The gothic halls of Nevermore Academy are set to reopen, and fans of Wednesday are buzzing with anticipation. Netflix has unveiled a chilling array of first looks for Wednesday Season 2, slated to premiere in two parts, with Part 1 debuting on August 6, 2025, and Part 2 following on September 3, 2025. Starring Jenna Ortega as the iconic Wednesday Addams, the series promises a darker, more twisted journey, building on the runaway success of its first season. From teaser trailers and behind-the-scenes glimpses to the first six minutes of the premiere episode, the new promotional materials have ignited excitement worldwide. With fresh cast members, deeper Addams Family lore, and a bone-chilling mystery, Wednesday Season 2 is poised to captivate audiences once again. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest reveals and what to expect when the show returns.

A Global Phenomenon Returns

When Wednesday premiered in November 2022, it took the world by storm, becoming Netflix’s most-watched English-language series with 252.1 million views and spending 20 weeks on the Global Top 10. The show, a modern spin on Charles Addams’ beloved Addams Family comics, followed Wednesday Addams as she navigated the supernatural world of Nevermore Academy, unraveling a monstrous conspiracy tied to her parents’ past. Jenna Ortega’s razor-sharp performance, paired with Tim Burton’s signature gothic aesthetic, earned the series 12 Emmy nominations, including a nod for Ortega as Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, and four wins.

Season 2 picks up where the first left off, with Wednesday returning to Nevermore for a new year filled with “fresh foes and woes.” Netflix’s promotional campaign has been relentless, offering fans a tantalizing taste of what’s to come. The first teaser trailer, released on April 23, 2025, set the tone with Wednesday unloading an arsenal of weapons at airport security, accompanied by a haunting rendition of “My Favorite Things.” A behind-the-scenes featurette, unveiled during Geeked Week 2024, showcased cast members teasing a “bigger and more twisted” season, while the first six minutes of the premiere episode, “Here We Woe Again,” premiered at Netflix’s Tudum 2025 event on May 31, 2025. These glimpses have only heightened the frenzy, promising a season that dials up the horror, humor, and heart.

The First Six Minutes: A Gloriously Unhinged Start

The opening six minutes of Wednesday Season 2, revealed at Tudum 2025, plunge viewers into a macabre scene that perfectly captures the show’s eerie charm. Wednesday is gagged and tied up in a serial killer’s basement, surrounded by creepy porcelain dolls at a tea party-style table. The sequence flashes back six weeks, showing Wednesday stealing an object from the Kansas City Scalper, a serial killer she idolized as a child, played by Haley Joel Osment. When she confronts him, his touch triggers a psychic vision, but this time, Wednesday cries black tears—a glitch in her powers that will haunt her throughout the season.

Showrunner Miles Millar explained, “Wednesday’s spent her summer vacation mastering her psychic ability, but something goes wrong, so she returns to Nevermore with her psychic ability glitching.” This twist sets the stage for a season where Wednesday, typically in control, grapples with vulnerability and unpredictability. The clip also includes a comedic airport scene, with Wednesday’s deadpan delivery as she unpacks her weapons, underscoring the show’s blend of dark humor and horror. Fans on X have called the opening “gloriously unhinged,” praising its bold tone and Ortega’s magnetic presence.

A Deeper Dive into the Addams Family

One of the most exciting promises of Season 2 is its expanded focus on the Addams Family. Showrunner Alfred Gough noted, “There really isn’t a lot of Addams Family lore, so we wanted to delve deeper into the family.” Catherine Zeta-Jones (Morticia), Luis Guzmán (Gomez), and Isaac Ordonez (Pugsley) have been promoted to series regulars, ensuring more screen time for Wednesday’s kooky kin. The teaser trailer hints at tension between Wednesday and Morticia, with Gomez remarking, “This is the first time you’ve ever willingly returned to a school. How does it feel?” This dynamic will explore their mother-daughter relationship, adding emotional depth to the series.

New family members also join the fray, including Joanna Lumley as Grandmama Addams, a role that has fans buzzing. Lumley, known for Absolutely Fabulous, described working with Tim Burton as “thrilling” and praised the “sensational” gothic world of Wednesday. Her casting was a top priority for Millar, who said, “Joanna Lumley fit right into the Nevermore world.” Fred Armisen returns as Uncle Fester, with a spinoff series in development, and Thing, the disembodied hand, remains a pivotal ensemble member. These additions promise to enrich the show’s family-centric narrative, blending humor with heartfelt moments.

A Star-Studded Cast and New Faces

Wednesday Season 2 boasts an impressive roster of returning and new cast members. Alongside Ortega, core cast members include Emma Myers (Enid), Joy Sunday (Bianca), Hunter Doohan (Tyler), and Victor Dorobantu (Thing). However, some familiar faces won’t return, including Percy Hynes White (Xavier), due to allegations against the actor, and Naomi J. Ogawa (Yoko), who cited scheduling conflicts. Gwendoline Christie’s Principal Weems is also unlikely to return after her character’s poisoning in Season 1, though the show’s supernatural elements leave room for surprises.

New series regulars include Steve Buscemi as Principal Barry Dort, an eccentric leader who champions outcast pride, and Billie Piper, Evie Templeton, Owen Painter, and Noah Taylor in undisclosed roles. Guest stars are a major draw, with Lady Gaga joining as Rosaline Rotwood, a “mysterious and enigmatic” Nevermore teacher who appears in Part 2. Other guest stars include Thandiwe Newton, Frances O’Connor, Heather Matarazzo, Joonas Suotamo, and Christopher Lloyd, who played Uncle Fester in the 1991 Addams Family film. The addition of Gaga, confirmed at Tudum 2025, has sparked particular excitement, with her performing at the event and incorporating Addams Family themes into her songs.

A Darker, More Horror-Driven Story

Season 2 leans heavily into horror, moving away from the lighthearted elements of Season 1, such as the controversial love triangle involving Wednesday, Xavier, and Tyler. Ortega, who is also a producer this season, told Variety in June 2023, “We’re ditching any romantic love interest for Wednesday, which is really great.” Instead, the show doubles down on suspense and supernatural mystery. Millar promised “horror movie-worthy moments,” with episodes inspired by slashers and classic horror references. Ortega teased that each episode feels like a standout, akin to Season 1’s viral dance scene, with one episode entirely based on slasher tropes.

The teaser trailer hints at new threats, including a serial killer obsessed with creepy dolls and killer bees, buried bodies, and a visit to Willowhill Psychiatric Hospital, where Tyler, now restrained after his Hyde reveal, may play a pivotal role. The official synopsis describes Wednesday navigating “family, friends, and old adversaries” while tackling a “bone-chilling supernatural mystery.” This darker tone aligns with Ortega’s vision to emphasize the show’s gothic roots, ensuring it doesn’t take itself too seriously despite its supernatural stakes.

Production and Fan Anticipation

Filming for Season 2 began in Ireland in May 2024, after logistical challenges prompted a move from Romania, where Season 1 was shot. Production wrapped on December 4, 2024, allowing Netflix to fast-track the release. The decision to split the eight-episode season into two parts mirrors Netflix’s strategy for buzzworthy shows like Bridgerton and Stranger Things, keeping audiences hooked over a month. The first episode, “Here We Woe Again,” written by Gough and Millar and directed by Burton, sets the stage for a season that promises to top Season 1’s mystery.

Fan anticipation is at a fever pitch. The show’s dedicated fandom, which propelled Season 1 to 182 million households, has flooded X with reactions to the new footage. Posts praise the “creepy and kooky” vibe, with one user noting, “Jenna Ortega is Wednesday—those first six minutes are everything!” The series’ cultural impact, from the viral Wednesday dance to its record-breaking viewership, has made it a cornerstone of Netflix’s 2025 lineup, alongside Stranger Things Season 5 and Squid Game Season 3.

What Lies Ahead

Wednesday Season 2 is shaping up to be a thrilling evolution of the series, blending deeper family dynamics, a stellar cast, and a horror-infused mystery. With new characters like Grandmama and Rosaline Rotwood, and returning favorites like Enid and Tyler, the show expands its scope while staying true to its gothic roots. The first looks—teaser trailers, behind-the-scenes clips, and the opening six minutes—have set a high bar, promising a season that’s “bigger and more twisted” than ever. As August 6 approaches, fans are ready to prowl Nevermore’s halls with Wednesday, armed with her wit and a thirst for answers. Whether it’s uncovering unsettling secrets or facing new adversaries, one thing is certain: Wednesday Season 2 will be a delightfully dark ride.