'Wednesday' returns: Everything you need to know about season 2

Get ready for the return of Wednesday, the Netflix series that has secured its place as the most-watched series of all time.

As fans eagerly await season 2, here's a comprehensive preview of what's to come, including production updates, new character reveals, storylines, returning cast members, and more.

Based on The Addams Family IP, Wednesday made a splash in 2022 with its global release on November 23rd, becoming Netflix's most-watched English-language series and earning 12 Emmy nominations, with four wins for costumes, main title theme, makeup, and production design.

Following its immense success, Wednesday was predictably renewed for a second season on January 6th, 2023, just a few months after its release.

The show's exceptional performance, marked by numerous accolades, made the renewal a foregone conclusion.

To commemorate the announcement, Netflix released a brief teaser clip hinting at what's to come in season two, although specific details about the upcoming season remain scarce.

However, by the time of the renewal, everyone knew that the program had been renewed—a writer's room had allegedly been opened, and there had been other teases during the Christmas season.

“It’s been incredible to create a show that has connected with people across the world,” said Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, the two showrunners of the series who are returning for season 2, adding they’re “Thrilled to continue Wednesday’s tortuous journey into season two. We can’t wait to dive headfirst into another season and explore the kooky spooky world of Nevermore. Just need to make sure Wednesday hasn’t emptied the pool first.”

New Cast members joining Wednesday

Starting with the new season regulars:

• Steve Buscemi (The Big Lebowski, Boardwalk Empire) will play the new principal.

• Billie Piper (Scoop, I Hate Suzie) is expected to play Capri, a new music teacher.

• Evie Templeton (Return to Silent Hill, Lord of Misrule) is expected to play Annie.

• Owen Painter (Tiny Beautiful Things, The Handmaid’s Tale) will be playing the role of Karloff.

• Noah Taylor (Law & Order: Organized Crime, Park Avenue)

The new guest stars for the new season include:

• Christopher Lloyd (Addams Family, Back to the Future)

• Joanna Lumley (Fool Me Once, Absolutely Fabulous) will play Grandmama in season 2 with the character originally played by Blossom Rock in the original Addams Family television series.

• Thandiwe Newton (Westworld, Crash) will play Dr. Fairburn

• Frances O’Connor (The Missing, The Twelve)

• Haley Joel Osment (The Kominsky Method, Somebody I Used to Know)

• Heather Matarazzo (The Princess Diaries, Scream) will play Joanna, expected to feature in four episodes and is described as quirky and unassuming.

• Joonas Suotamo

When will Wednesday season 2 release

The 2023 Hollywood strikes have caused significant delays in production, with no filming taking place throughout the year.

However, according to recent reports, cameras are expected to start rolling on Wednesday's second season in late April 2024.

In an interview with Glamour magazine, Jenna Ortega revealed that preparations for season 2 began in early 2023, but the strikes have since hindered progress.

“We are starting to prep season two of Wednesday, which…has been exciting. Just developing new storylines and seeing where characters are going. Starting those conversations has been really, really fun. I think it’s going to be bigger and better, which is cool.”

Given the filming schedule thus far, a late 2024 release date is the absolute best-case scenario, but it looks unlikely.