Jenna Ortega returns as 'Wednesday' in season 2, talks character growth and female empowerment

Actress Jenna Ortega and the creators of the hit Netflix series "Wednesday" are gearing up to exceed expectations as the show returns after nearly three years. The first season, which premiered in November 2022, became Netflix's most popular English-language show, amassing over 252 million views in its first 91 days.

Ortega, now 22, not only reprises her role as the titular character but also takes on executive producer duties for the new season. Filmmaker Tim Burton returns as one of the directors and executive producers, ensuring the creative vision remains intact.

“I've always been very protective of the character. I just want to make sure that we're always doing her justice,” Ortega stated. She acknowledged the challenges of developing Wednesday's character further, expressing confidence in the creative team and Burton's guidance.

In the second season, Wednesday returns to Nevermore Academy as a celebrated hero, much to her dismay. She delves into new supernatural mysteries while grappling with glitches in her psychic powers. Additionally, her family becomes a presence on campus, with her younger brother Pugsley starting his studies at Nevermore.

Co-creators and showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar aim to explore mother-daughter dynamics by introducing Morticia, Wednesday’s mother, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones. Millar noted, “We thought, wouldn't that be, for Wednesday, the ultimate thorn in her side if Morticia came to school.” Zeta-Jones teased that the interactions between Morticia and Wednesday will feature “a dance and a play of emotions.”

Ortega highlighted the season's focus on female relationships, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie among women. “What I love about the women I am working with... every woman in this show wants to see the other succeed,” she remarked, recognizing the positive influence this portrayal can have on young audiences.

The new season also introduces fresh characters, including Steve Buscemi as the Nevermore principal, Barry Dort, and Joanna Lumley as the Addams family matriarch, Grandmama Hester Frump. Additionally, pop star Lady Gaga will make a guest appearance as a teacher in Part 2.

"Wednesday" has already been renewed for a third season, with Gough and Millar actively working on future storylines and potential spinoffs. Millar expressed enthusiasm for expanding the show's universe, stating, “We have goalposts for other things. There could be spinoffs, there could be other iterations of the show. It's such a big world.”

The second season will be released in two four-episode installments, with Part One debuting on August 6 and Part Two on September 3. Fans eagerly await the continuation of Wednesday's darkly comedic journey.