Season 2 of Wednesday on Netflix has just hit the screen and this time, things are bigger, stranger, and more personal – both on screen and behind the scenes.
WeirdKaya had the opportunity to access interviews with director and executive producer Tim Burton and star actress Jenna Ortega, who returns to her role as Wednesday Addams and serves as the series’ producer too.
Here’s what they had to share about the second season of the Netflix hit, from new faces to psychic malfunctions and the growing chaos at Nevermore Academy.
‘A blend of freshness & familiarity’
Burton described Season 2 as a blend of familiar and fresh elements. “I love the cast. It’s a very strong group. With new people coming in, it’s something beautiful — a mixture of old and new.”
Despite Wednesday‘s global success, Burton said he remains surprised by any outcome, be it good or bad. But what keeps him drawn to the story is the lead character herself.
“Wednesday really spoke to me,” he shared. “Her worldview on school, parents, society — I relate to all of it.”
Wednesday won’t change – but her surroundings will
Burton noted that while Wednesday is not the kind of character who transforms easily, the key was to explore new layers without altering her identity.
“She’s very specific. She doesn’t move much emotionally,” he said. “We’re trying to keep her true to herself while placing her in new situations.”
And that includes a very unwanted shift: her brother Pugsley (Isaac Ordonez) now joins her at Nevermore.
“Your family being at school is the worst possible thing, right?” Burton joked. “Poor Pugsley — he’s an outcast among outcasts.”
New characters, new energy
Season 2 introduces Steve Buscemi as Nevermore’s new headmaster following the death of Principal Weems.
“Every principal brings their own vibe. Steve brought something completely different. He was great to work with — fun and creative,” quipped Burton.
Another new arrival is Joanna Lumley, who plays Grandmama, Morticia’s eccentric mother and doting grandparent to Wednesday.
Joanna has such a strong vibe. She just walks into a room and changes the energy. That made the season feel special.”
The Addams family takes center stage
Season 2 will lean heavily towards family dynamics, especially with Morticia now working at Nevermore and multi-generational tension rising to the surface.
“We’re grounding the Addams family in real-life emotions and relationships When family comes together, the nightmare begins – just like Christmas,” explained Burton.
Burton said Wednesday remains visually heightened but emotionally rooted, with each episode exploring different aspects of what it means to be part of a strange, dysfunctional, but relatable family.
Jenna Ortega on being more than just Wednesday
In Season 2, Jenna Ortega takes on dual responsibilities as lead actress and producer — something she called an incredible learning opportunity.
“I’ve learned so much from costume approvals to prosthetic colors. It was really cool to be involved in all the little details that make the show what it is.”
She added her close working relationship with Burton also helped shape her confidence on set.
“We got so used to working together, especially after Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and I could almost anticipate what he wanted,” she said.
Psychic burnout and new mysteries
In this new season, Wednesday is struggling with her psychic powers.
She’s not having visions anymore. When she does, she malfunctions, black tears and all,” Ortega explained. “She used the power too much and kind of broke it.”
That makes investigations harder for her – something she’s not thrilled about. But the tone of the show also shifts with higher stakes, bigger sequences, and plenty of new characters to love or hate.
Morticia, Grandmama, and deeper family ties
Morticia (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is now part of Nevermore staff, working on a school gala (whilst spying on her kids). “She’s dealing with empty nest syndrome. She’s a little clingy,” Ortega noted.
The season also introduces her mother, Grandmama, who shares an unexpectedly close bond with Wednesday.
“They’re best friends. They both roll their eyes at Morticia. They just get each other.”
On Ireland being the new Nevermore
Season 2 of Wednesday moved its production from Romania to Ireland, offering a fresh but fitting backdrop for Nevermore Academy’s eerie world and earning praise from both Burton and Ortega.
“It was just an easy place to work — the people, the technicians…everybody was really good,” Burton said.
Ortega echoed his thoughts, saying the crew made the experience feel personal and welcoming.
“The crew was so hardworking and sweet. It really felt like a family,” she shared. “I did my best to explore every part of the island — north, south, east, west. I’m pretty proud of myself.”
Final thoughts
Ortega hinted that Season 2 holds the show’s most ambitious visuals yet.
“We knew there were more eyes on us this time. Everyone really gave it their all. Hopefully, people feel even more thrilled by what we’ve done this season.”
Ready to return to the weirdest school on Earth? Watch Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 now streaming on Netflix — where murder, mayhem, and mother-daughter drama are just part of the syllabus.
Watch cast member interviews here:
@weirdkayamy Wednesday’s Grandmama loves DURIAN?! 😱🇲🇾 #wednesdaynetflix is streaming on Netflix! Some light-hearted moments with Grandmama, Uncle Fester and Principal Dort 🖤 📌 Part One: out now 📌Part Two: September 3 #WednesdayS2 #WednesdayNetflix #Netflix ♬ original sound – WeirdKaya
