How Jenna Ortega Took More Creative Control Over Wednesday

Netflix has shared the first look at Billie Piper as the newest addition to the cast of Wednesday season 2, the hit series from Jenna Ortega’s gothic comedy. At 42, Piper will play Isadora Capri, the head of music at Nevermore Academy.

Piper has starred in a range of gothic and supernatural roles in recent years, most notably Brona Croft/The Bride of Frankenstein in Penny Dreadful. Her new character is a former child prodigy with an interest in Wednesday’s musical abilities, and a mentor for werewolf student Enid Sinclair (Emma Myers, also returning for the second season).

The 42-year-old also shared the first look on social media. “THEY LET ME FINALLY SHOW YOU MY SECRET LIFE AT NEVERMORE!” she said. “Not much to say in character, other than why Wednesday?” The tweet was accompanied by a photo of Piper on set at Nevermore Academy.

Wednesday made a major announcement when Netflix shared the first look. The show, which originally aired in November 2022, had become a global success for the streaming service. Never had a single English-language show reached more viewers, with 252 million people across the world tuning in for at least two minutes of the series.

It was quickly renewed in January 2023, and Wednesday season 2 is officially coming this August.

Season 2 follows the success of one of 2022’s most unexpected hits. The show reimagines Wednesday Addams’ world as a broody teen drama that mixes horror, humour, and angst. Critically acclaimed and with a passionate fanbase, it picked up Emmy nominations last year and was officially renewed for season 2 last January.

Wednesday’s second season is still set to air in August this year.

Set at Nevermore Academy, a school for supernatural misfits, the show follows 22-year-old Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams as she learns to balance school, her friendships, and her status as a teenager who’s part of one of the most famous horror families.

The series will pick up again this August, with a third season already confirmed, a first look at new cast member Billie Piper as a new character, and a spin-off in development. Netflix confirmed Wednesday season 3 this week, alongside Billie Piper’s casting.

The streaming service has also confirmed that a spin-off is currently in development, according to The Hollywood Reporter. No further details are yet known about the project, but co-creator Alfred Gough teased that there are several interesting characters to look at. “It’s something we’re noodling; there are other characters we can look at,” he said.

Star Catherine Zeta-Jones (who plays Morticia Addams) herself confirmed the renewal in an Instagram post. “When Wednesday comes, a better day. Wednesday season three. It’s official… we shall return,” she wrote. Fans rushed to the comments to share their excitement, with some saying, “And for many more seasons,” and “I can’t wait to see the second season, I’m waiting for it with great curiosity… and the third is already official, fantastic news!”

Fans have also welcomed the news that filming for season 3 is likely to start soon. Following the two-year wait between the first and second seasons, many are hoping for a faster turnaround time for future seasons. A third season was confirmed in January 2023, but due to the length of the second season, it is expected to come over two years after the show first premiered.

Others were quick to share how patiently they’ll wait for the second season, writing things like, “I’ll be gripping the sheets in agony waiting, but please… don’t let us wait three years again.”

Original director and executive producer Tim Burton, 66, is set to return to the show. He will direct some episodes and executive produce the whole season. He has worked with Ortega recently, on Beetlejuice, the sequel to the 1988 cult classic.

More star power will join the new season. In addition to Billie Piper, the show has added the likes of Lady Gaga, Steve Buscemi, Joanna Lumley, and Thandie Newton. Returning cast members include Gwendoline Christie as the headteacher, Larissa Weems, and Luis Guzmán as Wednesday’s father, Gomez Addams.

Actress Jenna Ortega, 22, is now also a producer for the show, following some behind-the-scenes drama earlier this year. Ortega was involved in some controversy in January 2023 when she shared a podcast interview in which she said she “changed lines” several times on set and had to “put her foot down” when it came to her character being inconsistent.

Director Tim Burton later made a statement supporting Ortega, sharing that her words had been taken out of context. Co-creator Alfred Gough also said that it made sense for Ortega to take on the role of producer. “I can tell you that on the writer’s room level, Jenna was very much a producer already. If she can officially fill the role of producer, it’s probably perfect,” Gough said.

New cast member Joanna Lumley, 74, said that she was a big fan of Ortega’s work and had also been excited to work for Burton: “There’s always something thrilling about working for Tim Burton. His whole mind takes him to a different world, and the world that they’ve created here for Wednesday and Nevermore and the family is just intoxicating.”

Season 2 is already set to add new stars to the show. Lady Gaga and Billie Piper are both new to the show, with a host of familiar faces joining them for the new season. Returning cast members include Gwendoline Christie, who will reprise her role as the headteacher, Larissa Weems.

Luis Guzmán, who plays Wednesday’s father, Gomez Addams, is also set to reprise his role. Both stars will return for the second season, which will pick up on the series’ storylines that have developed since the first season finale.