a look at their friendship

Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ is bringing together two generations of gothic charm. Winona Ryder, the iconic star of 1980s and ’90s cult classics, is joining the series for its third season, reuniting with lead actress Jenna Ortega in what promises to be a delightfully eerie collaboration.

The pair previously worked together in 2024’s ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,’ where Ortega played Ryder’s on-screen daughter. Speaking about their chemistry, Ortega told The New York Times’ The Interview podcast, “The way Winona and I got along was quite weird. It was like we were reading each other’s minds a little bit. She’s warm and welcoming and kind and inviting from the start.”

For Ryder, returning to work with Tim Burton and now Ortega adds another layer of excitement. Burton, who directed both the original ‘Beetlejuice’ and the recent sequel, called the reunion “extra special,” saying, “The addition of some dear friends and past collaborators of mine — Winona, Eva, Chris, Noah… makes this season extra special. I feel very lucky.”

© Frazer Harrison

Their reunion is more than a nostalgic nod. Ryder brings decades of iconic, moody charisma, while Ortega has become a fan-favorite star, captivating audiences with her portrayal of Wednesday Addams. 

Together, their onscreen dynamic promises to deepen the show’s darkly comedic, supernatural world while thrilling longtime fans of both actresses.

© Rodin Eckenroth

Production kicks off on ‘Wednesday’ Season 3:

With Ryder and Ortega reunited, the magic of Nevermore Academy is officially coming to life again. Netflix confirmed that production for Season 3 has begun near Dublin, Ireland, marking the start of another chapter in the series’ darkly whimsical universe.

© Dave Benett

Joining the cast alongside Ryder are Eva Green as Morticia Addams’ mysterious sister, Ophelia; Chris Sarandon as Balthazar; Noah Taylor as Cyrus; Oscar Morgan as Atticus; and Kennedy Moyer as Daisy. 

While details about their characters are largely under wraps, the additions promise fresh intrigue and some long-buried Addams Family secrets. Showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar teased fans with their signature dark humor.

© Yui Mok – PA Images

“It’s our dark delight to fling open Nevermore Academy’s gates once more. To the fans, we appreciate your patience and ravenous online commentary — your twisted theories have inspired nightmares. This season, we welcome new students, new teachers, and excavate some long-rotting Addams Family secrets. Don’t say you weren’t warned.”

Though no official release date has been announced, Season 3 is expected to arrive in 2027. With a combination of returning favorites, exciting new cast members, and the reunited Ryder-Ortega duo, fans can anticipate a season brimming with gothic glamour, eerie thrills, and plenty of Addams Family mischief.