On July 31, 2025, Paris was steeped in gothic allure as Jenna Ortega, the star of Netflix’s smash-hit series Wednesday, graced the purple carpet for the Season 2 premiere at Le Beach Club de Mercredi. Channeling her iconic character, Wednesday Addams, Ortega delivered a masterclass in method dressing, captivating fans and fashion critics alike with a hauntingly elegant look. As anticipation builds for the release of Wednesday Season 2, Part 1 on August 6, 2025, and Part 2 on September 3, 2025, the Paris event marked a pivotal moment in the show’s global press tour, blending high fashion, star power, and the eerie charm of the Addams Family universe. Here’s a deep dive into the premiere, Ortega’s show-stopping style, the buzz surrounding Season 2, and what fans can expect from the return to Nevermore Academy.

A Gothic Fantasy on the Seine

Jenna Ortega’s appearance at the Paris premiere was nothing short of spellbinding. Stepping out at Le Beach Club de Mercredi—a pop-up space designed to immerse fans in the show’s eerie aesthetic—she wore a floor-length, mauve Vivienne Westwood gown from the Andreas Kronthaler Fall 2025 collection. The dress, with its plunging ruffled neckline, sheer corset panel, and high slit, was a perfect blend of Victoriana drama and Westwood’s rebellious edge. Cinched with a dark belt, the gown accentuated Ortega’s petite frame, while towering brown platform heels and a large cross necklace by Loree Rodkin added a gothic flourish that screamed Wednesday Addams. Her makeup, featuring bleached eyebrows, smudged eyeliner, and a deep burgundy lip, completed the undead-chic vibe, making her look like she’d stepped straight out of Nevermore Academy.

Styled by her longtime collaborator Enrique Melendez, Ortega’s Paris look was one of several standout moments on the Wednesday Season 2 press tour. Earlier that day, she donned a daring beige frock from Elena Velez’s Fall 2025 “Leech” collection, adorned with wet-look hair appliqué that gave the impression of a drowned muse emerging from the Seine. The foggy Parisian skyline and rusted boat backdrop enhanced the cinematic, Tim Burton-esque quality of the ensemble, cementing Ortega’s status as Hollywood’s reigning goth queen.

A Star-Studded Affair

The Paris premiere wasn’t just about Ortega’s fashion triumph—it was a celebration of the Wednesday cast and creative team. Joining her were co-stars Catherine Zeta-Jones (Morticia Addams), Luis Guzmán (Gomez Addams), Emma Myers (Enid Sinclair), Joy Sunday (Bianca Barclay), Isaac Ordonez (Pugsley Addams), and newcomers like Billie Piper (Isadora Capri, Nevermore’s head of music) and Joanna Lumley. Director Tim Burton, along with show creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, also attended, adding to the event’s star power. Even Thing, the Addams Family’s iconic disembodied hand, made a cheeky appearance, delighting fans.

Catherine Zeta-Jones turned heads in a sleek, backless gown with a keyhole cutout, embodying Morticia’s timeless elegance, while Billie Piper brought gothic sophistication in a laced plunging dress. The purple carpet buzzed with excitement, with fans and media capturing every moment of the cast’s arrival. Ortega’s parents, Natalie and Edward, were also present, adding a heartwarming touch to the glamorous affair.

Wednesday Season 2: What’s in Store?

The premiere comes on the heels of Wednesday’s record-breaking first season, which became Netflix’s most-watched English-language series in 2022, amassing millions of views in its debut week. Season 2 promises to dial up the stakes, with Wednesday Addams (Ortega) returning to Nevermore Academy to face “fresh foes and woes.” The official synopsis hints at a darker, more complex mystery, with Wednesday navigating her newfound popularity after saving Nevermore from a Hyde in Season 1. A trailer moment where a student asks for her autograph—met with her deadpan reply, “I only sign my name in blood”—suggests she’s as sharp and sardonic as ever.

New characters, including Steve Buscemi as Barry Dort, Nevermore’s new principal, and Christopher Lloyd as Professor Orloff, add intrigue to the season. Lloyd’s casting, a nod to his iconic role as Uncle Fester in the 1990s Addams Family films, has fans buzzing about potential callbacks to the franchise’s legacy. Billie Piper’s Isadora Capri and Joanna Lumley’s yet-to-be-revealed role promise fresh dynamics at Nevermore, while returning cast members like Emma Myers, Joy Sunday, and Hunter Doohan (Tyler Galpin) ensure continuity. Catherine Zeta-Jones teased a more “vulnerable” Morticia, whose love story with Gomez (Guzmán) will take center stage, offering fans a deeper look at the Addams family’s emotional core.

The season is split into two parts, with Part 1 (episodes 1–4) dropping on August 6, 2025, and Part 2 arriving on September 3, 2025. Netflix has also confirmed a third season and is exploring spin-off possibilities, with co-creator Alfred Gough noting, “There’s a lot to explore in the Addams Family.” The show’s Emmy-winning costume design, which earned a Costume Designers Guild Award in 2022, will continue to dazzle, with Season 2 leaning into Nevermore’s gothic aesthetic while introducing new visual elements.

Ortega’s Fashion Reign and Press Tour Highlights

Ortega’s Paris appearance was part of a whirlwind press tour that showcased her evolving gothic style. At the London premiere on July 30, 2025, she turned heads in a sheer, snakeskin-inspired latex gown from Ashi Studio’s Fall 2025 couture collection, complete with a jagged hem and lace-up back. The dress, described as “molting snakeskin,” was a bold departure from Wednesday’s schoolgirl aesthetic, blending reptilian edge with high fashion. Earlier in London, she wore a sculptural Givenchy look by Sarah Burton, featuring a leather bullet bra and exaggerated sleeves, and a champagne-hued archival DKNY gown from 2004, proving her versatility.

In New York City on August 5, 2025, Ortega attended a fan screening at the Paris Theater in a jet-black Ann Demeulemeester gown, combining satin and leather with bat-wing-like strips, paired with Miista’s lace-up, knee-high boots. Her sleek suiting from Willy Chavarria’s Spring 2026 menswear collection and a distressed Elena Velez corset dress earlier that day further solidified her as a fashion risk-taker. “I definitely feel like I have a bit more gothic taste than I did when I was a teenager,” Ortega told Harper’s Bazaar, reflecting on her shift from Disney kid to gothic icon. Her stylist, Enrique Melendez, has been praised for crafting a wardrobe that honors Wednesday’s aesthetic while pushing boundaries.

Fan Reactions and Controversy

The Paris premiere wasn’t without its hiccups. A viral video from the London premiere showed Ortega appearing annoyed when a fan shouted her name, sparking debate on social media. Some criticized her reaction, with X users calling it “ungrateful” and part of the job, while others defended her, arguing that screaming in her face was invasive. “She’s p***** off and rightfully so,” one user wrote, highlighting the pressures of fame. Ortega, who has spoken candidly about the overwhelming response to Season 1, told the BBC, “I wasn’t [prepared for the fame]. I don’t think that should ever be a normal sort of experience.” Despite the controversy, her dedication to fans was evident as she signed autographs and posed for photos, balancing her intense schedule with grace.

Why Wednesday Season 2 Will Keep You Hooked

Wednesday Season 2 is poised to build on the first season’s success, blending Tim Burton’s signature gothic whimsy with a darker, more mature narrative. The addition of guest stars like Lady Gaga, whose role remains a closely guarded secret, has fueled speculation about a show-stopping cameo. Posts on X from Netflix have teased the season with cryptic emojis and behind-the-scenes glimpses, amplifying excitement. Fans are particularly eager to see how Wednesday’s psychic powers evolve and whether her rivalry with Enid or her complex relationship with Tyler will take new turns.

The Paris premiere, with its immersive Le Beach Club de Mercredi, offered fans a taste of Nevermore’s world, complete with gothic decor and “gothy soft serve.” The event underscored Netflix’s commitment to making Wednesday a cultural phenomenon, with the pop-up running throughout August for fans to experience the show’s eerie ambiance. As one X user raved, “Jenna Ortega’s looks are serving, and Season 2 is gonna be unhinged!” The combination of high-stakes mysteries, new characters, and Ortega’s commanding presence ensures that Wednesday will remain a binge-worthy obsession.

Final Thoughts

Jenna Ortega’s appearance at the Wednesday Season 2 premiere in Paris was a triumph of style and star power, setting the tone for a season that promises to be darker, twistier, and more emotional than its predecessor. Her gothic-inspired looks, from Vivienne Westwood’s romantic corsetry to Elena Velez’s haunting designs, have solidified her as a fashion icon, while her performance as Wednesday Addams continues to captivate audiences. With a stellar cast, Tim Burton’s visionary direction, and a narrative that delves deeper into Nevermore’s secrets, Wednesday Season 2 is set to dominate Netflix when it drops on August 6, 2025. Whether you’re drawn to the fashion, the mystery, or the Addams Family legacy, this premiere marks the start of a thrilling new chapter that’s sure to keep you up at night.