When Wednesday premiered on Netflix in 2022, few could have predicted the cultural phenomenon it would become. The gothic teen mystery, directed by Tim Burton and centered around the iconic Addams family daughter, quickly shattered records to become Netflix’s most-watched English-language series. At the heart of this success was Jenna Ortega, whose portrayal of Wednesday Addams catapulted her into global stardom—and, as she now reveals, into a whirlwind of overwhelming attention.
The Rise of a Reluctant Star
In a recent interview with the BBC, Ortega, now 22, reflected on the intense spotlight that followed the show’s release. “I’m very grateful and glad that it was able to resonate with people in the way that it did,” she said. But when asked if she was prepared for the fame, her response was candid: “Is anyone? No, I wasn’t. I wouldn’t want to know someone who is. I don’t think that should ever be like a normal sort of experience.”
Ortega’s humility and honesty underscore the emotional toll that sudden fame can take, especially for someone who describes herself as introverted. “We didn’t know that anyone was going to watch the show,” she added. “You do these things and you don’t know what’s to come, so it was very overwhelming.”
Season Two: A Deeper Dive into Family Dynamics
With the second season of Wednesday set to premiere in two parts—beginning August 6 and concluding September 3—fans can expect a shift in focus. While Wednesday remains the central character, her parents, Morticia and Gomez Addams, will play a more prominent role. Netflix has teased that their increased presence at Nevermore Academy will be “a rare new form of torture for a fiercely independent amateur sleuth.”
This narrative expansion allows the show to explore the Addams family’s dynamics more deeply. Ortega believes this is one of the reasons the family resonates so strongly with audiences. “They’re a very cohesive unit, but they’re also very different from one another and stand out. They shouldn’t fit together, but they do. And that’s very relatable.”
The complex relationship between Wednesday and her mother, Morticia—played by Catherine Zeta-Jones—is a particular highlight. Ortega describes Zeta-Jones as a “delicious, divine presence” and is excited for viewers to see more of her in season two. “It’s very typical for mother and daughter to butt heads,” she said. “The daughter wants to be her own person and feel that maybe she’s not being given the space she deserves or needs to come into her own. But also the mother’s desire to protect her children and shield them from past hardships is very real.”
Ortega’s Evolution: From Actress to Executive Producer
Beyond her role in front of the camera, Ortega is stepping into a new position behind the scenes. For season two, she serves as an executive producer—a move she describes as “a great education.” “I tried to soak in as much as I possibly could,” she said, acknowledging the three-year gap between seasons. “It allowed the dust and debris to settle a little. Viewers have been very patient with us. We made them wait for a long time. We do want to please them, but we want to do it in new and more exciting ways.”
This new role reflects Ortega’s growing influence in the industry and her commitment to shaping the narrative of a character that has become synonymous with her name.
A Legacy of Wednesday Addams
Ortega’s portrayal of Wednesday follows a lineage of actresses who have brought the character to life. Lisa Loring first played her in the 1960s television series, while Christina Ricci famously portrayed her in two 1990s films. Ortega’s version, however, has redefined the character for a new generation—sharp-witted, emotionally complex, and unapologetically morbid.
Since the first season, Ortega has expanded her repertoire with roles in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Death of a Unicorn, and the Scream franchise. She’s also appeared in TV series like You and Jane the Virgin, but it’s Wednesday that remains her most iconic role.
A Star-Studded Cast Joins the Addams Universe
Season two introduces several new faces to the Wednesday universe. Joanna Lumley joins as Wednesday’s grandmother, Hester Frump; Steve Buscemi plays Nevermore’s new principal, Barry Dort; and Billie Piper takes on the role of Isadora Capri, head of music at the academy. These additions promise to enrich the show’s already eclectic cast and deepen its narrative layers.
Zeta-Jones, reflecting on her expanded role, said, “In the first season, I was just dropping in and setting up the matriarch of this central character. Now, they’ve created a lovely arc that doesn’t supersede Wednesday’s journey but beautifully pads it out. At this point in my career, I feel so blessed to be part of this world.”
The Search for Community in a Digital Age
Ortega believes the show’s success is partly due to its exploration of identity and belonging—especially relevant in today’s digital age. “I wasn’t around in the 70s, but I hear stories of people knocking on their neighbours’ doors, and bikes going all throughout the city, just expecting to meet someone at a certain time and place,” she said.
In contrast, she notes how modern communities are often built online, which can feel isolating. “People don’t talk to each other in person. They’re interacting and finding their community online, which can be very isolating. There are so many voices and opinions that you’re exposed to—much more than humans are meant to be exposed to.”
This saturation of information, Ortega suggests, makes it harder for young people to find their sense of self. “Young people are struggling to find, ‘What makes my voice stand out? What gives me a sense of purpose or control or authority?’”
Embracing Individuality: The Addams Family Way
According to Zeta-Jones, the Addams family’s enduring appeal lies in their celebration of individuality. “We embrace our idiosyncrasies,” she said. “It’s OK to be different. We don’t try to box it or hide it. As a family, we encourage it. It’s the ultimate modern family.”
Ortega echoes this sentiment: “There’s great comfort in seeing people who are so obviously themselves, freely. They place priority where it matters—on family, on special interests, on strength and courage and confidence in your voice. It’s very easy now to get swept up in some sort of sheep mentality, and I think it’s so important for young people to see this family now more than ever.”
