Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Christina Ricci joins cast of ‘Addams Family’ spin-off series ‘Wednesday’
Christina Ricci, the actress who played Wednesday in the iconic ’90s film The Addams Family will be returning to the franchise in a mystery role in Netflix’s new Wednesday series.
The live-action series helmed by Tim Burton stars Jane the Virgin’s Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams.
Happy Wednesday! @JennaOrtega will play the iconic Wednesday Addams in our upcoming live-action Wednesday series, directed by Tim Burton. pic.twitter.com/yQRJXgnUo4
— Netflix (@netflix) May 19, 2021
Ricci will not be playing an older version of the character for the Wednesday series, but an "exciting new character," details of which are being kept under wraps as a surprise for viewers.
Goth girl icon Ricci, now 42, was originally known for playing unusual characters with a dark edge including her breakout role as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (1991) and its sequel Addams Family Values (1993) where she starred alongside Raul Julia, Anjelica Huston and Christopher Lloyd.
As reported by Deadline, on Monday (March 21), Ricci was rumored to replace Thora Birch in an unnamed role following the latter’s untimely exit from the show last year. The publication said that Ricci has been quietly filming in Romania, where production is expected to wrap at the end of the month.
Christina Ricci To Star In Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ Series In Return To Addams Family Universe https://t.co/KcXo2awlQP
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 21, 2022
The eight-episode series is described as a sleuthing, supernaturally infused mystery charting Wednesday Addams’ years as a student at Nevermore Academy. Wednesday’s attempts to master her emerging psychic ability, thwart a monstrous killing spree that has terrorized the local town and solve the supernatural mystery that embroiled her parents 25 years ago—all while navigating her new and very tangled relationships at Nevermore.
Ortega leads the series, with Catherine Zeta-Jones portraying Wednesday’s mother Morticia Addams and Luis Guzmán playing her father Gomez Addams. Thora Birch will also appear on the show, but had to exit for personal reasons before completing filming.
Wednesday is created by Al Gough and Miles Millar with Burton directing. Gough, Millar and Burton executive produce alongside Andrew Mittman for 1.21 (The Addams Family, Alphas), Kevin Miserocchi (Tee and Charles Addams Foundation), Kayla Alpert (Code Black, Up All Night), Jonathan Glickman for Glickmania (RESPECT, Addams Family 2) and Gail Berman (The Addams Family, Alphas).
The series hails from Netflix and MGM/UA.
The Addams Family, first created by cartoonist Charles Addams in 1938, has had numerous on-screen adaptations, including the live-action films in the ’90s where Ricci originally starred.
Netflix confirmed the casting news on social media on Tuesday following the news.
Yes, it’s true — the magnificent Christina Ricci is joining the cast of the new Wednesday Addams series as an exciting new character *snap snap*
— Netflix (@netflix) March 21, 2022
Relive some of Ricci's best quotes and moments as Wednesday Addams from the supernatural black comedy films in a highlight reel from the streamer.