Wednesday Season 2 Becomes Ireland’s Largest Production Ever

It’s been two months since season 2 of the Netflix hit Wednesday began production overseas, and it’s been confirmed by Screen Ireland that the series is now the largest production to ever film in the country. Released on November 23, 2022, the first season of Wednesday was a massive hit for Netflix, garnering more than 250 million views and four Emmy Awards. Season 2 of the series was greenlit in January 2023, but production was stalled thanks to the WGA/SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023, leading to scheduling conflicts that caused star Jenna Ortega to depart the Scream franchise.

As per Variety, Wednesday’s sophomore season is now filming in County Wicklow in Ireland, and is the biggest project to film in the country in terms of production spend. That’s saying a lot when you take into consideration that Ireland has been the location for films such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the recent vampire hit Abigail, and the new horror film by director Ishana Night Shyamalan, The Watchers.

To celebrate the arrival of Wednesday to the country, Ireland’s prime minister, Taoiseach Simon Harris, recently paid a visit to the set of the Tim Burton production, saying that he’s “delighted” the country continues to be used by Hollywood as the backdrop for many of its productions. He says it only serves to further stimulate the economy and create jobs.

“I’m
delighted to see Ireland continues to be chosen
as a location to film series and movies
which supports our economy
, creates jobs, showcases our creative talents and promotes our country on a global stage.”

Wednesday

Follows Wednesday Addams’ years as a student, when she attempts to master her emerging psychic ability, thwart and solve the mystery that embroiled her parents. Directed by Tim Burton.

Release Date

November 23, 2022

Seasons

1

Wednesday made the jump from Romania to Ireland for its second season due to “logistical challenges” faced by the crew during filming. Executive producer Steve Stark, who had previous experience shooting in Ireland thanks to his time on Vikings and its follow-up, Vikings: Valhalla, said that Wednesday “got an amazing deal at the same studio we shot Vikings in,” which no doubt contributed to its move.

Wednesday Season 2 Has a Loaded Cast With Lots of New Faces

Steve Buscemi and Christopher Lloyd Are Along for the Ride This Time

Starring Jenna Ortega, Wednesday centers around the popular character made famous by Charles Addams’ The Addams Family as she navigates her way around Nevermore Academy and her newfound psychic abilities. The supernatural mystery also featured the likes of Emma Myers (Enid Sinclair), Christina Ricci (Marilyn Thornhill/Laurel Gates), Gwendoline Christie (Larissa Weems), Catherine Zeta-Jones (Morticia Addams), and Luis Guzmán (Gomez Addams). Though the first season had a mix of both romance and horror, Ortega has teased that season 2 will lean more into the horror elements of the series.

While season 2 of Wednesday will see many of the original cast return for the continuing production, the series has also loaded up some big names for its second outing. These include acclaimed character actor Steve Buscemi as the new Principal of Nevermore Academy, and Doctor Who alumnus Billie Piper as Capri. Guest stars who are expected to show up during season 2 include Haley Joel Osment, Joanna Lumley, Thandiwe Newton, Frances O’Connor, and Christopher Llyod, who is no stranger to The Addams Family, as he portrayed Uncle Fester in The Addams Family (1991) and Addams Family Values (1993).

Related

Wednesday Spinoff About Uncle Fester Now in Development, Netflix Planning Addams Family Franchise

Netflix is planning to build on the success of Wednesday with multiple spinoffs.

Fred Armisen already portrays Uncle Fester in the Netflix series, so there’s no word yet on what Lloyd’s role will be in the new season. Audiences will have to tune in when it makes its expected debut in 2025 on Netflix. We’ll have more news on the production of Wednesday as it breaks.