Jenna Ortega is back as the iconic Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s Wednesday Season 2, and she’s not just prowling the gothic halls of Nevermore Academy—she’s emerging as a formidable threat to both supernatural creatures and human foes. The first season of Wednesday, released in 2022, shattered records as Netflix’s most-watched English-language series in its debut week, amassing over 341 million hours viewed. Now, with Season 2 set to release in two parts on August 6 and September 3, 2025, anticipation is sky-high. Ortega’s portrayal, coupled with her new role as a producer, promises a darker, bolder, and more horror-infused chapter that positions Wednesday as a force to be reckoned with. From outsmarting monstrous killers to dismantling outdated romantic tropes, here’s why Wednesday Addams is the ultimate menace in Season 2.
A Darker, More Horrific Nevermore Academy
Season 2 of Wednesday dives deeper into the horror elements that made the Addams Family a cultural staple. The show’s first season blended dark comedy, teen drama, and supernatural mystery, following Wednesday’s journey to master her psychic abilities and solve a murder spree in Jericho, Vermont. However, the upcoming season shifts gears, leaning heavily into gothic horror and slasher-inspired storytelling. Ortega herself has teased that the new episodes will feel cinematic, with each one resembling a movie in scope and intensity. One episode, in particular, draws inspiration from 1980s slasher films like Carrie and Prom Night, featuring elaborate sequences and chilling visuals that amplify the show’s eerie aesthetic.
The narrative picks up after an eventful summer for Wednesday, who finds herself entangled in a new supernatural mystery. Nevermore Academy, a haven for outcasts, freaks, and monsters, remains the backdrop, but its halls are now fraught with fresh dangers. The season introduces new threats, including monstrous entities and enigmatic adversaries, while unresolved issues from Season 1—such as the escape of the Hyde monster—linger. Wednesday’s psychic powers, which allow her to glimpse the past and future, will play a pivotal role as she confronts these perils. Her signature deadpan wit and unflinching bravery make her a lethal opponent, whether she’s facing a serial killer or a supernatural beast.
Wednesday as a Threat to Monsters
Wednesday Addams has never been one to cower before monsters, and Season 2 solidifies her as their ultimate predator. A six-minute sneak peek released at Netflix’s TUDUM event showcases her in a perilous situation, tied up in a serial killer’s basement surrounded by creepy dolls. Yet, even in such dire circumstances, Wednesday remains unfazed, using her cunning and supernatural abilities to turn the tables. Her confrontation with the Scalper, a new antagonist, highlights her resourcefulness. With the help of Thing, the Addams Family’s sentient hand, she orchestrates a daring escape, wielding a gigantic knife and delivering her chilling line, “Let’s play dolls.” This moment encapsulates her transformation into a hunter of monsters, unafraid to embrace the macabre.
The season also introduces new supernatural elements, including a mysterious figure played by Lady Gaga, whose role remains undisclosed but is expected to add to the show’s monstrous roster. Other newcomers, such as Steve Buscemi and Joanna Lumley, bring fresh dynamics to Nevermore, potentially as allies or foes. Wednesday’s encounters with these characters will test her abilities, from her psychic visions to her physical prowess, honed through fencing, archery, and combat training she undertook for the role. Her ability to navigate these threats positions her as a dominant force, capable of outsmarting even the most terrifying creatures lurking in the shadows.
Challenging Men and Romantic Tropes
Beyond her battles with monsters, Wednesday Addams poses a different kind of threat to the men around her—not through violence, but by dismantling traditional expectations. Season 1 featured a love triangle involving Wednesday, Xavier Thorpe, and Tyler Galpin, which many fans and Ortega herself found misaligned with the character’s essence. In response, Season 2 ditches romantic subplots entirely, a decision driven by Ortega’s influence as a producer. This shift allows Wednesday to remain true to her cold, independent nature, prioritizing her intellect and mission over fleeting teenage crushes.
The removal of the love triangle is a bold move, reflecting Wednesday’s rejection of societal pressures often placed on young women. Her interactions with male characters, such as the returning Tyler, now a revealed Hyde, are steeped in conflict rather than romance. A teaser hints at a chilling reunion between them, underscoring Wednesday’s distrust and readiness to confront those who betray her. Her dynamic with her brother Pugsley, who joins Nevermore as a new student, adds another layer, showcasing her protective yet torturous sibling bond—a hallmark of the Addams Family legacy.
Ortega’s own experiences as a Latina actress in Hollywood inform this narrative choice. Having faced typecasting and cultural barriers, she brings authenticity to Wednesday’s defiance of norms. By steering the character away from romance, Ortega ensures Wednesday remains a symbol of empowerment, challenging the notion that a female lead must be defined by relationships. This makes her a “threat” to conventional storytelling, where men often play central roles in a heroine’s journey.
Ortega’s Evolution as a Star and Producer
Jenna Ortega’s return to Wednesday is not just a performance—it’s a testament to her growing influence in the industry. At 22, she has solidified her status as a horror icon, with roles in Scream, X, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Her preparation for Wednesday was exhaustive, involving cello lessons, fencing, and studying Charles Addams’s original comics to capture the character’s essence. As a producer, she now shapes the show’s direction, overseeing costumes, scripts, and character arcs to ensure authenticity.
Ortega’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. The overnight fame from Wednesday’s success left her feeling overwhelmed and, at times, unhappy, as the intense public scrutiny clashed with her introverted nature. Yet, she’s embraced her role, using her platform to advocate for causes like immigration and anti-discrimination. Her commitment to balancing fan expectations with her creative ambitions shines through in Season 2, where she pushes for a darker, more authentic Wednesday.
The Addams Family and New Faces
Season 2 expands the Addams Family’s presence, with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán returning as Morticia and Gomez, now series regulars. Their dynamic with Wednesday, particularly the strained yet loving mother-daughter relationship with Morticia, deepens the narrative. Pugsley’s arrival at Nevermore introduces new family conflicts, while Uncle Fester, played by Fred Armisen, brings his chaotic energy. The ensemble cast, including Emma Myers as Enid Sinclair, Wednesday’s colorful werewolf roommate, adds humor and heart, balancing the show’s darker tone.
New cast members, including Billie Piper, Thandiwe Newton, and Christopher Lloyd, enhance the season’s star power. Lloyd’s return to the Addams universe, having played Fester in the 1990s films, is a nostalgic nod. These additions promise complex interactions, with Wednesday navigating alliances and rivalries as she unravels Nevermore’s secrets.
A Cultural Phenomenon
Wednesday Season 2 is poised to be a cultural juggernaut, building on the first season’s viral moments, like Ortega’s self-choreographed Rave’N dance. The show’s gothic aesthetic, sharp humor, and Tim Burton’s signature style resonate with audiences, while its modern take on the Addams Family appeals to both new viewers and longtime fans. By positioning Wednesday as a threat to monsters and traditional narratives, the season taps into contemporary themes of empowerment and individuality.
Ortega’s performance is the linchpin, blending stoic menace with subtle vulnerability. Her ability to make Wednesday both terrifying and relatable ensures the character’s enduring appeal. As the release dates approach, fans are buzzing with excitement, eager to see how Wednesday’s “summer of woe” unfolds.
Conclusion
Jenna Ortega’s return as Wednesday Addams in Wednesday Season 2 cements her as a powerhouse, both on-screen and behind the scenes. By confronting monsters with fearless cunning and rejecting romantic clichés, Wednesday emerges as a multifaceted threat—lethal to creatures of the night and disruptive to outdated tropes. With a darker tone, expanded cast, and Ortega’s guiding hand, the season promises to captivate audiences worldwide. As Nevermore Academy opens its gates once more, one thing is clear: Wednesday Addams is ready to wreak havoc, and no one—monster or man—is safe.
