In a significant milestone for Ireland’s film industry, the second season of Netflix’s hit series “Wednesday” has become the country’s largest production to date, surpassing even Hollywood blockbusters like “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
Currently filming in County Wicklow, the sophomore season of the Addams Family spin-off has set a new record in terms of production spend, according to Screen Ireland. This achievement highlights Ireland’s growing prominence as a filming location for major international productions.
The show’s relocation from Romania, where the first season was shot, to Ireland was attributed to “logistical challenges” faced during previous filming. Executive producer Steve Stark, drawing from his experience with “Vikings” and its spin-off “Vikings: Valhalla,” cited an “amazing deal” at the same studio used for those productions as a key factor in the move.
Ireland’s Prime Minister, Taoiseach Simon Harris, recently visited the set, expressing his enthusiasm for the project. “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,” Harris stated.
The first season of “Wednesday,” released in November 2022, was a massive success for Netflix, garnering over 250 million views and four Emmy Awards. The show’s popularity led to a quick renewal in January 2023, though production was delayed due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes later that year.
Jenna Ortega returns as the titular character, navigating her psychic abilities and the supernatural mysteries surrounding her. While the first season blended romance and horror, Ortega has hinted that the new season will lean more heavily into horror elements.
The production has also attracted an impressive roster of new talent. Steve Buscemi joins the cast as the new Principal of Nevermore Academy, while other additions include Billie Piper, Thandiwe Newton, and Christopher Lloyd. Lloyd’s involvement is particularly noteworthy, given his previous role as Uncle Fester in the 1990s Addams Family films, though his specific character in “Wednesday” remains undisclosed.
Other new cast members include Joanna Lumley, Frances O’Connor, and Haley Joel Osment, joining returning stars Emma Myers, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Luis Guzmán.
As “Wednesday” continues filming in Ireland, it not only cements the country’s status as a prime location for international productions but also builds anticipation for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in the series. Fans can expect to see the results of this record-breaking production when the second season is expected to debut on Netflix in 2025.
