The gothic sensation Wednesday has wrapped filming for its second season, promising another spellbinding installment of supernatural intrigue, biting humor, and the quirky antics of Nevermore Academy’s most infamous student. With Jenna Ortega reprising her acclaimed role as Wednesday Addams, fans are eager to dive back into the darkly whimsical world that captivated millions in its debut season. However, season two comes with a shake-up: two prominent characters will not return to the fold.
Two Familiar Faces Depart
Among the key changes for Wednesday season two is the absence of Xavier Thorpe, portrayed by Percy Hynes White. Xavier played a pivotal role in the first season, serving as a potential romantic interest for Wednesday while navigating his own supernatural complexities. With Tyler Galpin unmasked as the Hyde in season one’s dramatic conclusion, many viewers expected Xavier’s story to deepen in the sophomore season. Instead, the character will be written out, marking a significant shift in the show’s narrative.
White’s departure follows allegations of sexual misconduct that surfaced on social media. Though the actor vehemently denied the claims, calling them “a campaign of misinformation,” he confirmed his exit through an Instagram Stories post. Netflix has remained silent on whether the allegations influenced his departure, but his absence will undoubtedly reshape the dynamic at Nevermore Academy.
Another character exiting the series is Yoko Tanaka, played by Naomi J. Ogawa. A vampire and member of the Nightshade Society, Yoko’s role in the first season added depth to Nevermore’s supernatural student body. Ogawa announced her decision to step away via social media, citing scheduling uncertainties and a lack of substantial development for her character. Despite her smaller role, Yoko’s departure leaves a gap that fans had hoped would be filled with further exploration of her intriguing backstory.
New Energy, New Mysteries
While the departure of Xavier and Yoko might leave some fans disappointed, Wednesday season two will welcome an array of fresh faces to its eclectic ensemble. Joining the cast are Steve Buscemi, Billie Piper, Noah Taylor, and Evie Templeton, promising to infuse Nevermore Academy with new energy and challenges.
Returning favorites such as Emma Myers (Enid Sinclair), Joy Sunday (Bianca Barclay), and Moosa Mostafa (Eugene) will continue their adventures alongside Ortega’s Wednesday. The showrunners, Al Gough and Miles Millar, have assured fans that these changes are an opportunity to expand the series’ narrative horizons.
“We’ve leaned into the unexpected this season,” Gough explained in a recent interview. “While it’s always difficult to say goodbye to characters, it’s opened doors to explore new dynamics and mysteries.”
Behind the Scenes: A Darker Chapter Ahead
Production for Wednesday season two took place in Ireland, and Netflix released a behind-the-scenes teaser earlier this year. The brief clip showcased Ortega in character, brandishing a knife and inviting viewers to “play dolls” in true Addams fashion.
The show’s creators have teased a darker, more complex journey for Wednesday as she navigates family drama, evolving friendships, and new enemies. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán return as Morticia and Gomez Addams, while Isaac Ordonez reprises his role as Pugsley. The legendary Christopher Lloyd, known for playing Uncle Fester in the Addams Family films of the 1990s, will make a special appearance, while Fred Armisen’s Fester will also return in a guest capacity.
One of the most buzzworthy additions to the season is a rumored cameo by Lady Gaga. The pop icon became synonymous with the series after her song “Bloody Mary” inspired the viral TikTok dance trend tied to Wednesday’s iconic moves.
A Cultural Phenomenon Continues
Since its premiere in late 2022, Wednesday has become a cultural juggernaut, with Ortega’s portrayal of the macabre teen cementing her as one of Netflix’s most bankable stars. The first season’s blend of supernatural mystery, deadpan humor, and heartwarming moments struck a chord with audiences, leading to its meteoric rise in popularity.
As the second season approaches, fans are eager to see how the series evolves. The loss of Xavier and Yoko will undoubtedly shift the tone, but with a slate of new characters and tantalizing mysteries, Nevermore Academy’s next chapter promises to be just as spellbinding as the first.
While Netflix has yet to announce an official release date, Wednesday season two is expected to drop in 2025. Until then, fans can only speculate about the twists, turns, and macabre delights awaiting them in this highly anticipated continuation of the Addams family saga.
