The highly anticipated second season of Wednesday has officially wrapped filming, marking the return of Netflix’s breakout gothic comedy. Jenna Ortega reprises her role as the sharp-tongued Wednesday Addams, whose first season captivated audiences with its supernatural mysteries and dark humor. While season two promises more intrigue and eccentricity, it also comes with notable cast changes, as two fan-favorite characters won’t be returning to Nevermore Academy.
Major Changes at Nevermore: Xavier and Yoko Bow Out
Percy Hynes White, who played Xavier Thorpe, will not reprise his role in season two. Xavier was a significant figure in the first season, standing as a complex character who walked the line between ally and romantic interest for Wednesday. With Tyler Galpin revealed as the villainous Hyde at the end of season one, many viewers expected Xavier’s relationship with Wednesday to evolve further. However, White’s departure changes those plans.
White’s exit follows allegations of sexual misconduct that surfaced on social media. Though the actor denied the accusations, describing them as false and “a campaign of misinformation,” he confirmed his departure via Instagram Stories. Netflix has not commented on whether the allegations influenced his removal, but the show will pivot its storyline to accommodate his absence.
Another departure comes from Naomi J. Ogawa, who portrayed Yoko Tanaka, a vampiric student and member of the Nightshade Society. Yoko’s role, while smaller than Xavier’s, added a layer of supernatural flair to the show. Ogawa cited uncertain scheduling and a lack of character development as reasons for stepping away, explaining her decision in an Instagram post. She expressed excitement to watch the new season as a fan.
New Faces Bring Fresh Energy
Despite the loss of two characters, season two promises an exciting influx of new talent. Steve Buscemi, Billie Piper, Noah Taylor, and Evie Templeton join the cast, which already includes returning favorites such as Emma Myers (Enid Sinclair), Joy Sunday (Bianca Barclay), and Moosa Mostafa (Eugene).
Showrunners Al Gough and Miles Millar hinted at the challenges of reshaping the narrative but assured fans that the series remains committed to its darkly comedic tone. “We’ve embraced some unexpected changes in season two, which opened the door to new characters and fresh dynamics at Nevermore,” the duo explained in a recent interview.
A Peek Behind the Curtain
Season two was filmed in Ireland, and Netflix released a behind-the-scenes teaser in September, giving fans their first glimpse of the upcoming episodes. The teaser featured Ortega as Wednesday, wielding a knife and issuing a chilling invitation to “play dolls.”
The show’s creators have promised a season full of surprises, with even darker themes and more complex relationships than the first outing. Returning cast members include Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán as Morticia and Gomez Addams, alongside Isaac Ordonez as Pugsley. Christopher Lloyd will also appear as Fester Addams, a role he famously portrayed in the 1990s Addams Family films.
Fans are particularly excited about the rumored cameo from Lady Gaga, who became synonymous with the show after her song “Bloody Mary” trended on TikTok, thanks to Wednesday’s now-iconic dance scene.
Looking Ahead
Since its debut in 2022, Wednesday has become a cultural juggernaut, earning widespread acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Season two is expected to premiere in 2025, and while the loss of Xavier and Yoko may alter the dynamics at Nevermore, the series remains poised to deliver another enthralling chapter.
With Jenna Ortega at the helm and a mix of familiar and fresh faces, the Addams family legacy continues to evolve, promising audiences a season filled with dark charm, new mysteries, and plenty of mayhem. Fans won’t have to wait much longer to see what’s in store for Nevermore Academy’s most enigmatic student.
