Netflix is rolling on with its Addams Family spinoff, as Thandiwe Newton has joined the cast of Wednesday Season 2, according to Variety.
The site’s sources say that the Westworld and Mission: Impossible 2 star will join the likes of Jenna Ortega in the show’s upcoming second season. Details on her character are being kept secret for now. Netflix did not immediately respond to IGN’s request for comment.
It’s unclear how Netflix and Tim Burton plan to follow up Season 1, though we do have a few hints thanks to Ortega. In 2023, the star teased that the show’s next batch of episodes will emphasize its horror elements instead of sticking closer to romantic storylines, saying, “We’re going to get bolder, more dark.” Then, in January of this year, she gave fans even more to chew on by teasing a continuation for Wednesday with more action.
“There’s really, really good one-liners, and I think everything’s bigger,” Ortega said at the time. “It’s a lot more action-packed. Each episode will probably feel a little bit more like a movie, which is nice.”
Newton’s mystery character will also be joined by Steve Buscemi, who was said to have joined the cast last week. The Fargo actor is currently set to play the new principal of Nevermore Academy, though further details are also being kept under wraps.
Netflix’s Wednesday proved to be a massive success, with the streamer touting the grim Addams Family spinoff as its second-most-watched show of all time as of December 2022. It was so popular that the platform is reportedly looking into another spinoff focused on Uncle Fester. Wednesday’s winnings are certainly something to celebrate, especially considering Ortega says she nearly passed on the role.
We liked Wednesday Season 1 and gave it a 7/10 in our review upon its release in 2022. At the time, we said, “Jenna Ortega shines as Wednesday in this exciting — albeit rocky from time to time — new addition to the Addams Family pantheon.”
Wednesday Season 2 does not currently have release date.
Image credit: Sylvain Lefevre/WireImage.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
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