WEDNESDAY: Tim Burton's Brilliant Revival of the Addams Family Franchise
Wednesday is the latest adaptation of The Addams Family franchise, and as its title suggests, the series focuses on exploring the story of one of its most iconic characters—Wednesday Addams. Under the visionary direction of Tim Burton, the series has been an undeniable success, delivering exactly the dark charm and gothic atmosphere fans had hoped for.
In this new adaptation, Jenna Ortega takes on the role of Wednesday, delivering a performance that has exceeded expectations in every possible way. Reimagining such an iconic character is no easy task, especially one so closely associated with Christina Ricci's unforgettable portrayal in the 1990s films. Yet Ortega manages to honor the legacy while making the character entirely her own.
Jenna's performance can only be described as extraordinary. She employed sophisticated acting techniques such as the "Kubrick Stare"—the unsettling cinematic gaze popularized by director Stanley Kubrick, famously seen in Jack Nicholson's performance in The Shining—to amplify Wednesday's unsettling presence. She also made the remarkable decision to avoid blinking during many scenes, enhancing the character's cold, enigmatic aura. Her costume design remained faithful to the classic Wednesday while introducing subtle modern details that distinguish this version from previous portrayals.
To fully prepare for the role, Ortega learned to play the cello, took German language lessons, trained in fencing, and learned archery, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to the character.
Joining Ortega are Luis Guzmán as Gomez Addams and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Morticia Addams. Christina Ricci, who famously portrayed Wednesday in the 1990s films, also returns to the Addams universe in a completely new role as one of Wednesday's teachers. Meanwhile, Fred Armisen delivers a standout performance as Uncle Fester, earning praise from both audiences and critics alike.
This first season of Wednesday is filled with unforgettable moments that have quickly gone viral across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, particularly:
1. Wednesday's haunting cello performance.
2. Wednesday's iconic dance scene.
Episode 4, titled "Woe What a Night," features what has become one of the most memorable sequences in the entire series. Rather than relying on a professional choreographer, Jenna Ortega created the choreography herself, designing a dance that perfectly reflected Wednesday's eccentric personality and gothic aesthetic.
Because The Addams Family has remained beloved for generations—largely because so many people identify with its wonderfully unconventional characters—Tim Burton faced the enormous challenge of honoring previous adaptations from 1964 and 1991 while creating something entirely fresh.
Wednesday's dance had to become one of the defining moments of the series. Its music selection was equally important, and the production chose "Goo Goo Muck" by The Cramps, an iconic 1980s punk rock and psychobilly band whose sound perfectly complements Wednesday's dark personality and the atmosphere of Nevermore Academy.
Interestingly, Ortega later admitted that she initially felt insecure about the choreography.
In interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, Ortega explained that her dance drew inspiration from numerous figures associated with gothic culture and classic cinema. Among the influences she cited were Siouxsie Sioux, Bob Fosse's "Rich Man's Frug", Lisa Loring, Lene Lovich, Denis Lavant, and archival footage of people dancing in gothic clubs during the 1980s.
As she later wrote:
"Siouxsie Sioux, Rich Man's Frug by Bob Fosse, Lisa Loring, Lene Lovich, Denis Lavant, and archival footage of goths dancing in clubs in the '80s. It helped."
Beyond those influences, Ortega also incorporated subtle tributes to earlier Addams Family adaptations. Several movements reference Lisa Loring's original Wednesday from the 1960s television series, while others pay homage to the distinctive mannerisms of Gomez Addams, creating a thoughtful bridge between generations of the franchise.
Beyond those influences, Ortega also incorporated subtle tributes to earlier Addams Family adaptations. Several movements reference Lisa Loring's original Wednesday from the 1960s television series, while others pay homage to the distinctive mannerisms of Gomez Addams, creating a thoughtful bridge between generations of the franchise.
Some viewers criticized the dance, arguing that Wednesday Addams would never dance at all. However, longtime fans know this isn't true. Wednesday has danced in previous adaptations, and The Addams Family has always embraced everyday activities—just from their uniquely macabre perspective. Their humor has always been rooted in the contrast between what the Addams family considers perfectly normal and how the outside world perceives them.
Without question, Wednesday has become one of the most successful television revivals of recent years. Tim Burton has breathed new life into one of popular culture's most beloved families, leaving fans around the world eagerly awaiting the arrival of Season 2.