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Summary
Set in the visually haunting Nevermore Academy, Netflix’sWednesdaytells the story of the emotionally guarded Wednesday Addams, who, despite being sent to the boarding school against her will, nearly sacrifices her life to save it. The show became a global phenomenon upon release in November 2022, so it’s only fitting that it pays homage to another iconic franchise from a previous era.
WednesdaySeason 2 comes with a sweet, nostalgic surprise nestled within the school drama, one that elevates the show beyond dark mystery and a supernatural thriller vibe. While nods to Edgar Allan Poe are expected, the upcoming season also seems to draw inspiration from a beloved pop culture phenomenon known for its magical school setting and heroic students. The fandom was quick to spot a reference, and with areboot of that very franchiseanticipated on Max in 2026, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
FromHarry Potter’s Hogwarts ToWednesday’s Nevermore: The Sweet Nostalgia Of The Magical School Genre
LikeHarry Potter,Wednesdaytaps into the magical school genre but with a gothic twist. Beyond several similarities that exist between the protagonists, both Harry Potter and Wednesday Addams are legacy students whose parents left a lasting impact on Hogwarts and Nevermore Academy, respectively. While Harry approaches life with a more human perspective, Wednesday comes from a uniquely eccentric family and possesses an odd sense of humor. Yet, the deeper connection is that neither Harry’s nor Wednesday’s true journeys begin until they set foot on the grounds of their cool schools.
At their respective schools, both Harry and Wednesday get involved in a bunch of extracurricular activities that speak volumes about their personalities and goals. Harry, thanks to his exceptional flying skills, was made a Seeker in Gryffindor’s Quidditch team in his very first year. Wednesday, on the other hand, joinsEugene Ottinger’s Nevermore Hummers, hoping it will serve as a convenient front for her ongoing detective work.
WednesdaySeason 2 Pays Homage To Harry Potter’s First Flying Lesson
In its own way,Wednesdaypays a visual homage toHarry Potterthrough a striking moment featured in the “Sneak Peek: Addams Family” video released by Netflix. The scene shows Nevermore students gathered outdoors, and lifting logs of wood—an image that is a recall of the flying lesson sequence fromHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, where Madam Hooch taught Gryffindors and Slytherins the basics of Quidditch.
On the grounds of Hogwarts, facing the opposite side of the Forbidden Forest, the Golden Trio, along with Neville Longbottom, Draco Malfoy, and the rest, gathered for their first flying lessons. This scene with broomsticks laid out on the ground is etched inHarry Potterfans' memories. OnWednesday, a visual parallel unfolds: four Nevermore students, dressed in striped uniforms, stand in formation and lift large wooden sticks from a pile of logs before them, quite like how Harry Potter and his friends stuck out their right hand over their brooms and said “up!”
The similarity is subtle but striking — a nod to Harry and his peers extended their right hands over their brooms and said, “Up!” It’s a clever visual homage, encapsulating the same spirit of magical instruction, discipline, and participation. Furthermore, the parallel exists not just in the setting—a school activity held on the grounds—but also inthe shared sense of teamwork.
In the background, more Nevermore students are seen gathering logs of wood, possibly to add them to the central piles laid out in the middle of the grounds. There’s a stage nearby that showcases various activities, hinting at an organized effort underway, quite possibly a school event.
While it can be argued that the visually familiar scene exists partly for nostalgia, the Sneak Peek teaser reveals through several clues that the students have collected logs as part of a larger, coordinated effort, likely to build a bonfire that plays a key role in a nighttime school event.Morticia and Gomezare possibly overseeing this event, which justifies the creators bringing the Addams family to Nevermore.
Another shot that adds a layer of mystery and purpose is that of Wednesday holding a flame torch high, joined by a large crowd of students and faculty members. Something burning in the background — either an effigy or a bonfire, suggesting something is about to happen, or is underway. The burning in the background gives the whole atmosphere a ritualistic vibe. In another scene, five students raise their right hands, summoning a phoenix-esque creature from the bonfire. As it flies, the crowd cheers, while Morticia and Gomez look on with pride.
Only time will reveal the true purpose of this bonfire, the significance of Wednesday taking the lead at Nevermore, the mystery of the five students who stick out their right arms at nighttime, andMorticia and Gomez’s unusually heightened presence at Nevermore.
WednesdaySeason 2 returns to Netflix in two parts, with Part 1 (four episodes) debuting on July 10, 2025, followed by Part 2 (the remaining four episodes) on June 10, 2025. Jenna Ortega is set to reprise her role as the titular character.The show also brings backCatherine Zeta-Jones as Morticia Addams, Luis Guzmán as Gomez Addams, and Isaac Ordonez as Pugsley Addams, as it promises to expand on the Addams family lore.
