Netflix’s “Wednesday” took the world by storm when it premiered in November 2022, reinventing the legendary Addams Family universe with a dark, modern twist. Blending gothic mystery, teen drama, and Tim Burton’s signature visual style, the series introduced audiences to a new generation of outcasts and eccentric characters.
At the heart of Wednesday’s massive success is its incredible ensemble cast — a mix of fresh faces and Hollywood veterans who perfectly bring the eerie charm of Nevermore Academy to life. From Jenna Ortega’s spellbinding portrayal of Wednesday Addams to Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán’s classic Addams family roles, each actor contributes to the show’s haunting brilliance.
This complete guide dives into the Wednesday cast, exploring each character, their storylines, and the actors who made them unforgettable.
About “Wednesday”
“Wednesday” is a supernatural coming-of-age mystery series created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, with Tim Burton serving as director and executive producer for several episodes.
The story follows Wednesday Addams, a deadpan and sharp-witted teenager with psychic powers, as she enrolls at Nevermore Academy — a school for outcasts, werewolves, sirens, and other supernatural beings. As she navigates friendship, family, and dark secrets, Wednesday becomes entangled in a murder mystery that threatens both the academy and the nearby town of Jericho.
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Release Date: November 23, 2022
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Platform: Netflix
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Genre: Supernatural, Mystery, Comedy, Drama
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Seasons: 1 (Season 2 expected in 2025)
The show combines dark humor, horror, and emotional storytelling — all elevated by a stellar cast that delivers unforgettable performances.
Main Cast of “Wednesday”
1. Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams
No one embodies Wednesday Addams quite like Jenna Ortega. Her performance is sharp, haunting, and refreshingly original — a perfect balance between gothic charm and teenage rebellion.
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Character Overview:
Wednesday is expelled from her previous school after an “incident” involving piranhas and bullies. She’s sent to Nevermore Academy, where she investigates a series of mysterious murders while discovering her psychic abilities. -
About the Actress:
Jenna Ortega began her career as a Disney Channel star before earning critical acclaim in horror hits like Scream (2022), X, and You. Her portrayal of Wednesday Addams made her an international star, earning nominations for Golden Globe and Emmy Awards. -
Fun Fact:
Ortega choreographed the viral Rave’N Dance scene herself — inspired by 1980s goth culture and classic horror moves.
2. Catherine Zeta-Jones as Morticia Addams
Catherine Zeta-Jones delivers elegance, sophistication, and dark beauty as Morticia Addams, the family matriarch who embodies timeless gothic grace.
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Character Overview:
Morticia’s relationship with her daughter is complex — she adores Wednesday but struggles to connect with her fiercely independent spirit. -
About the Actress:
Zeta-Jones, an Academy Award winner (Chicago, The Mask of Zorro), perfectly channels Morticia’s charm, intelligence, and maternal warmth. Her chemistry with Luis Guzmán adds a classic Addams touch.
3. Luis Guzmán as Gomez Addams
Luis Guzmán portrays Gomez Addams with warmth, eccentricity, and authenticity, aligning closely with the original Charles Addams comic character.
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Character Overview:
Gomez is a devoted father and husband, always brimming with passion and love for Morticia and his children. His past, however, hides secrets that become central to the show’s mystery. -
About the Actor:
Guzmán, known for roles in Boogie Nights, Traffic, and Narcos, brings humor and humanity to Gomez, making him both comedic and endearing.
4. Gwendoline Christie as Principal Larissa Weems
Gwendoline Christie brings commanding presence and elegance to Principal Weems, the headmistress of Nevermore Academy.
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Character Overview:
Weems is a shapeshifter and former classmate of Morticia. She tries to protect Nevermore’s reputation while guiding her peculiar students — especially the rebellious Wednesday. -
About the Actress:
Christie is best known for playing Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones and Captain Phasma in Star Wars. Her portrayal of Weems adds depth, mystery, and emotional gravitas to the show.
5. Emma Myers as Enid Sinclair
Emma Myers shines as Enid Sinclair, Wednesday’s vibrant, bubbly roommate and the polar opposite of her gloomy personality.
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Character Overview:
Enid is a werewolf who struggles to “wolf out,” feeling pressured by her family to embrace her nature. Her unwavering optimism slowly breaks through Wednesday’s emotional walls, forming one of the show’s most heartwarming friendships. -
About the Actress:
Before “Wednesday,” Myers appeared in A Taste of Christmas and Girl in the Basement. Her portrayal of Enid made her a breakout star and a symbol of friendship in the series.
6. Hunter Doohan as Tyler Galpin
Hunter Doohan plays Tyler Galpin, a charming barista from Jericho who becomes Wednesday’s love interest — but things aren’t as they seem.
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Character Overview:
Tyler is the sheriff’s son who helps Wednesday investigate local murders. His true identity and motives form one of the biggest twists in the series. -
About the Actor:
Doohan gained attention for roles in Your Honor and Truth Be Told. His emotional range and vulnerability made Tyler a standout in the show’s darker themes.
7. Percy Hynes White as Xavier Thorpe
Percy Hynes White plays Xavier Thorpe, a gifted artist with the ability to bring his drawings to life.
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Character Overview:
Xavier is intelligent, introspective, and harbors feelings for Wednesday. He becomes both a confidant and suspect in the series’ murder mystery. -
About the Actor:
Known for The Gifted and Between, Hynes White brings quiet charisma and emotional depth to his character.
8. Joy Sunday as Bianca Barclay
Joy Sunday commands the screen as Bianca Barclay, a confident and competitive siren whose powers can manipulate others.
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Character Overview:
Initially portrayed as Wednesday’s rival, Bianca’s complex background — including a strained relationship with her mother and pressure from her siren heritage — adds emotional layers to her role. -
About the Actress:
Sunday has appeared in Dear White People and Bad Hair. Her performance adds both power and vulnerability to the series’ social commentary.
9. Christina Ricci as Marilyn Thornhill / Laurel Gates
The casting of Christina Ricci, the original 1990s Wednesday Addams, is one of the show’s smartest creative choices.
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Character Overview:
Ricci plays Marilyn Thornhill, a kind-seeming botany teacher who mentors Wednesday — but her true identity as Laurel Gates is revealed in a shocking twist. -
About the Actress:
Ricci’s legacy with the Addams Family makes her role a nostalgic nod to long-time fans. Her performance bridges the past and present beautifully.
10. Fred Armisen as Uncle Fester
Fred Armisen brings humor and nostalgia as Uncle Fester, Wednesday’s eccentric and electric uncle.
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Character Overview:
Fester’s brief but memorable appearance offers comic relief and key insights into the ongoing mystery. -
About the Actor:
Known for Saturday Night Live and Portlandia, Armisen’s portrayal blends eccentric energy with heartfelt family loyalty.
Supporting Cast
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Isaac Ordonez as Pugsley Addams — Wednesday’s younger brother, often the victim of her pranks but deeply loyal.
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George Burcea as Lurch — The Addams family’s silent and loyal servant.
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Riki Lindhome as Dr. Valerie Kinbott — Wednesday’s therapist who tries to help her navigate her dark emotions.
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Jamie McShane as Sheriff Donovan Galpin — Tyler’s father, skeptical of Nevermore’s secrets.
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Moosa Mostafa as Eugene Ottinger — Wednesday’s quirky friend from the beekeeping club.
Why the Cast of “Wednesday” Works Perfectly
The success of Wednesday is rooted in its casting excellence. Each actor fits their role seamlessly, balancing dark humor with heartfelt emotion.
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Jenna Ortega delivers the perfect blend of classic Wednesday sarcasm and modern independence.
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Emma Myers brings warmth and humor that balances the show’s eerie tone.
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Christina Ricci’s return connects generations of Addams Family fans.
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Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán add timeless family chemistry.
The result is a cast that feels authentic, charming, and perfectly gothic — a hallmark of Tim Burton’s cinematic style.
Awards and Recognition
The Wednesday cast received global praise and multiple nominations, including:
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Golden Globe Nomination (2023): Best Actress – Jenna Ortega
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Primetime Emmy Nominations (2023): Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress
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Screen Actors Guild Awards (2023): Ensemble recognition for performance excellence
The show also became one of Netflix’s most-watched series ever, surpassing over 1 billion viewing hours within weeks of release.
What’s Next — Season 2 Updates
Season 2 of Wednesday is officially in production and expected to release in 2025.
Confirmed returning cast members include:
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Jenna Ortega (Wednesday Addams)
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Emma Myers (Enid Sinclair)
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Joy Sunday (Bianca Barclay)
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Catherine Zeta-Jones (Morticia Addams)
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Luis Guzmán (Gomez Addams)
New cast additions are rumored, with creators hinting at more dark humor, romance, and deeper Addams family dynamics.
Conclusion
The cast of “Wednesday” is a perfect example of how thoughtful casting can redefine a beloved franchise. Each actor brings something unique — from Jenna Ortega’s gothic brilliance to Christina Ricci’s nostalgic return. Together, they’ve created a show that celebrates individuality, mystery, and the beauty of being different.
With its enchanting performances, sharp writing, and emotional storytelling, Wednesday isn’t just a series — it’s a cultural phenomenon that will continue to inspire for years to come.