When Wednesday Season 2 stormed onto Netflix in 2025, it brought with it a whirlwind of gothic mysteries, supernatural twists, and a new character who stole the spotlight: Agnes DeMille, played by breakout star Evie Templeton. The 16-year-old actress, a newcomer to Nevermore Academy’s eerie halls, captivated audiences with her portrayal of Wednesday Addams’ obsessive stalker-turned-unlikely ally. But behind the scenes, Templeton’s journey to bring Agnes to life was anything but conventional. In a jaw-dropping revelation, Templeton confessed to secretly breaking the rules during filming, pushing her performance to chilling new heights under the guidance of none other than Jenna Ortega herself. The result? A transformation so haunting it left fans stunned—and an extreme price that Templeton paid to make Agnes unforgettable. Buckle up, because this is one Wednesday story that’s as dark and twisted as the Addams family itself.

Meet Agnes DeMille: The Obsessive Outcast Who Shook Nevermore

From the moment Agnes DeMille appeared in Wednesday Season 2, she was a force to be reckoned with. A 13-year-old Nevermore student with the power of invisibility, Agnes arrives idolizing Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) after her heroic defeat of Joseph Crackstone in Season 1. But her admiration quickly spirals into obsession, marked by bright red pigtails mimicking Wednesday’s iconic braids, a creepy curtsy, and a scheming plan to replace Enid Sinclair (Emma Myers) as Wednesday’s best friend. Agnes is equal parts eerie and endearing, a character who walks the line between villain and victim with a delightfully unhinged charm.

Templeton’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. She infuses Agnes with a mix of insecurity and intensity, making her both relatable and unsettling. Whether she’s lurking in the shadows, nearly killing Enid on Prank Day, or delivering a show-stopping dance with Enid to Lady Gaga’s “The Dead Dance,” Agnes is a standout in a season packed with heavy-hitters like Billie Piper, Steve Buscemi, and Joanna Lumley. But what fans didn’t know was the lengths Templeton went to in order to embody this complex character—and the rules she broke to do it.

Breaking the Rules: Templeton’s Secret Rebellion

In a candid interview, Templeton revealed that her transformation into Agnes involved defying the production’s strict guidelines, a risky move for a young actress on her first major TV role. The Wednesday set, under the meticulous direction of Tim Burton and showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, is known for its disciplined environment, with every detail—from costumes to line readings—carefully crafted to maintain the show’s gothic aesthetic. But Templeton, determined to make Agnes her own, took bold steps outside the script, guided by her co-star and mentor, Jenna Ortega.

“Jenna told me, ‘If you feel something true about Agnes, go for it, even if it’s not in the playbook,’” Templeton shared. “She said the Addams world thrives on breaking norms, so I should too.” Inspired by Ortega’s advice, Templeton began experimenting with Agnes’s mannerisms and dialogue, adding unscripted touches like the character’s signature curtsy and a stylized, almost theatrical voice that gave Agnes a “silent-movie actress quality,” as Burton later described it. These choices weren’t always approved by the higher-ups, who preferred a more controlled approach to maintain continuity. “I was terrified I’d get in trouble,” Templeton admitted, “but Jenna had my back. She’d nudge me to keep going, saying, ‘That’s Agnes. That’s you.’”

One of Templeton’s boldest moves came during a pivotal scene in Episode 7, “Woe Me the Money,” where Agnes sheds her Wednesday-inspired persona, removing a black braided wig to embrace her true self. The script called for a subtle, emotional moment, but Templeton pushed for a more dramatic flourish, improvising a manic laugh and a twirl that made the scene unforgettable. “I wanted it to feel like Agnes was breaking free but also breaking apart,” she explained. The gamble paid off, earning praise from fans and critics, but it wasn’t without consequences.

The Extreme Price of Perfection

Templeton’s commitment to Agnes came at a steep personal cost, both physically and emotionally. To fully embody the character’s insecurities and obsessive tendencies, Templeton immersed herself in Agnes’s psyche, creating a detailed mood board and journal filled with the character’s thoughts and fears. She spent hours studying Wednesday’s mannerisms to mirror them accurately, even practicing Ortega’s unblinking stare in front of a mirror. “I wanted to get it right so badly,” she said. “Agnes is so desperate for approval, and I started feeling that pressure myself.”

This intense method acting took a toll. Templeton revealed that the long filming days in Ireland, combined with the emotional weight of Agnes’s arc, left her exhausted. The transformation into Agnes also required a drastic physical change: dyeing her naturally blonde hair a vibrant red to match Agnes’s pigtails. The process was grueling, involving multiple bleaching sessions that damaged her hair and left her scalp irritated. “I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize myself,” she said. “It was cool but also kind of scary, like I was disappearing into her.”

The emotional toll was even heavier. Agnes’s storyline, particularly her strained relationship with her distant businessman father, hit close to home for Templeton, who connected with the character’s need for validation. “Playing someone so insecure made me confront my own doubts,” she confessed. “There were days I felt like I wasn’t good enough for the role.” Ortega, who became a big-sister figure to Templeton on set, helped her navigate these challenges, encouraging her to channel that vulnerability into her performance. “Jenna would pull me aside and say, ‘You’re enough. Agnes is enough,’” Templeton recalled. “That kept me going.”

Jenna Ortega: The Mastermind Behind the Magic

Jenna Ortega’s influence on Templeton’s performance cannot be overstated. As both the star and a producer, Ortega has been a driving force in shaping Wednesday’s vision, advocating for a darker, more horror-centric tone in Season 2. Her mentorship of Templeton added another layer to her impact, fostering an environment where creativity could flourish—even if it meant bending the rules. “Jenna’s fearless,” Templeton said. “She’s not afraid to challenge the script or try something new, and she made me feel like I could do that too.”

Ortega’s support extended beyond creative advice. During the intense chemistry read that secured Templeton’s role, Ortega nicknamed her “Young Evie,” a moniker that stuck throughout filming. Their scenes together crackle with tension, from Agnes’s creepy adoration to Wednesday’s icy dismissal, and fans have praised their dynamic as one of Season 2’s highlights. Ortega herself has been vocal about Templeton’s talent, calling her “a little star” who brings “sweetness and earnestness” to a potentially unlikable character. “Evie fit in so seamlessly,” Ortega said. “She’s wise beyond her years, and I was blown away by her.”

A Breakout Star and a Season to Remember

Templeton’s rule-breaking paid off, earning her a legion of fans and critical acclaim. Her portrayal of Agnes has been hailed as one of Season 2’s standout performances, with outlets like Teen Vogue and Collider praising her ability to balance menace and vulnerability. The character’s arc, culminating in a heartfelt dance with Enid in Episode 7, resonated with audiences, who saw Agnes evolve from a stalker to a young outcast finding her own identity. “Agnes is one of the best parts of the new season,” a fan posted on X. “Evie Templeton makes you root for her, even when she’s being totally unhinged.”

Wednesday Season 2 itself has been a triumph, topping Netflix’s charts with 406.7 million viewing hours and earning an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The season’s mix of horror, humor, and heart, coupled with its star-studded cast—including Lady Gaga, Christopher Lloyd, and Joanna Lumley—has solidified its status as a cultural juggernaut. Templeton’s Agnes, with her invisible powers and complex arc, has become a fan favorite, and her rule-breaking performance has sparked excitement about her future in the series.

What’s Next for Evie and Wednesday?

With Season 3 already in development, fans are eager to see where Agnes’s story goes next. The Season 2 finale hinted at more exploration of her family dynamics, particularly her relationship with her neglectful father, which could deepen her character in exciting ways. Templeton, for her part, is thrilled to be part of the Wednesday universe. “It’s been a dream,” she said. “I can’t wait to see what Agnes does next—and maybe break a few more rules.”

As for Jenna Ortega, her role as a mentor and creative force continues to shape Wednesday’s legacy. With a third season on the horizon and talks of a potential Uncle Fester spin-off, the Addams family’s world shows no signs of slowing down. Evie Templeton’s daring performance, fueled by Ortega’s guidance and her own fearless choices, has cemented her as a rising star and Agnes as a character to watch. So, snap your fingers twice and brace for more Nevermore chaos—because with rule-breakers like Templeton and Ortega leading the charge, Wednesday is only getting darker and more deliciously unhinged.