Wednesday's return to its second season is one of Netflix's most anticipated events. Following its record-breaking first season, the show is extending its universe. New characters, particularly Grandmama Hester Frump, played by Joanna Lumley, play an important role in this expansion. Her arrival is expected to mess up the already peculiar Addams family dynamics.
Key Information About Grandma Hester Frump in Wednesday Season 2
Joanna Lumley's casting and first impressions
Al Gough and Miles Millar, the showrunners, put Joanna Lumley at the top of their list for the character of Grandmama Hester Frump. Millar said Lumley "just inhabited this role" and complimented her "extraordinary wig." This casting adds a distinctive presence to the Addams family.
Lumley herself showed enthusiasm for the outfits and wigs, saying she "loved it" despite the "constricted clothes." Her enthusiasm for the character's appearance demonstrates a great desire to bring Hester Frump to life.
Grandma's Relationship to Wednesday and Morticia
Morticia's mother is Hester Frump, and Wednesday, shockingly, addresses her as "Grandmama" and even smiles at her. This starkly contrasts with Morticia's "frosty relations" with Hester. The showrunners place a strong emphasis on the intricate familial dynamics.
Joanna Lumley observes that Hester "fans the flames" of Wednesday's annoyance and disobedience toward Morticia, relishing the tension. This indicates that Grandmama will play a role in the ongoing mother-daughter struggle.
Secrets of Frump Mortuaries
Hester Frump is known as the "outrageously wealthy mogul" behind "Frump Mortuaries." This element relates to the Addams family's morbid interests and provides a darkly comic source of revenue. The firm most likely represents the family's comfort with death and the strange, implying a long-standing family enterprise that suits their aesthetic.
The Addams Family Grandmother: A Legacy of Macabre Matriarchs
Comparing Joanna Lumley's portrayal of past grandmothers
Grandma Frump was portrayed in Charles Addams' original cartoons as "foolishly good-natured" and "easily led," frequently causing family problems due to her "fumbling, weak character." Previous live-action depictions, such as Judith Malina in the 1991 film and Carol Kane in the 1993 sequel, have emphasized the character's quirky, witchy, and inept qualities.
Lumley's Hester Frump, as a "wealthy mogul" who "fans the flames" of conflict, is more aggressive and possibly manipulative. This differs from the "easily led" cartoon description. This interpretation gives the character a new depth, transforming her from a passive, quirky relative to an active player in the family's internal politics. Her high-fashion, couture-inspired attire distinguishes her visually from past, typically unkempt, Grandmas.
How Hester Frump Shaped the Addams Family Lore
The creators have noticed that there isn't much pre-existing Addams family history, particularly prior to the 1960s TV show. The presence of Hester Frump allows the show to delve more into this past, notably that of Morticia's family. Her relationship with Morticia, characterized as "frosty," and her influence on Wednesday point to a deeper investigation of previously unknown family secrets and relationships.
Her riches and business background bring an additional aspect to the Addams' financial situation, which Charles Addams simply described as "no problem."
Behind the Scenes: Joanna Lumley on Filming Wednesday Season Two
Lumley's Experience with the Cast and Crew.
Joanna Lumley was thrilled with the lavish clothes and "many, many huge wigs" created for her character. Colleen Atwood and Mark Sutherland, the costume designers, drew influence from '50s and '60s couture as well as socialite Daphne Guinness for Grandmama's appearance, finding top Japanese designers. This attention to detail in her appearance emphasizes her role as a "fabulous" matriarch.
Memorable Moments From Set
Season 2 saw the production relocate from Romania to Ireland, where it found a "moody, gothic" environment that suited the show's tone. While Lumley's "memorable moments" are limited to her appreciation of the costumes, the whole production atmosphere of Ireland, with its castles and forests, would contribute to the performers' immersive experience.
What's Next for Grandmama? Theories and Future Implications.
Grandmama's ability to make Wednesday smile suggests a special link that could be explored further. This might imply she becomes an unexpected ally or mentor for Wednesday, possibly even using her Raven powers. Her "fanning the flames" of Wednesday's rebellion against Morticia underlines the possibility of familial conflict or alliances. Fan theories may center on her history, given her money and influence. Could "Frump Mortuaries" have a worse secret than just being a business?
Her persona might serve as a counterweight to Morticia's more typical parental position, providing Wednesday with a unique type of direction. This could result in unexpected plot twists and a deeper study of Wednesday's own identity as she navigates these conflicting family influences.
Wednesday Season 2: Key Cast and Plot Points
The season begins with Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) confronting "more sinister danger" and finding "shocking secrets" at Nevermore Academy. Morticia (Catherine Zeta-Jones) plays a "much larger role" and is attempting to assist Wednesday with her glitching Raven abilities. Gomez (Luis Guzmán) and Pugsley (Isaac Ordonez) also play larger roles, with Pugsley enrolling at Nevermore and Gomez assisting him.
Uncle Fester (Fred Armisen) returns, and his background at Willow Hill qualifies him as a spy for Wednesday. The mystery of Ophelia, Morticia's missing sister who also possessed Raven powers and black tears, is a minor plot factor. The season is divided into two parts, with Part 2 released on September 3. Christina Ricci returns as Marilyn Thornhill, whose fate remains uncertain following a meeting with Tyler.
The program continues to explore Wednesday and Morticia's mother-daughter interaction, with Ortega serving as executive producer to ensure the relationship seems correct.
Joanna Lumley's Grandma Hester Frump is set to make a substantial contribution to Wednesday Season 2. Her character adds extra depth to the Addams family, from her mystery fortune to her complicated relationships with Morticia and Wednesday. As the series widens its globe and delves deeper into family history, Grandmama's presence will undoubtedly be a highlight, providing both dark humor and potential new problems. Fans can expect her to play an important role in Wednesday's continued adventure to learn mysteries and navigate her odd family.