Summary
Wednesdaystar Jenna Ortega addresses the absence of her co-star Percy Hynes White in season 2 of the hit Netflix series. In season 1, Hynes White played Xavier Thorpe, a psychic peer of Ortega’sWednesday Addams at Nevermore Academy, and one of the series' most prominent characters. Following multiple accusations of sexual assault, which he denied,Hynes White was not brought back for season 2.
In an interview withVanity Fair, Ortega briefly spoke about Hynes White not being in season 2 and the impact it has on the series. She said that the actor’s absence has been"a weird redirect, but we’re introducing so many different characters that I think it will get kind of lost.“In terms of the narrative impact of no more Xavier, Ortega revealed that it works well with the upcoming episodes as Wednesday’s“world does feel slightly askew anyway.”
What Xavier’s Absence Means For Wednesday Season 2’s Story
It Helps Fix A Season 1 Mistake
While real-world circumstances impacted Xavier not being inWednesdayseason 2, the character’s absence works well with previous comments Ortega made about season 1 and how these issues would be addressed in the new season. Ortega previously expressed frustration regarding thelove triangle in season 1 between Wednesday, Xavier, and Tyler Galpin (Hunter Doohan). Thefocus on this romantic drama did not align with Ortega’s version of Wednesdayand the way she played the character.
Ortega said this issue will be fixed in season 2 with more emphasis on horror and less attention on romantic drama. Removing Xavier from the story helps with this as it removes a key member of the love triangle. With Tylerrevealed to beWednesday’s Hydelater in season 1, a romantic relationship between him and Wednesday is not going to progress any further either. These various developments ensure thatthe love triangle is dead and season 2 can be more authentic to Wednesday’s true self.
Tyler was last seen transforming into the Hyde while in police custody.
The comments Ortega made about introducing many new characters and Wednesday’s world"feel[ing] slightly askew"is an intriguing tease for the upcoming season, potentially hinting thatpart of Wednesday’s struggle will be dealing with new challenges without those she can trust. Despite her doubts about Xavier and suspicion that he might be the Hyde in season 1, Xavier ultimately proved to be someone Wednesday could trust. His absence, and potential separation from other familiar characters, may force Wednesday to make new allies and raise questions about which new characters she can and cannot trust inWednesdayseason 2.
Wednesday
Cast
Wednesday follows the journey of Wednesday Addams as she attends Nevermore Academy, a boarding school for outcasts. Tasked with mastering her psychic abilities, she confronts a series of town murders and a haunting family mystery from 25 years ago, all while managing new social dynamics.
