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Wednesday is set to bid farewell to a cast member before its third season, yet it gains a new star—Winona Ryder, following the conclusion of her role in Stranger Things.
On Monday, February 23, Netflix announced that Ryder, at 54, will appear as a guest star in a role that remains a mystery. This season of the popular series marks a creative reunion, bringing Ryder back together with Wednesday director and executive producer Tim Burton. The two previously collaborated on iconic films such as Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands. Ryder also shared the screen with Wednesday lead Jenna Ortega in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Expressing his delight, Burton, 67, commented, “I am thrilled to have Winona join us; she seamlessly fits into this universe. Plus, she’s a cherished friend. I always feel fortunate to collaborate with her.”
Show creators and executive producers Al Gough and Miles Millar also shared their excitement over Ryder’s involvement in the series.
Saying goodbye to beloved characters can be difficult for fans, and 2025 has seen a wave of surprising exits from television. Euphoria experienced several casting shake-ups following a significant pause between its second and third seasons. Among these changes was the tragic passing of Angus Cloud in 2023, alongside Storm Reid’s departure from the show. […]
“When it comes to Outcasts, Winona Ryder is the GOAT. Her legendary partnership with Tim Burton has defined some of cinema’s most unforgettable characters,” they said in a statement. “We loved collaborating with her on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her to Nevermore.”
Ryder is joining Eva Green, who was previously announced in the role of Morticia’s sister Ophelia, in season 3. The show also promoted Joanna Lumley to series regular after she was introduced as Wednesday’s (Ortega) maternal grandmother in season 2.
Wednesday is going through other changes as well, with Noah B. Taylor departing after a short-lived stint as Enid’s (Emma Myers) love interest, Bruno. He is the second love interest to be written off the show after Percy Hynes White’s exit following his scenes as Xavier in season 1.
In addition to Ortega, Wednesday also stars Myers, Hunter Doohan, Joy Sunday, Georgie Farmer and Moosa Mostafa. Jamie McShane, who was a series regular in the first season, was previously moved to guest star status. Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Isaac Ordonez and Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo were promoted to series regulars ahead of season 2.
The sophomore season also featured appearances from Steve Buscemi, Billie Piper, Evie Templeton and Owen Painter, while Haley Joel Osment, Christopher Lloyd, Thandiwe Newton, Frances O’Connor, Heather Matarazzo, Joonas Suotamo and Lady Gaga scored guest star roles.
All good things must come to an end, even when it comes to TV. Over the years, many television stars have suddenly left their roles — while others have been cut from a series without much notice. Anna Faris announced in September 2020 that she was leaving CBS’ Mom after starring as the lead character […]
Viewers were introduced to a new version of the iconic Wednesday Addams character when the show premiered in November 2022. Before Ortega took over as the moody and spooky teenager, Christina Ricci famously brought the character to life in two Addams Family films, which took inspiration from the cartoons by Charles Addams.
The first season followed the titular character’s attempts to master her psychic powers at Nevermore Academy while dealing with a killing spree at the hands of a mysterious monster. Season 2 followed Wednesday returning to school after becoming the savior of Nevermore. She then prepares to save the day again after getting visions of Enid’s impending death.
Before season 2 aired in August 2025, Wednesday was renewed for another season — and a spinoff. Gough and Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria released a statement confirming that there was a Wednesday spinoff in the works, saying in July 2025, “It’s something we’re definitely noodling. There are other characters we can look at. … There’s a lot to explore in the Addams Family.”
Wednesday is currently streaming on Netflix.