Update on Jenna Ortega’s Show: What to Expect in August 2024 (Next Chapter)

After gifting audiences with decades of lugubrious cinema, Tim Burton’s “Wednesday” ensures that his first TV show celebrates the Outcast of all Outcasts, Wednesday Addams. This particular Nevermore Academy outcast, portrayed unblinkingly by Jenna Ortega, carried mass cross-quadrant appeal, making the show one of Netflix’s top-watched series of all time.

A speedy green light for a second season followed, along with an announcement of an Uncle Fester spin-off starring Fred Armisen. Jenna Ortega has assured Netflix viewers that Wednesday “never really changes,” so expect more of the same ingredients that made the first season irresistible.

For months, we’ve heard that this second season will be darker with more “horror.” Jenna Ortega, currently promoting her role in Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” has painted a fuller picture of what to expect. Speaking with Vanity Fair, Ortega pointed to an Edgar Allan Poe short story, “The Masque of the Red Death,” which was adapted into a 1964 movie. However, Ortega stressed that the show will not turn into “the goriest show of all time” because “there’s six-year-olds watching.” Viewers can expect fun with jump scares, as “[w]e’re doing this thing now where Wednesday just kind of appears. She is a little bit of a jump scare herself.”

Burton and Ortega seem to be a match made in hell, but in the best way. Ortega previously revealed how they settled upon Wednesday’s “Kubrick stare,” making the “jump scare” factor highly anticipated. Furthermore, Ortega has moved into a producing role this season, and her influence will be visible. She explained how informative the experience has been, with conversations about prosthetics, wardrobe, and locations adding to her skill set.

The show is currently in the midst of filming in Ireland, rather than its previous Romania location. This season will focus more on Wednesday developing human connections, including her mom-daughter relationship with Morticia, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, who realizes the power at play in Nevermore Academy.

Showrunner Al Gough has mentioned that Wednesday will deepen her female friendships, which will be unusual for the Addams daughter who has struggled with the act of hugging. Ortega has also suggested that Wednesday will look inward to examine why “her main drive with the monster was a kind of competitiveness.” Alongside these introspections, new dangers will lurk, and a central mystery will continue to place Nevermore Academy under threat.

Fortunately, Gomez Addams, played by Luis Guzman, will still be around to effortlessly drop nicknames for his “little storm cloud” daughter. This levity may help smooth over any awkwardness following the absence of Percy Hynes White, who Netflix dropped from the series after sexual assault allegations. Ortega has admitted that this change has resulted in “a weird redirect,” but believes the introduction of new characters will smooth the transition, especially in a world that “does feel slightly askew.”

Netflix dropped a handy teaser revealing returning cast members, including Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Luis Guzman. An unannounced family member is also set to make their debut, fueling speculation that it might be Cousin Itt. Fred Armisen’s name does not appear on the cast list, as he is busy with his Uncle Fester spin-off.

Steve Buscemi will take on the role of the new Nevermore Academy principal. Additionally, Billie Piper, Evie Templeton, Owen Painter, and Noah Taylor will make their series debuts. Guest stars include Heather Matarazzo, Joanna Lumley, Haley Joel Osment, Thandiwe Newton, and Frances O’Connor. Cast members falling off regular status include Percy Hynes White, Jamie McShane, and Naomi J Ogawa. It remains unconfirmed whether Uncle Fester will appear in this season of “Wednesday” given Armisen’s ongoing spin-off commitments.

Fans can look forward to “Wednesday” making her gloomy return in 2025, although no specific date has been announced. Netflix has compiled a special “thank you” video for the “misery,” including nods to Wednesday’s iconic dance moves and cosplayers.

Source: Vanity Fair, TotalFilm