Tim Burton’s ‘Wednesday’ Eliminates 2 Actors from Netflix Series, Confirmed Cuts Announced

Fans of Netflix’s smash hit Wednesday can rejoice, as production on season two wrapped at the end of November. Starring Jenna Ortega as the delightfully macabre Wednesday Addams, the series has captivated viewers with its blend of gothic intrigue and supernatural storytelling.

While the new season promises to expand on the world of Nevermore Academy, not all of its familiar faces will be returning for another year of eerie escapades.

A young man and a woman sit indoors facing each other, smiling, under decorative lights in a dimly lit setting that creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere. — Credit: Netflix

Two key cast members from season one, Percy Hynes White (Xavier Thorpe) and Naomi J. Ogawa (Yoko), have confirmed they will not reprise their roles, leaving fans curious about the direction the show will take without these characters.

Missing Faces: Xavier and Yoko Depart Nevermore

A young man wearing a blue and black striped school blazer with an emblem speaks to another person in a dark outdoor setting. His expression is earnest and focused. — Credit: Netflix

One of the most significant changes heading into season two is the absence of Xavier Thorpe, played by Percy Hynes White. Xavier was positioned as a potential love interest for Wednesday, creating a dynamic that played a central role in season one. However, Hynes White will not return for season two following controversy surrounding allegations of sexual assault.

Though the actor has denied the accusations, calling them a “campaign of misinformation,” his departure has been confirmed. Showrunners Al Gough and Miles Millar have hinted at a narrative pivot to address the character’s absence, with Ortega herself describing the writing adjustment as “a weird redirect.”

Similarly, Naomi J. Ogawa, who portrayed Yoko Tanaka, will not be returning. Yoko, a vampire and member of the Nightshade Society, had a smaller role in season one but left room for further development.

Ogawa revealed via Instagram that her decision to exit was based on scheduling conflicts and a lack of character progression. Fans of Yoko’s vampiric flair may be disappointed by her absence, but Ogama remains optimistic, expressing excitement to watch season two as a viewer.

Season Two Brings Fresh Mysteries and New Faces

Percy Hynes-White and Jenna Ortega dressed in distinctive blue-striped Nevermore uniforms, stand on a street, looking serious and somewhat defiant, in a scene from a Netflix series. — Credit: Netflix

Although the departures of Xavier and Yoko mark significant changes, Wednesday season two is set to welcome an intriguing array of new characters. Among them are Steve Buscemi, Billie Piper, Evie Templeton, and Noah Taylor, who join the returning cast, including Emma Myers (Enid Sinclair), Joy Sunday (Bianca Barclay), and Moosa Mostafa (Eugene).

In an interview with Netflix’s Tudum, Gough and Millar promised an even darker and more complex narrative for season two. “This season dives deeper into Wednesday’s relationships and challenges, introducing new mysteries and adversaries that will test her like never before,” they said.

Filmed in Ireland, the upcoming season also boasts cameos from Christopher Lloyd, reprising his role as Fester Addams from the 1990s Addams Family movies, and Fred Armisen, who played Uncle Fester in season one. Fans are also buzzing about the rumored cameo by Lady Gaga after her song “Bloody Mary” became synonymous with Wednesday’s viral TikTok dance trend.

The Road to Wednesday Season Two

Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams, with Thing on her shoulder — Credit: Netflix

Since its debut in 2022, Wednesday has become a cultural phenomenon, with Ortega’s portrayal of the stoic yet endearing Addams daughter propelling the series to global acclaim. With season two slated for release in 2025, anticipation is building for the show’s return to Netflix.

In September, a behind-the-scenes teaser gave fans their first glimpse of the new season, featuring Ortega in true Wednesday fashion, wielding a knife and delivering a cryptic invitation to “play dolls.” The teaser promises a season that remains delightfully dark and packed with surprises.

A New Era for Nevermore

While the absence of Xavier and Yoko might alter the dynamics at Nevermore Academy, Wednesday season two seems poised to deliver another thrilling chapter in the Addams Family saga. With an ensemble cast, fresh faces, and the return of its beloved heroine, the series is prepared to embrace change while retaining its signature blend of horror, humor, and heart.

As fans eagerly await their return to Nevermore, one thing is certain: Wednesday Addams and her supernatural cohorts will once again capture the imaginations of audiences worldwide.