The much awaited return of Wednesday to Netflix has brought with it a new wave of mysteries, a darker tone, and some big changes to the Nevermore Academy student body. As fans prepare to plunge into Wednesday Season 2, one of the most discussed changes is the disappearance of Xavier Thorpe, a significant character from the previous season. This move not only changes Wednesday Addams' immediate circle, but it also marks a radical new direction for the Addams Family spin-off, promising deeper investigations of the supernatural realm and the unfolding story.
Xavier Thorpe's Departure: The Complete Story
Xavier Thorpe, portrayed by Percy Hynes White in Wednesday Season 1, is no longer a student at Nevermore Academy. The episode discusses his departure early in Wednesday Season 2. The new headmaster, Barry Dort, played by Steve Buscemi, explains that Xavier has transferred to Reichenbach Academy, Switzerland. This move occurs after Xavier's father, Vincent Thorpe, showed his displeasure and anxiety about his son being wrongfully labeled as the Hyde monster in the previous season. Vincent Thorpe, a big benefactor, also withdrew his endowment from Nevermore, confirming Xavier's departure.
The real-world setting for Percy Hynes White's departure is sexual assault claims that arose in January 2023. White has continuously disputed these charges, claiming on Instagram in June 2023 that an individual he had never met started a "campaign of misinformation" against him. He stated that this resulted in his family being doxxed and friends receiving death threats. White claimed that "the rumors are false" and refused to accept the characterization of him as "someone bigoted or criminally negligent of people's safety." Despite the uproar, White expressed excitement for Wednesday Season 2 in May, saying he "had so much fun working on this show."
Wednesday's roommate Enid, played by Emma Myers, confirms Xavier's final message. She receives his departure letter, which contains a cryptic painting of a one-eyed crow. This painting is Xavier's farewell gift and hints at a fresh mystery for Wednesday to solve. Fans have shared their thoughts on this development.
Wednesday's Evolving Narrative: Beyond The Love Triangle
Xavier Thorpe's departure signals a significant shift in Wednesday Season 2's narrative focus. In the first season, Wednesday became embroiled in a love triangle with Xavier and Tyler Galpin, played by Hunter Doohan. This romance plotline, while appealing to some, was viewed by many as a departure from Wednesday Addams' primary persona. Jenna Ortega herself stated on Wednesday that "being in a love triangle made no sense," arguing for a departure from traditional romance.
With Xavier gone, the program can now fully focus on Wednesday's genuine strengths: her detective abilities, her distinct brand of dark comedy, and her complex relationships with her family and friends. The focus shifts again to the mystical secrets troubling Nevermore Academy and Wednesday's personal development as she navigates her identity in a world that frequently misunderstands her. Tyler Galpin, despite his malicious role as the Hyde, remains a presence in the plot, providing a deeper, more twisted interaction with Wednesday that avoids a typical romance trajectory.
This narrative approach allows the series to delve deeper into Wednesday's friendships, particularly those with Enid Sinclair, played by Emma Myers. Their opposing personalities create a rich source of humor and emotional depth, demonstrating that Wednesday's relationships do not have to be romantic to be significant. Instead of depending on traditional young adult cliches, the story can now capitalize on the eccentric charm of the Addams family and Nevermore's unusual students.
New Faces at Nevermore Academy: Who Will Join Wednesday Season 2?
The changes at Nevermore Academy extend beyond Xavier's departure, with new people taking on key roles. Steve Buscemi takes over as Principal Dort on Wednesday, replacing the late Larissa Weems. Dort's presence changes the dynamic of the school's leadership, as he deals with the aftermath of the Hyde attacks and the financial ramifications of Vincent Thorpe's departure. His character is likely to play an important role in Nevermore and Wednesday's new challenges.
Another major character alteration is the recasting of Lurch, the Addams' towering butler. Joonas Suotamo, who played Chewbacca in the Star Wars saga, takes over the role. This recasting allows for a fresh take on the legendary character, as well as a deeper investigation of his relationship with Wednesday and the rest of the Addams family. Lurch's presence is a welcome, albeit silent, addition to the Addams family's macabre charm.
While specific details about other new characters and their integration into the Nevermore Academy setting are unknown, the shift in emphasis suggests that these additions will serve to enhance the show's central mystery and Wednesday's personal journey rather than introducing new romantic entanglements. This allows a varied range of otherworldly beings, eccentric students, and possibly even more members of the extended Addams family to enter the fray.
Decoding the Crow: Hints for Season 2's Mystery.
Xavier Thorpe's final painting of a one-eyed crow is more than just a farewell present; it's a blatant reference to the overall enigma of Wednesday Season 2. The one-eyed crow, a common symbol of mystery, death, and transition, could represent a concealed truth or a false entity. This visual suggests a new, potentially more terrible, supernatural menace hiding at or near Nevermore Academy. It progresses beyond the Hyde monster, the main nemesis of the first season, to something maybe more ancient or magically inclined.
The picture could represent a new enemy linked to sight or perception, or a secret group operating in the shadows of Jericho or Nevermore. Given Wednesday's ability to solve intricate problems, this enigmatic clue will definitely lead her down a dark and winding path. It's a new challenge that tests Wednesday's investigative abilities and morbid curiosity, driving her to find truths that even the Nevermore faculty may be unaware of. This part promises to delve deeper into the school's history and the larger supernatural realm.
Fan Theories: What's Next for Wednesday Addams?
Wednesday Season 2's narrative shift and introduction of new aspects have prompted several fan ideas about the show's future. Many believe that the season will focus more on the Addams family dynamics. Morticia Addams, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, is already taking on a larger role as the chair of Nevermore's gala fundraising committee, a post previously held by Vincent Thorpe. This might mean more screen time for Morticia and Gomez, as well as a more in-depth look at Wednesday's relationship with her parents and brother Pugsley.
Fans also anticipate that Wednesday's personal progress will be a major focus. Free of the distractions of a love triangle, she can completely embrace her own individuality while navigating the complications of friendship with Enid. The season is expected to present fresh challenges for Wednesday, pushing her to confront not only external threats but also her personal limitations and vulnerabilities. This balance between her dark nature and her developing relationships with others is an intriguing part of her personality.
The showrunners have hinted that the season will be more horror-focused, with fewer love subplots. This fits with Wednesday's personality, as she thrives in darker, more mysterious environments. The new challenges could include ancient curses, strong magical items, or perhaps a larger plot rooted in the very foundations of Nevermore Academy. Whatever the new mystery holds, Wednesday Season 2 promises to be an engaging experience for those eager to witness the legendary character continue her delightfully dark journey.