According to creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, a character-defining line on Wednesday was almost cut by Netflix. The hit series stars Jenna Ortega as the titular character, who gets wrapped in a supernatural mystery at her new school Nevermore Academy.
In an interview with Indiewire, Millar and Gough shared how they envisioned Wednesday moving away from her iconic unorthodox family, played by Luis Guzmán, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Isaac Ordonez, and gaining a new layer to her character. This change is a stark difference from other visions of the Addams family, with the Addams’ staying close together. However, with Tim Burton as director, the show maintained the original and signature macabre Gothic style the Addams family exhibit.
However, the creators shared that Netflix attempted to cut back on Wednesday’s sharp nature by eliminating a character-defining line. This dialogue is exchanged between Wednesday and her upbeat roommate, Enid, played by Emma Myers. Enid asks outcast Wednesday to hang out with her and some other classmates, telling her to “take a stab at being social”. The Addams’s daughter takes the wording rather seriously, replying: “I do like stabbing. Not so much the social part.”
Wednesday’s response demonstrates the show’s dark, morbid comedy and her Gothic persona. As Millar comments: “That’s the whole point of the character. To lose that or dilute that is a betrayal of character”.
Wednesday star Ortega has also shared her favourite line from the show, encapsulating Wednesday’s appreciation for all things spooky and grizzly. After her mother informs her colourful roommate: “Wednesday is allergic to colour”, Enid asks for details of her allergic reaction. Wednesday explains: “I break out into hives, and then the flesh peels off my bones.”
Millar and Gough’s re-imagining of the Addams family has proved successful, smashing its Rotten Tomatoes score and having fans whipped out waiting for a second season. As our review will tell you: “Wednesday, in her dark monochromatic colours, unflinching stare, ghastly sarcasm and pigtails, is a delight to witness.”
Wednesday is now available to stream on Netflix.
