The Addams Family of Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ keeps winning people over with its mix of spooky mystery and offbeat humor. Season 2 takes the dark style we know from the famous gothic family and pushes it even further. In this season, the creepy world of Nevermore Academy and the Addams family feels like a character of its own.
It’s built through the sets, costumes, lighting, and special effects. Here’s a look at how all these pieces work together behind the scenes to shape the feel of the show and answer some of the most common questions fans have about its style and production.
The Gothic Visual World of Wednesday Addams Netflix Season 2
One of the most notable things fans notice right away is how Season 2 of Wednesday leans deeper into its gothic and supernatural roots. The production shifted filming from Romania (Season 1) to Ireland, choosing lush green forests, ancient castles, and hauntingly beautiful locations around Dublin.
This setting perfectly complements the gloomy, mysterious mood the creators desired. Co-showrunner Miles Millar mentions that Ireland’s atmospheric landscapes “fit the sensibility of the show” and allow Nevermore Academy to feel both expansive and deeply immersive. Set designers crafted crypt-like hallways, eerie dorm rooms, and an asylum that feels ripped from a Victorian gothic novel.
For example, the room where Wednesday is bound to dolls in Season 2’s opening scene creates immediate unease, amplified by stark lighting and creepy props. The interplay of light and shadows is a key tool, creating an ominous yet cinematic look.
Costume Design for Personality and Mood
Costume designer Colleen Atwood, Oscar-winner for this genre, keeps Wednesday’s iconic monochrome style intact but introduces subtle shifts to reflect growth and deepening darkness. Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday mostly wears structured black outfits mixed with sharp stripes and faint checks, complemented by her signature pale look and dark lipstick, amplifying her cold, mysterious aura.
Morticia Addams, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, evolves with elegant gowns predominantly in rich reds and blacks, symbolizing her mourning and growing influence in Season 2. Meanwhile, Enid’s colorful maximalist costumes—drawing from Japanese street style fused with Brooklyn vibes—stand out sharply against Wednesday’s muted tones, highlighting their contrasting personalities.
Everything You Need to Know About Wednesday Season 2: Cast, Release Date and More!
Practical Effects and CGI
While Wednesday Season 2 uses advanced CGI for many supernatural elements and chaotic monster scenes, practical effects are heavily relied upon to create tangible horror. Werewolf transformations employ prosthetic limbs, animatronics, and mechanical rigs, allowing actors to physically interact with creatures on set for realism.
Black tears seen on Wednesday are created with special liquid applied before takes, showing the attention to atmospheric detail. Special effects teams lit real torches and added orange backlighting to simulate the glow of fire during creature sequences, blending practical and digital effects seamlessly. These choices enhance suspense and immerse viewers deeply in the signature dark aesthetic.
Behind the Scenes: The Set and Cast Dynamics
Despite the on-screen gloom, behind the scenes, the atmosphere is often lively and fun. Filming scenes with Wednesday’s stoic frown and Enid’s bright smile, cast members shared lighter moments despite the dark material. Some scenes, such as those featuring Tyler chained in an asylum, were punctuated by laughter on set despite their onscreen intensity. Practical challenges like noisy chains required additional sound dubbing, making the production an intricate effort balancing mood and chaos.
Hidden Easter Eggs and References to Classic Addams
The show’s dark aesthetics extend to honoring past adaptations. Fans can spot costume nods to Christina Ricci’s portrayal of Wednesday and Anjelica Huston’s Morticia, blending nostalgia with fresh interpretations. The sets quietly feature visual tributes such as statues, gothic sculptures, and cryptic books, deepening the sense that Wednesday Addams Netflix fully embraces the Addams Family legacy.
