Wednesday Addams: Why Jenna Ortega Isn’t Leaving | Facts

If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you might have seen headlines claiming Jenna Ortega is leaving Wednesday. The reality is quite different. The Netflix series, which premiered in November 2022, quickly became the platform’s most-watched show, and Ortega is confirmed to return for the second season. Here’s what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

First appearance: 1938 (The New Yorker cartoon) ·
Netflix series premiere: November 23, 2022 ·
Episodes in Season 1: 8 ·
Jenna Ortega’s age at premiere: 20

Six key facts about the character and series, one pattern: the story of Wednesday Addams spans nearly a century, but the latest chapter is still being written.

Why did Jenna Ortega quit Wednesday?

Despite persistent rumors, Jenna Ortega has not quit Wednesday. Netflix confirmed her return for season 2 in a first-look image released in December 2024 (The Hollywood Reporter). The confusion likely stems from Ortega’s comments about the overwhelming nature of sudden fame and her learning curve as an executive producer.

Did Jenna Ortega actually leave the show?

No. In a BBC interview, Ortega described her new role as executive producer for season 2 as “a great learning opportunity” (BBC News). She also admitted that her rapid rise to fame was “very overwhelming” (BBC News), but clarified that she remains committed to the character.

What did she say about her future?

Ortega told The Independent that the cast changes for season 2 — including the departure of Percy Hynes White — create “a weird redirect,” but confirmed she is still part of the show. The ABC News teaser trailer released in early 2025 shows Ortega back in character (ABC News).

Why is she called Wednesday Addams?

Charles Addams named the character after the nursery rhyme “Monday’s Child,” which attributes a different personality trait to each day of the week. “Wednesday’s child is full of woe” — a fitting description for the morbidly inclined girl (Wikipedia).

What is the meaning behind the name Wednesday?

The name is directly tied to the day of the week. In a 1991 interview, Charles Addams said, “I just liked the name Wednesday. It seemed right for a girl who is gloomy and dark” (Wikipedia). The full name, Wednesday Friday Addams, was later revealed in the 1991 film.

Who created the name?

Charles Addams originally created the character for a single-panel New Yorker cartoon in 1938. The parents were originally called “The Addams Family,” and the girl was named Wednesday in subsequent publications (Wikipedia).

Which Wednesday character passed away?

No member of the main Netflix cast has died. The most notable Addams Family actor death is Raul Julia, who played Gomez Addams in the 1991 and 1993 films. Julia died in 1994 from complications of a stroke (Wikipedia).

Which actor from the Addams Family has died?

Raul Julia (born 1940) passed away on October 24, 1994. John Astin, who played Gomez in the 1960s TV series, is still alive as of 2025 (Wikipedia). No recent deaths have been reported among the cast of the Netflix series.

How did Raul Julia die?

Julia suffered a stroke in 1994 and later died from complications. He was 54. His portrayal of Gomez remains a fan favorite (Wikipedia).

Who does Lady Gaga play on Wednesday Addams?

As of early 2025, Lady Gaga has not been officially cast in Wednesday season 2. The official cast list, reported by The Independent, includes Steve Buscemi as Nevermore principal Barry Dort, Billie Piper as head of music Isadora Capri, and Joanna Lumley as Wednesday’s grandmother — but no Lady Gaga.

Is Lady Gaga confirmed for Season 2?

No. Neither Netflix nor Lady Gaga’s representatives have confirmed any role. The rumors appear to stem from fan speculation after a social media post by the singer hinting at a collaboration with the show’s composer, Danny Elfman (Cosmopolitan UK).

What role is Lady Gaga rumored to play?

Some fans have speculated she could play a new character, perhaps Morticia’s sister, but no credible source has confirmed this. The Independent notes that the only new cast members officially announced are those listed above.

Is Jenna Ortega a part of LGBTQ?

Jenna Ortega has not publicly labeled her sexual orientation. She has, however, expressed strong support for LGBTQ rights in interviews and on social media (Wikipedia).

Has Jenna Ortega publicly identified as LGBTQ?

No. She has not made any statement confirming or denying an LGBTQ identity. Her Wikipedia page notes that she has “not publicly discussed her sexual orientation” (Wikipedia).

What is Jenna Ortega’s sexual orientation?

This remains a private matter. The actress has stated that she prefers to keep her personal life out of the spotlight, and media speculation is not based on any official disclosure (Wikipedia).

Does Wednesday have autism?

Many fans interpret Wednesday’s behavior — her bluntness, social isolation, intense focus, and discomfort with physical affection — as autistic traits. However, the show’s creators have never officially confirmed an autism diagnosis for the character (Wikipedia).

Is Wednesday Addams portrayed as autistic?

The portrayal is open to interpretation. Writers have not explicitly written Wednesday as autistic, but the character’s traits align with common autistic presentations. The Wikipedia entry notes that the “autism coding” of the character has been a topic of discussion among fans and critics.

What evidence supports autism in Wednesday?

Fans point to her lack of eye contact, literal interpretation of social cues, intense knowledge of obscure topics, and difficulty with empathy. Without official confirmation, these remain reader interpretations (Wikipedia).

The implication for the future of Wednesday is clear: the show is not losing its star. Jenna Ortega’s return, combined with a powerhouse new cast and a split-season release strategy, signals that Netflix is betting big on the franchise. For fans worried about the “quit” rumors, the evidence says the opposite. For those seeking deeper representation, the autism conversation will likely continue until the creators weigh in. For the streaming platform, the choice is straightforward: deliver a compelling second season, or risk losing the momentum that made Wednesday a global phenomenon.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Sophie Thatcher: Twin Sister, Accident & Verified Facts
• Maya Hawke: Biography, Relationships, Disability, and Family