The co-creators of Wednesday, Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, candidly discuss why they felt like one Addams Family change was a bridge too far.
The co-creators of Wednesday explain why one possible Addams Family change felt like a bridge too far. Quickly becoming one of Netflix’s most popular shows of all time, Wednesday tweaks its titular character from previous iterations. Portrayed by Jenna Ortega in a modern setting that encompasses the strange and supernatural, the protagonist faces elements of horror with the love triangles and familial angst that would feel right at home on a teen soap.
Still, in an interview on Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum, co-creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar shoot down one particular Wednesday season 1 change.
Asked whether there was any discussion or suggestion of making Thing “a female hand”, the duo confirmed that there wasn’t and thoughtfully explained their approach in terms of Thing overall. Their quote is below:
You know, it wasn’t. And I think it’s just because we were trying—that’s a departure that, I think, it would have been… when you’re already doing a reinterpretation of the Addams Family and focusing on Wednesday, it might have felt like a bridge too far. But we spent a lot of time thinking about that Thing. In terms of making him a real character and giving, sounds ridiculous, emotional complexity.
Thing’s Impact On Wednesday
Thing, the sentient disembodied hand and relative of the lead character, is actually played by Victor Dorobantu in a recurring role. Thing has a significant part in Wednesday as a whole, sent to watch over the titular Addams Family member at the Nevermore Academy. The setup allows for one of the show’s most moving relationships, with Ortega candidly discussing how their bond affected her while filming.
In one pivotal scene, Thing reaches out to comfort Wednesday where Ortega broke down how the Thing moment was filmed. The actor noted that the emotion was due to the bond that had developed with Dorobantu. It’s a connection that carries on-screen, as well, when Thing is found to be stabbed at Nevermore and Wednesday is moved to tears. The hand is ultimately saved by Uncle Fester, but the ordeal serves to highlight what truly matters to Wednesday.
Wednesday season 2 does not currently have a debut date. But when it does return, the series will hopefully continue its focus on Thing. While the show’s love triangles attract plenty of attention, it’s those odd family bonds that helped to provide the Netflix series with its beating heart well beyond any of its moody trappings.
