Delightfully weird: Deepanjana Pal writes on Season 2 of Wednesday
In Season 1, she is sent to Nevermore Academy, where she makes friends with a siren and a werewolf, discovers she has inherited her mother's psychic abilities, falls for one hell of a bad boy, and finishes her first novel.
Things are different in Season 2. From being a problem child, Wednesday is now Nevermore's star student, with teachers and students fawning over her. Morticia Addams (Catherine Zeta-Jones) has moved into a cottage on the school campus, determined to be there for her daughter as she grapples with her newfound psychic abilities. Wednesday's werewolf bestie Enid (Emma Myers) is both in a love triangle, and possibly a pawn in a mind game, led by a mysterious villain with a murder of crows at his command.
Last season's villain, Tyler (Hunter Doohan), shackled and tamed by an electric collar, is now confined at an asylum, and significantly more chiselled (a detail underlined by a uniform that consists of a single item: a pair of low-hanging pyjamas).
With four episodes released and the other four only due on September 3, all we can do as we wait is speculate about what lies ahead. My money is on Tyler saving Wednesday in some way. (In my experience, no one who develops abs like his ends the season without a redemption arc.)
From the first half, however, two things are already clear. One: Burton's unmistakeable aesthetic has been shorn of its sinister edge. The world of Nevermore rarely feels eerie or dangerous. Two, his counter-conventional ideas of beauty have been converted into straight-out prettiness. Wednesday, the show and the character, are visually smoother and glossier. There is almost no ugliness or even awkwardness left in the characters. It is odd to see Burton's imagination get this sort of glow-up.
On the plus side, having already been renewed for a third season, Team Wednesday has been able to commit to the long game in terms of the storytelling. Subplots and supporting characters have received their due time and attention. Thing (Victor Dorobantu), for instance, has been elevated to second-lead status. The siren Bianca (Joy Sunday) has more time in the spotlight. The prickly relationship between adolescent and mother has become almost as important as the murder mystery at the heart of the plot.
One of the highlights of Season 2 so far has been a Morticia-Wednesday duel that actualises their inability to see each other's points of view. In a poetic and chilling contest, blindfolded, each tries to shatter the other's glass heart lapel pin (with unexpected results).
All this enriches Wednesday the show while requiring Wednesday the character to take a step back, making the latter feel deliberately one-note. The changes are not in her, but around her.
Still, Ortega and Wednesday stand apart from most other teen heroines in contemporary pop culture. Even with blunted edges, Ortega's on-screen charisma shines through. With her savage wit and determination to be gloomy at all costs, Wednesday is fiercely non-conforming. At a time when social media threatens to flatten the youth into a monoculture, this unapologetically weird girl is a symbol of defiance. Let's hope the remaining episodes pit her against a villain worthy of her brilliance.
(To reach Deepanjana Pal with feedback, write to @dpanjana on Instagram)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Discover the net worth of 'Wednesday Season 2' cast: Who's the richest, Jenna Ortega, Catherina Zeta-Jones or...?
The gothic drama, 'Wednesday,' has taken over the playlists, social media, and gossip sessions with the highly anticipated Season 2 – and the fans can't get enough of it. While the cast members played their same characters this season as well, their net worths have a stark difference. Here's a closer look at the net worth of the 'Wednesday' star cast, with one person holding the crown of being the richest – and it's not Jenna Ortega . Hunter Doohan (Tyler Gaplin) From being a boy-next-door barista to a sinister monster, Hunter Doohan copiously played the role of Tyler Gaplin in 'Wednesday.' He earned his way up by working in numerous short films and minor roles in television roles such as 'What If' and 'Westworld.' Taking a significant leap, the 31-year-old recently joined Marvel for the 'Daredevil: Born Again' series, and worked in prominent dramas such as 'Truth Be Told' and 'Your Honor.' Holding an estimated net worth of USD 400,000, Doohan created a stunning impact in 'Wednesday Season 2,' according to The Richest. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It? Memory Health Click Here Undo Jenna Ortega (Wednesday Addams) The modern Wednesday Addams screams ancestral trauma and goth, and Jenna Ortega played the titular role quite commendably. She gained recognition by playing minor characters in 'Jane the Virgin' and 'You.' After her breakout in season 1, the 22-year-old played the lead roles in feature films, including 'Miller's Girl,' 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,' and 'Hurry Up Tomorrow.' Holding an estimated net worth of USD 5 million, Ortega's character brought the horror back to Nevermore Academy. Billie Piper (Isadora Capri) Billie Piper brought Isadora Capri to life with her successful music career and talented artistic instincts. Playing the role of the school's new Head of Music, she added just the drama needed in the supernatural series. The 42-year-old rose to fame after her role in 'Doctor Who,' leading to even more success as the lead role in 'I Hate Suzie' and 'Penny Dreadful.' Holding an estimated net worth of USD 12 million, Piper helmed her dual expertise to triumph. Luiz Guzman (Gomez Addams) Luiz Guzman, playing the iconic role of Gomez Addams, returned to 'Wednesday Season 2' with an even darker narrative and challenging devotion. He has been in the industry for four decades, achieving a new peak of success with each project. The 68-year-old's prominent and memorable showbiz includes 'Narcos,' 'Code Black,' 'Out of Sight,' and many more. Holding an estimated net worth of USD 13 million, Guzman gave a new form of yearning in the new season. Steve Buscemi (Barry Dot) The new principal, Barry Dot, played by none other than Steve Buscemi, added all the deserving twists and energy in 'Wednesday.' He is renowned for playing characters with unprecedented future and actions throughout the course. After being in the entertainment industry for four decades, the 67-year-old went from being a firefighter to a full-time actor. Buscemi earned recognition after his role in 'Reservoir Dogs,' leading to further success in feature films, including 'The Death of Stalin,' 'Fargo,' 'Ghost World,' and many more. Holding an estimated net worth of USD 35 million, Buscemi brought a certain new light to the darker mix in the new season. Catherine Zeta-Jones (Morticia Addams) Catherine Zeta-Jones, in the stunning attire of Morticia Addams, casually turned dread into a romantic emotion. The actress is renowned for turning people's heads in the industry, and she continues to do so with her innate charm. The 55-year-old's significant projects include 'No Reservations,' 'Ocean's Twelve,' 'The Terminal,' and many more. Holding the crown of being the richest cast member, Catherine Zeta-Jones has an estimated net worth of USD 150 million. 'Wednesday Season 2: Part 1' was released on August 2, 2025, on Netflix, and the defining two episodes under 'Part 2' would be released on September 3, 2025.
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Not Jenna Ortega: This ‘Wednesday' Season 2 star is the richest with a $150 million net worth
Netflix's gothic phenomenon, Wednesday, has returned with its second season, blending mystery, macabre humor, and supernatural intrigue under Tim Burton's creative vision. While Jenna Ortega's darkly magnetic performance as Wednesday Addams remains at the heart of the series, the expanded cast brings both fresh faces and veteran stars to the Nevermore Academy. Fans can catch all the latest episodes of Wednesday season 2 on Netflix. Off-screen, however, the cast members' fortunes differ dramatically with one actor holding the title of the richest in the ensemble. Jenna Ortega Jenna Ortega reprises her breakout role as Wednesday, the sharp-witted psychic sleuth navigating fresh mysteries at Nevermore Academy. The 20-year-old's global recognition from Wednesday has boosted her net worth to an estimated $5 million: a strong figure for her age, though far from the highest among her castmates, The Richest reported. Hunter Doohan Hunter Doohan, who portrays Tyler Galpin, a charming barista turned Hyde monster, holds an estimated net worth of $400,000. Doohan's career spanning indie film to TV appearances including a role in Marvel's Daredevil: Born Again has helped him generate wealth in recent times. Billie Piper Somehow able to bridge the very distinguished dual legacy of esteemed actor and once-at-the-peak of teen pop stardom with Season Two as Isadora Capri, Head of Music at Nevermore, Billie Piper culminates her versatility. With estimated earnings of $12 million, a third of which she took home as royalties, Billie Piper has, over two decades, successfully made a name for herself in the television arena, with titles such as Doctor Who, Penny Dreadful, and I Hate Suzie. Also Read: Wednesday Season 2: When will we see Lady Gaga in the show? Rosaline Rotwood character explained Luis Guzmán Luis Guzmán returns to play the charming yet mysterious Gomez Addams. His career spans over 40 years, and some box-office hits like Traffic, Boogie Nights, and Narcos have set expectations on a $13-million scale for him. He is firmly established in Hollywood as a veteran respected for his supporting roles. Steve Buscemi Debuting as Barry Dort, Nevermore's new pyro-kinetic principal, is legendary Steve Buscemi. His name draws heavy acclaim from decades of work, among which include Reservoir Dogs, Boardwalk Empire, and Fargo. His long career has amassed an estimated $35 million, placing him among the wealthiest stars in the cast. Also Read: Wednesday Season 2 Part 2 trailer: Gwendoline Christie's Principal Weems returns as 'spirit guide' to Jenna Ortega Catherine Zeta-Jones At the very top stands Catherine Zeta-Jones, who returns as the elegant yet ominous Morticia Addams. With an Academy Award, blockbuster roles in Chicago and Traffic, and lucrative endorsements, Zeta-Jones boasts an estimated $150 million net worth. Her decades of Hollywood stardom and global recognition make her the undisputed wealthiest member of the Wednesday cast, the Richest report states. FAQs Q1: Who is the richest cast member of Wednesday Season 2? Catherine Zeta-Jones has an estimated net worth of $150 million making her the wealthiest Q2: How much is Jenna Ortega's net worth? She has an estimated net worth of $5 million, fueled by her breakout success in Wednesday and horror films. Q3: What is Steve Buscemi's net worth? Buscemi has a net worth of about $35 million from his decades-long career in film and television. Q4: Who is the least wealthy among the main cast? Hunter Doohan, with an estimated $400,000 net worth, though his career is on the rise.
News18
19 hours ago
- News18
Sophie Turner Says Kissing Her Game of Thrones Co-star Kit Harington Was ‘Worst' Moment
Sophie Turner revealed that it was extremely uncomfortable when she and Kit Harington had to shoot their first kissing scenes in The Dreadful. Sophie Turner and Kit Harington, who played siblings on Game of Thrones, are reuniting in director Natasha Kermani's upcoming gothic horror film The Dreadful. Turner admitted that when she first shared the script with Kit, she didn't read it properly. Later, when Kit pointed out that the story involved multiple romantic and intimate scenes between their characters. This came as a shock for Sophie, because both consider each other as siblings. However, they agreed to continue with the project, but Sophie revealed that it was extremely uncomfortable when they had to shoot their first kissing scenes. She described the moment as one of the most difficult experiences of her career. While appearing on Late Night With Seth Meyers, the actress recalled, 'I just got this script for this amazing Gothic horror called The Dreadful. I was reading through all the characters and I'm producing it. So the director was asking me, 'Who do you think?' And immediately the first person I thought of was Kit. So I sent the script to Kit and he kind of sent me a message back going like, 'Yeah, I'd love to, but this is going to be really weird.' I was like, 'what is he talking about?' Then I was reading it and I'm like, 'kiss, kiss, sex, kiss, sex.' I'm like, 'Oh, shoot, that's my brother'." 'It's such a good script that he was like we kind of have to do it. So then we put it out our minds and then we get on set and it's the first kissing scene and we are both retching. Like, really, it is vile. It was the worst. Another really bad moment in my career," Sophie Turner added. When host Seth Meyers asked Turner if the experience was worse than dealing with cockroaches, she agreed. The host appreciated her straightforward answer, while the actress explained, 'I had to be. I have to be honest. It was bad." Sophie Turner and Kit Harington played Sansa Stark and Jon Snow, respectively, in Game of Thrones. The show, which is based on George RR Martin's book, A Song Of Ice And Fire, ran for eight seasons from 2011 to 2019. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
