They’re creepy and they’re kooky, but not ooky. The cast and creatives behind Netflix’s Wednesday got spooky for a special panel at NYCC 2022. Co-creators/writers/co-showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar joined stars Jenna Ortega (Wednesday Addams), Luis Guzmán (Gomez Addams) and Gwendoline Christie (Principal Larissa Weems) for a macabre affair at the convention. Tiffany Smith moderated the proceedings.
The panel kicked off with Smith asking how everyone got involved with the series. Ortega revealed she had a 10 to 20-minute conversation with storied filmmaker Tim Burton before reading a scene for him. Burton helmed all eight episodes of Wednesday. Gough and Millar wrote the first episode and sent it to Burton’s agent despite the fear that Burton wouldn’t accept it because it’s television.
Thankfully, Burton loved the script and FaceTimed with Millar and Gough five days later. Guzmán told panel attendees that Burton reached out to him, stating he’d love for Guzmán to be his Gomez. “I’d love for you to be my Tim,” Guzmán said in response. Admittedly, his answer made me grin from ear to ear.
RELATED: Keep up to date on our NYCC 2022 coverage!
Christie always wanted to work with Burton, citing his macabre, Gothic aesthetic and penchant for creating projects about outsiders as what drew her to the show. Next, the audience watched the trailer, which revealed a new cast member. Fred Armisen strolled onto the NYCC 2022 stage, wherein we learned he was cast as Uncle Fester. Armisen talked about shaving his head for the role, followed by his eagerness to channel the original Fester from the 1960s Addams Family TV series.
Then, the panelists talked about Burton’s demeanor onset. Ortega noted how he frequently paced while muttering to himself. Christie gushed about his collaborative nature and calming presence. Armisen was shocked by how deep Burton’s voice is.
Gough and Millar reassured panel attendees that Burton didn’t want to do a remake but a new iteration in this legendary franchise. The filmmaker longed to create something that paid homage to its predecessors while bringing something new to the table. Ortega dropped a hint regarding Wednesday’s character narrative on the show — her relationship with her mother, Morticia (Catherine Zeta-Jones), will be pivotal to the story.
RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: Wednesday Addams
Guzmán dished on working with Zeta-Jones, revealing she taught him new camera tricks. Mind you, Guzmán is an industry veteran in his own right. Lastly, before playing an encore of the official trailer, Smith asked the panelists what they hoped viewers take away from Wednesday. Gough and Millar hope families can come together to watch the show, as there’s something for everyone. Armisen revealed he hopes fans delight themselves in the details.
Christie hoped viewers see themselves in these characters and remember that it’s okay not to fit into the societal mold. Guzmán encouraged audiences to view the characters in a new light, while Ortega delivered a moving monologue about how we need more “weirdos.” Weirdos make the world go round!
The panelists assured us we’re in for a signature Tim Burton project, brimming with dark humor, Gothic sensibilities and a macabre flair while staying grounded in humanity. So, on that note, check out the photo of Fred Armisen as Uncle Fester and watch the official trailer for Wednesday below! By the way, the instrumental version of “Paint It, Black” used in the trailer might be my new favorite piece of music. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for a certain actress who played Ortega’s character in the ’90s (Christina Ricci).
Wednesday premieres on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, only on Netflix.
https://youtu.be/Q73UhUTs6y0
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/nycc-2022-reginald-the-vampire-panel-season-1-tease/
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
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