The new series from the “Addams Family” universe breaks the popularity records previously held by “Stranger Things”. It was a great undertaking from the beginning – the writers involved director Tim Burton in the project, and in the aesthetics of the series they tried to convey the atmosphere of “Beetlejuice” or “Edward Scissorhands” as much as the Addams themselves, based on the concept art of the original from the 1960s. they also forgot about the film from the 90s. Christina Ricci, playing Wednesday in it, inseparably identified with this character until the appearance of a new interpretation, also appeared in the Netflix series. Her presence on the set caused a lot of stress for the new lead actress.
She wanted to give the older actress her costume
Jenna Ortega was compared to Wednesday Addams even before she landed a role in the production of Miles Millar and Alfred Gough. She was personally distinguished by Tim Burton himself, so juxtapositions of her acting creation with her predecessors playing this character seemed inevitable. Knowing this, the actress decided not to ask Christina Ricci for advice in order to avoid adopting specific mannerisms. She didn’t want to emulate the sarcastic teenager’s previous incarnations.
When [Christina] was on set, neither of us said the word “Wednesday” to each other. I think because she knew not to tell me anything, because what would she say or do? I don’t think she would want to interfere with my performance, necessarily advise me and overwhelm me. Secondly, I didn’t want to imitate something she did 30 years ago or become too much like her. Our show has superpowers, outcasts, evil spirits. Our Wednesdays are two very different people.
– admitted Ortega in an interview with the Collider portal. This does not mean that in a direct confrontation, it was easy for her to deal with the pressure, even if the final result was satisfactory.
I’ve never felt so awkward before. I had no idea how to address her. I think she is a fantastic actress. In my mind, I knew her as Wednesday, so it was intimidating, but she is so wonderful and talented that she made everything go smoothly.
– she told Variety in an interview during the premiere of the series. Interestingly, she also admitted that despite wanting to create her own version of the character, every time she met Ricci wearing Wednesday’s costume, she felt “out of place” and wanted to give it back to her.
Ricci on “a modern version of Wednesday”
Although the presence of Christina Ricci significantly influenced the shape of the series, her participation in the Netflix production was not at all certain. The co-creator of the series, Al Gough, in an interview with TVLine, mentioned that despite the actress’s sincere desires and her sentiment for the role of Wednesday, the plan could be thwarted by “Yellowjackets”, where Ricci plays one of the main characters. In addition, she was pregnant during the filming period, which may also have affected the work schedule. Finally, she managed to play a teacher from Nevermore Academy, Marilyn Thornhill, hiding a dark secret. How does he remember working with Ortega? It turns out that she praised her long before the premiere of the series.
Jenna is amazing. I’d seen a few photos of the dressing room before I went on set, so I knew how [wygląda jako postać] and I thought it was a great modern version of Wednesday. She is so true to heart and soul [oryginału]but at the same time it is incredibly modern and wonderful.
Ricci said at the time. She supplemented her statement in an interview with the magazine “Elle” conducted at the end of November.
I loved playing Wednesday. I am very proud of this role. I also think Jenna Ortega is great. She’s so brave, she’s so cool, and she really fits the part, respecting her. Wednesday belongs to her now… Both can be true at the same time!
She also added that comparing both incarnations is a natural inclination of the audience, but it is difficult for her to assess who was better in this role.
“Wednesday” can be watched on the Netflix streaming platform from November 23, 2022.
Source: Gazeta
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
