Introduction to Wednesday Season 2
Jenna Ortega has just finished a long day on set in London for an upcoming project when she gets on the phone to speak with me from a moving car — not an uncommon occurrence for an in-demand star. Despite the whirlwind nature of the last few hours, the gracious 22-year-old actor sounds genuinely invested when answering questions with a respectful straightforwardness.
The Rise of Jenna Ortega
In addition to Ortega’s multiple big-screen titles out this year, “Wednesday” — the Tim Burton-helmed show that propelled her from rising talent to Hollywood “it girl” — returns for the first part of its second season on Aug. 6 after a three-year pause. And while this latest chapter in the story of the Addams Family and their morbidly brilliant daughter Wednesday sees her grappling with newfound, unwanted fame after saving Nevermore, the school for outcasts, Ortega doesn’t like to dwell on the pitfalls of celebrity, unlike her character.
Dealing with Fame
“Oh, I don’t really think about it too much. I used to, but I don’t really see a point anymore. It is what it is,” Ortega says politely when I ask how she deals with the increased popularity the series has brought her. “Maybe that was the writers’ intention, to be slightly meta.”
The First Season’s Success
The first season of “Wednesday” became Netflix’s most-watched show when it was released in 2022 and soon inspired a viral social media trend around Ortega’s dance moves to the Cramps’ “Goo Goo Muck.” Her character’s wit, confidence and modern goth style made Ortega an instant hit with viewers. She captured Wednesday’s essence with such biting precision that her performance now feels inextricable from the role.
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán’s Return
Also back for the wonderful weirdness of “Wednesday” are Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán, the veteran performers who play the heroine’s parents Morticia and Gomez Addams. This season features their characters more prominently, much to their delight. “Me and Luis were like, ‘Can we do any more?’” says Zeta-Jones on a video call from Spain about their roles in the first season.
Playing the Addams Family
Guzmán describes the new episodes as a continuation of the ethos of inclusion established in the first season, a quality that has helped the Addams Family endure across generations. “Our show shows people that it’s OK to be who you are no matter what,” he says during an interview inside a trailer at the Forum before taking the stage for Netflix’s Tudum event in May. “It’s not about fitting in — it’s just about living your life, and it’s OK to be how you are. Weird might not be the best word, but in our case, weird is beautiful.”
The Actors’ Experiences
Zeta-Jones believes sometimes great success at a young age is bestowed on individuals who are not equipped to deal with it no matter how many mentors they have on their side. Ortega, she thinks, represents the antithesis and is effusive about her work. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving or more prepared for what has happened to her in such a short space of time, because she’s the real deal,” says Zeta-Jones about Ortega.
Lessons Learned
For his part, Guzmán says the key to professional longevity is humility. With a resume as eclectic and consistent as his, he must be on to something. “Carlito’s Way,” “Boogie Nights” and “Punch-Drunk Love” feature some of his most memorable parts. And for his role in Soderbergh’s 1999 crime saga “The Limey,” Guzmán received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for best supporting male.
Jenna Ortega’s Inspiration
Whatever self-possession Ortega thinks she may have lacked, Wednesday has it in spades. But does she hope that her performance, and the way she handles her professional life, could inspire young viewers? Perhaps even spark an interest in acting just like watching Dakota Fanning in “Man on Fire” did for her at a young age? “It’s really hard for me to think about myself in that sense, but with a character like Wednesday, I do think she’s a good role model for girls, considering her strength and courage and confidence in herself,” Ortega says.
Conclusion
As the second season of “Wednesday” approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the return of their favorite characters. With Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Luis Guzmán at the helm, the show is sure to deliver more of the same dark humor and quirky charm that made it a hit in the first place. As Ortega continues to navigate the ups and downs of fame, she remains committed to her craft and dedicated to bringing Wednesday to life in a way that inspires and delights audiences.
FAQs
Q: When does the second season of “Wednesday” premiere?
A: The second season of “Wednesday” premieres on August 6.
Q: Who plays the roles of Morticia and Gomez Addams in the show?
A: Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán play the roles of Morticia and Gomez Addams.
Q: What is the premise of the second season of “Wednesday”?
A: The second season of “Wednesday” sees Wednesday grappling with newfound, unwanted fame after saving Nevermore, the school for outcasts.
Q: Has Jenna Ortega worked with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán before?
A: Yes, Jenna Ortega has worked with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán on the first season of “Wednesday” and on an upcoming project called “The Gallerist.”
