Wednesday's Actors & Their Characters Age Gap Will Make You Do a Double Take
The show nailed the casting.
It didn't come as much of a surprise when Netflix's Wednesday emerged as one of the most popular shows of the previous year. Fans adored the combination of teenage actors and a mystery narrative. However, few gave thought to the challenges of the casting process behind the series.
While casting older actors may not have posed much of a challenge, selecting talented individuals to depict the teenage ensemble of Wednesday would have been a formidable task. Nevertheless, the casting director excelled despite many of the actors being considerably older than the characters they portrayed.
Jenna Ortega (21) – Wednesday Addams (16)
The undisputed breakout star of the show is Jenna Ortega, who flawlessly embodied the iconic Wednesday Addams, age gap notwithstanding. The five-year difference between Ortega and her character did not detract from her performance. Her youthful appearance and teenage aura allowed her to seamlessly step into the role.
Percy Hynes White (22) – Xavier Thorpe (16)
Xavier, Wednesday's romantic interest, emerged as a profoundly intriguing character. It went unnoticed by many that he was intended to be the same age as Ortega's character. White hardly resembled a 16-year-old, but this did not hinder his exemplary performance. Interestingly, he doesn't come across as a typical 22-year-old, either.
Joy Sunday (27) – Bianca Barclay (16)
Thorpe's former flame was a polarizing figure in the series, but Sunday's portrayal of the conflicted teen was undeniably impressive. Despite being over a decade older than her on-screen persona, Sunday adeptly captured Bianca's mature vibe, a testament to her extensive acting experience.
Emma Meyers (21) – Enid Sinclair (16)
Enid, Wednesday's werewolf roommate, quickly became a fan favorite, with Meyers delivering an outstanding portrayal of the friendly girl who strives to bond with Wednesday despite their differences. Meyers, being the same age as Ortega, arguably appeared even younger than the series' lead. A casting masterstroke!
Luis Guzmán (67) – Gomez Addams (50)
The esteemed actor left audiences in awe with his authentic depiction of the Addams family's head. A 17-year age gap from his character didn't deter Guzmán from delivering a memorable performance. Here's to hoping the upcoming second season gives him more screen time to flex his acting muscles.