In 2022, Jenna Ortega dazzled audiences as the teenage Wednesday Addams, but this character could grow into an even bigger icon if Netflix decides to implement one crucial change for Wednesday’s future. Despite releasing only one season so far, Wednesday has already secured its place as one of Netflix’s most popular shows, holding the number three spot for most-watched Netflix original series, along with an impressive 85% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Given this success, it is reasonable to assume that Wednesday season 2 will seek to build upon this momentum.
Transitioning Wednesday into a more nuanced narrative would not only benefit the character but also offer a fresh perspective on a beloved family. The Addams Family is not merely a cherished film franchise; it has deep roots in 1960s television and 1930s comic strips. This rich history comes with a plethora of expectations, making Jenna Ortega’s portrayal a significant departure. Wednesday has already made a favorable impression on critics and audiences alike, yet there is potential for Ortega’s version to be remembered as the best rendition of Wednesday Addams ever. The key change that could solidify this legacy is allowing Wednesday to age.
While previous iterations of Wednesday have often showcased her throughout various stages of youth, Ortega’s portrayal as a teenager broadens the interpretation and sets a new precedent. No existing rendition of Wednesday has explored her transition into adulthood, allowing Wednesday to stand out in a genre saturated with similar stories. The prospect of an adult Wednesday Addams is both strange and compelling, which adds layers of depth to the character. Both Jenna Ortega and Christina Ricci have left their mark, but Ortega has an opportunity to redefine what it means to be Wednesday.
After three years since the first season aired, Ortega has grown as an actress, now around 22 years old. As Wednesday season 2 picks up where the first season left off, the show could take intentional time jumps that mirror the actual hiatus between seasons. This would allow for character and narrative developments that acknowledge the passage of time, rather than attempting to maintain the status quo without addressing how the world—and the characters—have changed.
In doing so, Wednesday could not only carve its niche within The Addams Family franchise but also ultimately create a unique identity that reflects modern storytelling. It would bolster viewers’ understanding of Wednesday as more than just a quirky child; she could emerge as a young woman with aspirations rooted in free will. This evolution is integral to the series’ appeal, showing Jenna Ortega bloom into the quintessential representation of Wednesday Addams who matures with her audience.
The potential for character development increases significantly should Wednesday be allowed to age. Previous portrayals often relegated her to a mere side character who remained caught in her quirky antics. In contrast, Ortega’s Wednesday comes equipped with personal agency and room for growth. This allows the series to delve into themes of friendship, self-discovery, and familial relationships, all while moving away from the constraints of a high school setting.
Many viewers felt that Wednesday, although generally well received, sometimes leaned into juvenile or cliché storytelling. These sentiments could be addressed head-on by treating the narrative as a serious long-form drama rather than a typical teen series. Jenna Ortega herself has expressed a desire to incorporate more horror elements into season 2, a direction that could enhance the show’s overall gravitas—but aging the character would further elevate the storyline’s complexity.
Abandoning the high school framework would enable Wednesday to engage with themes more appropriate for her growing character, a fundamental step toward maintaining relevance in a changing entertainment landscape. As exciting as Nevermore Academy may be, the series could become stagnant if it limits itself to high school antics. The actors’ ages, too, highlight this discrepancy, with performers increasingly older than their characters. Making a shift to a more age-appropriate narrative would not only resonate with the audience but also align with Ortega’s vision for the character.
The idea of aging Wednesday Addams provides a fresh take and aligns with the show’s current trajectory. After numerous hiatuses, the need for an innovative direction becomes even clearer. Aging her character is not merely a creative choice; it also ensures the sustainability of the series. The challenges posed by an aging cast and storyline continuity cannot be ignored; instead, they must be embraced and woven into the fabric of future seasons.
As anticipation builds for season 2, various threads await resolution, from Xavier’s uncertain fate to Tyler’s new Hyde master. The direction of Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams remains an area of speculation, but her growth as a character will be vital to ensuring that audiences remain engaged. Another lengthy hiatus would not inevitably spell doom for the series; rather, it has the potential to add layers of intrigue, reminiscent of developments seen in beloved projects like Beetlejuice.
In conclusion, while there are many avenues for storytelling, allowing Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams to age stands out as a groundbreaking possibility for the series’ future. It can deepen character development, enhance narrative depth, and solidify the show’s role as a defining entry in The Addams Family lore. Time will reveal whether Wednesday takes this bold step, but fans remain hopeful that the wait will be worth it.
