding Wednesday Season 2. Hollywood Life has compiled everything currently known about the next chapter in the chaotic yet captivating life of Wednesday Addams, ensuring that enthusiasts stay informed and excited for what’s to come.
Key Updates on ‘Wednesday’ Season 2: What to Expect
Netflix officially announced the renewal of Wednesday on January 6, 2023. The beloved character, portrayed by Jenna Ortega, shared in the season 2 announcement video, “Over the past few weeks, I’ve been hunted, haunted, and mimicked millions of times across the internet. It’s been pure torture. Thank you.” This playful acknowledgment of her newfound fame highlights the show’s cultural impact.
The streaming giant teased fans with the message that “more misery is coming” as the “global phenomenon will return for Season 2.” This announcement video has already garnered over 18 million views, reflecting the intense excitement surrounding the upcoming season.
“It’s been incredible to create a show that has connected with people across the world. Thrilled to continue Wednesday’s tortuous journey into season two. We can’t wait to dive headfirst into another season and explore the kooky, spooky world of Nevermore. Just need to make sure Wednesday hasn’t emptied the pool first,” remarked creators and showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar in an interview with Tudum.com, showcasing their enthusiasm for the project.
Wednesday quickly became a phenomenal success for Netflix when it premiered on November 23, 2022. Within just its first week, Wednesday accumulated an astonishing 341.23 million hours viewed, breaking records to become the most-watched English-language TV series in a week on Netflix. It surpassed Stranger Things 4, which previously held the title with 335 million hours viewed in its debut week. The series shattered yet another record in its second week, achieving a remarkable 411.29 million hours viewed.
Currently, Wednesday holds the impressive rank of #2 on the Most Popular (English) TV list, having amassed a staggering 1.237 billion hours viewed in its first 28 days. Over 182 million households have tuned in to watch the series since its launch. At the time of the season 2 announcement, Wednesday had consistently maintained over 100 million hours viewed on the English TV list for six consecutive weeks, solidifying its status as a cultural sensation.
Wednesday also achieved viral fame on TikTok, with the hashtag #WednesdayAddams amassing over 22 billion views by January 2023. The unforgettable dance scene from Wednesday became a social media phenomenon, inspiring countless fan creations. The song “Bloody Mary” by Lady Gaga experienced a staggering 1,800% surge in streaming on Spotify, attributed to its connection with the show.
The fascination with Wednesday Addams began with her creation by cartoonist Charles Addams. The first television adaptation of the Addams Family premiered in 1964, and the character gained further popularity through feature films starring Christina Ricci as Wednesday in the 1990s, cementing her place in pop culture history.
Given the astounding success of the first season of Wednesday for Netflix, expectations are high for an even grander second season. The streaming platform is likely eager to capitalize on the show’s popularity, aiming to produce a second season as quickly as possible. While the primary audience may be young adults, it’s clear that Wednesday resonates with fans of all ages.
Production Timeline & Release Details for Wednesday Season 2
Filming for Wednesday Season 2 began earlier this year but faced temporary delays due to the negotiations between the WGA and SAG-AFTRA. The production has relocated to Ireland for this season, marking a shift from the first season, which was filmed in Romania from September 2021 to March 2022.
While Netflix has not yet revealed a specific release date for Season 2, it has been confirmed that the new episodes will premiere in 2025, according to Teen Vogue, generating anticipation among fans eager for the return of Wednesday Addams.
Jenna Ortega has a packed schedule in 2024. Beyond her role in Wednesday Season 2, she is also involved in filming Scream 7. The actress shared her grueling filming schedule during the first season, saying, “I would show up to set two hours early, work 12-14 hour days, and then come home to attend my online classes. Or sometimes my cello teacher would already be waiting at my apartment,” according to a Netflix-hosted Q&A panel, as reported by Variety. “It was a constant whirlwind, and if we weren’t shooting on a weekend, I would find time for my lessons then.”
In addition to her filming commitments, Jenna also took fencing and cello lessons, adding to her busy schedule. “I barely had any sleep and often found myself pulling my hair out,” she recalled. “There were so many FaceTime calls my dad answered while I was hysterically crying,” she admitted, revealing the pressures of her demanding career.
Rumors circulated that Wednesday might transition from Netflix to Prime Video following Amazon’s acquisition of MGM, the studio behind the series. However, What’s On Netflix dispelled these rumors, affirming that Netflix retains “ultimate control over the future of the series for the foreseeable future.”
Exciting Cast & Crew Updates for ‘Wednesday’ Season 2
Wednesday would not be the same without Jenna Ortega, who is set to reprise her role for Season 2. Additionally, actor Steve Buscemi has been cast in a pivotal role as the new principal of Nevermore Academy, a casting announcement made in April 2024, according to Variety.
Victor Dorobantu‘s portrayal of Thing will also continue, as Jenna revealed in her Elle cover story that she will serve as an executive producer for Wednesday Season 2, further highlighting her involvement in the series.
Jenna recently expressed how “protective” she is of her character, stating, “I’ve never had to assert myself on set as much as I did with Wednesday. It’s easy to veer into cliches, especially with a character like this. For instance, her being caught in a love triangle didn’t resonate with her character’s essence at all,” she shared on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard.
She further elaborated, “There was a line about a dress for a school dance where she exclaimed, ‘Oh my god, I love it. Ugh, I can’t believe I said that. I literally hate myself.’ I had to firmly say, ‘No.’ There were moments on set where I felt compelled to change lines to maintain her authenticity,” emphasizing her commitment to portraying Wednesday Addams accurately.
Jenna’s candid remarks stirred some debate online, but both Alfred Gough and Miles Millar praised her dedication. “You’re dealing with an iconic character, and it was crucial to do her justice in a fresh way,” said Alfred in an interview with The Wrap. “We had numerous discussions with Tim regarding casting. We knew if we didn’t find the right Wednesday, we would face challenges. Once Jenna came onboard, we had countless conversations with her to ensure we honored the character and delivered a fantastic portrayal. The audience response has been overwhelmingly positive; she has truly become the iconic Wednesday,” he added.
In a recent interview, Jenna Ortega revealed that she initially declined the role of Wednesday multiple times. She explained, “I received the email and passed on it. I’ve done so much television; my aspiration has always been to work in film,” she shared with The Sunday Times. “In the early days of my career, I felt like I had to prove myself, as many people didn’t quite believe in me. It’s only in the last few years that I’ve been able to pursue film roles more seriously.”
She confessed that she initially feared that committing to the show would hinder her chances of pursuing other projects she was passionate about. “The only reason I reconsidered is that Tim [Burton] is such an iconic figure, and we had a great rapport. However, even then, I hesitated a few more times before agreeing,” she admitted, reflecting on her decision-making process.
Jenna Ortega offered a glimpse of what fans can expect during her Variety Actors on Actors interview with Elle Fanning on June 7, stating that they aim to “lean into the horror aspect of the show” even more in Season 2.
As Wednesday prepares for another semester at Nevermore Academy, her friends will also be making a return: Emma Myers