Wednesday season 2 is set to be a darker show, more interesting show, with Jenna Ortega’s character becoming fully realized. Viewers can expect a deeper dive into the Addams Family dynamics, a more prominent role for horror, and a renewed focus on Wednesday’s friendships, all while maintaining the show’s signature gothic charm, as seen in a first Wednesday season 2 images.
Some Wednesday characters will not be returning to the series, but the show will also welcome a lot of new characters. While not much is known about Wednesday season 2’s story, expectations are high for it to be one of the biggest shows of 2025, and many signs point to it delivering. From a great new cast to changes in the tone of the show, Wednesday season 2 is shaping up to be even better than the first season.
8
Wednesday Season 2 Will Be More Cinematic
A Potential Evolution Beyond The Show’s Teen-Focused Premise
Season 2 of Wednesday aims to elevate its visual storytelling by adopting a more cinematic approach, with each episode striving for a film-like quality. While this trend has been evident in prestige television for years, it promises to significantly enhance the show’s already strong aesthetic. This cinematic approach suggests a greater budget and increased creative freedom, allowing for more ambitious storytelling.
With the style promised to be more cinematic, it could make stylish references to the original series and movies as well as directly or indirectly reference iconic horror cinema.
It also signifies a potential evolution beyond the show’s initial teen-focused premise. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with the teen genre, it has historically made it all too easy for showrunners to fall into tired stereotypes that limit Wednesday herself; further, the show needs to mature alongside her character.
Related
10 Huge TV Shows Returning In 2025
2025 is set to be an exciting year for television, with many exciting new shows planned and the return of highly anticipated shows.
With Ortega’s impressive horror filmography since season 1 aired and the significant success of horror movies among younger audiences, it makes sense to capitalize on that trend. With the style promised to be more cinematic, it could make stylish references to the original series and movies as well as directly or indirectly reference iconic horror cinema.
7
Wednesday Season 2’s Cast Looks Even Better Than Season 1’s
Steve Buscemi, Christopher Lloyd, Lady Gaga And More Are Joining The Cast
Season 2 will introduce several new faces to the Wednesday cast, including Steve Buscemi, Thandiwe Newton, Billie Piper, Christopher Lloyd, Haley Joel Osment, Heather Matarazzo, and Lady Gaga. The roles of these new additions remain a mystery. Other newcomers joining the cast include Evie Templeton, Owen Painter, Noah Taylor, Frances O’Connor, and Joonas Suotamo.
Yet another exciting addition is Grandma Addams, played by Joanna Lumley. With the show more than likely to return to Nevermore Academy, the central focus of season 1, it seems likely several of these new faces will be teachers and mentors. It is also encouraging to see Grandma Addams join the cast. While the introduction of new characters is exciting, season 2 must maintain the core strength of the Addams Family: their unique and unconventional family dynamic.
The Addams Family’s strength lies in their unwavering love and acceptance for each other, especially for their eccentricities. By emphasizing the importance of the Addams Family unit, season 2 can ensure that the show remains true to its heart and continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of dark humor, family love, and gothic charm.
6
Wednesday Season 2 Will Have More Horror Elements Than Season 1
Next Season Is Inspired By The Masque of the Red Death
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Jenna Ortega hinted at a more horror-driven approach for Wednesday season 2. While assuring fans that the show will remain appropriate for younger viewers, Ortega teased a scarier Wednesday. Drawing inspiration from a 1964 adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death” Ortega described a new element where Wednesday herself becomes a source of unexpected scares.
“I think the feel that we’re going for is a little bit more horror-inspired,” Ortega explained. “Not to say that suddenly we’re the goriest show of all time. I mean, there’s six-year-olds watching. We’re doing this thing now where Wednesday just kind of appears. She is a little bit of a jump scare herself.”
It will be music to horror fans’ ears that season 2 is inspired by The Masque of the Red Death. Since the original The Addams Family was also made in that era, it is an especially good basis for the show’s Gothicism going forward, as the late 1950s and ‘60s saw some of the best gothic horrors of all time.
5
Less Focus On Romance Means More Room For The Real Wednesday In Season 2
More Attention Will Be Paid To The Franchise’s Horror Elements
A key complaint of Jenna Ortega’s from season 1 is that the love triangle element was front-and-center, which didn’t fit Wednesday’s character. This led to a significant mischaracterization of the classic Charles Addams character, with the real Wednesday only really appearing once in the opening. Ortega’s comments about her involvement in the writing process sparked debate.
Given her deep understanding of Wednesday and her insights into how the character was developed, some argue that she should have had more influence on dialogue and plot decisions. Less of a focus on romance and more attention given to the franchise’s horror elements will bring the core appeal of Wednesday’s central character back while remaining family-friendly.
Going too much in the horror direction would remove the show from its roots as a family-friendly sitcom – however, the “kooky” and “spooky” characteristics of the family and their setting are key to what makes the show so beloved. While Wednesday should be different from the original in some ways, it is positive that the next season is not so focused on romantic ties.
4
Thornhill’s Betrayal Will Change How Wednesday Approaches Season 2’s Mysteries
This Event Shattered Her Trust In Authority Figures
Wednesday had a major Potteresque twist with Thornhill’s betrayal. It was also a major callback to both the original series and the movies, with Marilyn Thornhill’s character being a reference to the rival show The Munsters and Christina Ricci playing the role, perhaps the most iconic Wednesday Addams portrayal. Initially a nice teacher in the series, Thornhill turned out to be the villain all along – this provides excellent groundwork for Wednesday’s changed outlook in season 2.
This betrayal will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Wednesday. It shattered her trust in authority figures and forced her to confront the darkness that exists within seemingly benevolent individuals. This experience will likely make her more wary and suspicious of those around her, adding a new layer of cynicism to her personality.
Furthermore, Thornhill’s betrayal will likely heighten Wednesday’s sense of isolation and her need to rely on her own instincts. While she may still seek guidance from her family, she will likely become more self-reliant and less willing to blindly trust others. This newfound distrust will further complicate her coming-of-age journey, forcing her to navigate the complexities of human relationships with a newfound skepticism. Ultimately, this will make her a better detective.
3
Wednesday Season 2 Will Develop Her Non-Romantic Relationships
Friends And Family Matter A Lot In A Teenage Girl’s Life
Another key improvement in season 2 will be its focus on Wednesday’s other relationships outside the love triangle of the first season. This sends the important message that there are many important relationships in a teenage girl’s life, and they should get screen time too. Season 1 saw Wednesday forge friendships with Enid, Eugene, and (unexpectedly) Bianca.
Season 2 must delve deeper into these relationships, exploring the lengths to which Wednesday will go to protect them. After facing near-loss, Wednesday will likely have a newfound appreciation for these bonds and a deeper understanding of the importance of connection. It’s crucial that season 2 also develops Wednesday beyond her aloof persona.
Related
Why Wednesday Said She “Never” Wanted To Have A Life Like Morticia’s
Jenna Ortega’s heroine says she doesn’t want to be like her mother in Wednesday season 1, but why is her relationship with Morticia so complicated?
While her morbid curiosity and independent nature are key aspects of her character, the original series and movies often depicted her as more playful and engaged with her family, especially with her brother, Pugsley. Growing up with a sibling naturally fosters a degree of interaction and a need for connection, even for someone as unconventional as Wednesday. Season 2 should explore these facets of her personality, showcasing a more nuanced and multifaceted Wednesday.
2
Ortega Is Stepping Into A Producer Role In Wednesday Season 2
She Will Have More Influence On The Character’s Arc
Jenna Ortega is returning as Wednesday Addams in season 2, but she also serves as a producer for the season. Ortega stepping up to this role is clearly a positive promise for season 2. She has been outspoken about how season 1 characterized Wednesday, and it is good that she will have more influence on how her arc is shaped going forward.
Ortega’s producer role means the darker tone she has consistently asked for will be a request with far more weight than when she was only an actor on the show.
Ortega’s suggestions and comments as an actor in season 1 already made improvements, so it can only get better from here. Ortega’s producer role means the darker tone she has consistently asked for will be a request with far more weight than when she was only an actor on the show. In an interview with Elle, she stated she always wants more gore on the show.
Naturally, given that Wednesday has a wide range of viewers, some very young, it is unlikely the second season will have gratuitous gore. However, her influence will certainly allow for darker themes to be explored. According to DigitalSpy, Ortega has immensely enjoyed the producer role, particularly having a say in the creative aspects such as visual effects.
1
Nevermore Academy Will Reopen In Season 2
Showrunners Have Confirmed
At the end of Wednesday season 1, Nevermore was closed pending investigation – not only this, but Wednesday Addams was expelled from the academy. News that season 2 was filming in Ireland initially sparked rumors that there would be a change of setting. However, as the second season draws nearer, it is now clear that Nevermore will reopen during the season.
First-look images revealed the return to the academy for outcasts, with showrunners commenting that they “can’t wait to dive headfirst into another season and explore the kooky, spooky world of Nevermore,” (per FearHQ). Nevermore is not the only setting that will return in season 2 – a promo revealed a potential return to Wednesday season 1’s Willow Hill.
The return of these settings reveals that not only will the cast of characters at Nevermore be developed and expanded, but there are other key characters’ stories that could be resolved. A visit to Will Hill could open up redemption for Tyler as well as being a key location in the mystery plot on Wednesday, which needs to pick up on the stalker mystery.
Source: Vanity Fair, Elle, DigitalSpy, FearHQ
- Release Date
-
November 16, 2022
- Showrunner
-
Miles Millar
, Alfred Gough