Wednesdayseason 2, part 1, made massive changes to a classicAddams Familycharacter, and it totally works. The first half ofWednesdayseason 2is out on Netflix, bringing fans back into the beloved world of Nevermore and the Addams Family with exciting plot twists, new characters, and plenty of fun and laughter.
Joining theWednesdayseason 2 castare veteran stars like Steve Buscemi, Christopher Lloyd, and Thandiwe Newton. Season 2, part 2, will even feature aguest-starring role from Lady Gaga. As for members of the Addams Family, many of the main stars return, even Fred Armisen in his guest role as Uncle Fester. The only addition for season 2 is Grandmama Addams.
Wednesday’s Version Of Grandmama Is Completely Different From Past Addams Family Roles
Anyone who’s seen or is familiar with previous renditions of the Addams Family might have been surprised atWednesday’sversion of Grandmama, played by veteran actress Joanna Lumley. Aside from her being the mother of Gomez, instead of Morticia, in previous versions, she’s also significantly altered in her appearance.
Grandmama typically has the archetypal look of a hag, making it surprising to see her as a refined, luxurious woman. Although with only a small sample size to go off of,Wednesdayseems to have another win with the character, as it’s difficult to go wrong with Joanna Lumley. Audiences might recognize her fromThe Wolf of Wall StreetorElla Enchanted.
Why Wednesday’s Grandmama Change Was The Right Decision
In many ways,Wednesdayis simultaneously faithful and modernized, embracing the core tone and aesthetic ofThe Addams Familywith an emphasis on its female characters. Rather than focusing on Gomez as the patriarch, he’s more of a comedic relief side character.
Morticia and Wednesday’s tension has been a focal point forWednesdayseason 2, part 1, so to add another layer to that by introducing Grandmama, they’re expanding on the show’s most successful aspects. The character has powerful presence, and it makes the family dynamic more interesting overall.
It’s difficult to bring such an iconic character to life, but Lumley does so in a way that expands on the mythology. Not to mention, it makes sense that a hag might have an outwardly sophisticated appearance, and for those who miss the classic version of Grandmama, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that she may transform.
Grandmama’s bond with Wednesday and her tension with Morticia is a fantastic addition toWednesdayseason 2, and one of many intelligent choices the show has made overall. There’s a reason this show is such a phenomenon; it’s both familiar and fresh.
