Wednesday Season 3: ‘She Must Die’ — What That Shocking Message Means for Jenna Ortega’s Return

The wait is on once again, and this time, the excitement is even bigger. With Wednesday officially renewed for a third season, fans are already counting down the days until Jenna Ortega returns as the gothic, sharp-witted Addams Family heiress in what has become one of Netflix’s most-watched shows of all time.

Since the premiere of Season 1, Wednesday has become a cultural phenomenon—breaking streaming records, sparking global trends, and turning its lead actress into a Gen Z icon. Now that Wednesday Season 3 is confirmed, anticipation is building for what comes next at Nevermore Academy.

So, what do we know so far? Here’s everything you need to know about Wednesday Season 3, from expected release dates to casting, storyline details, and what fans can expect from the return of their favorite gothic teen.

Netflix Renews Wednesday for Season 3 Ahead of Season 2 Premiere

In a rare show of confidence, Netflix officially renewed Wednesday for a third season in August 2025, even before the debut of Season 2. This early renewal signals not only the platform’s long-term commitment to the franchise, but also the enduring popularity of the Addams Family spinoff, which continues to dominate streaming charts globally.

The early greenlight means the creators have a clearer runway for storytelling, allowing for more continuity and less production uncertainty—something that plagued the gap between Seasons 1 and 2.

When Is Wednesday Season 3 Expected to Be Released?

While Netflix has not announced a confirmed release date, insiders suggest that filming for Season 3 may begin in late 2025 or early 2026. Factoring in the extensive post-production and special effects required for the show, a 2027 release seems most realistic at this point.

The timeline might seem long, but it’s worth noting that Season 2 faced unusually long delays due to the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes, as well as a location change from Romania to Ireland. With production now stabilized and a more streamlined schedule in place, creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar have promised a faster turnaround for Season 3.

That means fans can likely expect less waiting time compared to the nearly three-year gap between the first two seasons.

Why the Delay This Time Might Be Shorter

Several factors are contributing to a more efficient production timeline for Wednesday Season 3. First and foremost, the Hollywood strikes that halted much of the entertainment industry in 2023 and 2024 have been resolved, allowing for uninterrupted development.

Secondly, the production has now settled into its new home in Ireland, offering better infrastructure and resources for the series’ ambitious visual effects. Each episode of Wednesday includes thousands of VFX shots, which demand significant time and coordination. However, the creative team has reportedly implemented a new pipeline that will streamline the post-production process without sacrificing quality.

These improvements suggest that although Season 3 may still be over a year away, the production process is more controlled and predictable than before.

Story Threads from Season 2 That Will Continue

If Season 2 left you with more questions than answers, you’re not alone. The finale set up several major cliffhangers that Wednesday Season 3 is expected to explore in depth.

One of the biggest reveals came in the form of a chilling message: “Wednesday must die.” This ominous warning, connected to Aunt Ophelia, introduces a new central antagonist likely to shake up the dynamics of Nevermore Academy and the Addams family as a whole.

Another key storyline involves Enid’s transformation into a full-fledged werewolf. This change marks a turning point for her character and suggests a larger conflict brewing that could put her at odds with other supernatural factions. Naturally, Wednesday’s role in supporting or confronting Enid will be a crucial arc.

Fans are also eager to see what becomes of Tyler Galpin, who appeared to be free from the Hyde’s control at the end of Season 2. Will he seek redemption? Will he regress into his darker impulses? These open-ended fates give the writers plenty of material to work with.

More members of the Addams family are also expected to appear, further expanding the gothic universe that fans love. Whether it’s new family secrets, old rivalries, or emerging threats, Season 3 promises to deepen the mythos while keeping the dark humor and suspense alive.

Who’s Returning to Nevermore Academy?

While Netflix has not revealed the full cast list for Wednesday Season 3, several major names are expected to return.

At the top of the list is, of course, Jenna Ortega, who reprises her career-defining role as Wednesday Addams. Ortega’s portrayal has received widespread critical acclaim, and her involvement in the creative process has increased with each season. Expect her influence to grow even more in the third installment.

Other returning cast members likely include:

• Catherine Zeta-Jones as Morticia Addams, Wednesday’s mother

• Emma Myers as Enid Sinclair, her werewolf roommate and best friend

• Hunter Doohan as Tyler Galpin, whose fate remains a major question mark

Season 3 is expected to follow the format of its predecessors, likely featuring eight episodes, each packed with supernatural mysteries, dark comedy, and complex character arcs.

Jenna Ortega’s Impact on the Franchise

One of the driving forces behind the show’s success is Jenna Ortega, whose portrayal of Wednesday has captivated both critics and fans. Beyond her performance, Ortega has also taken on a more active role behind the scenes, contributing to script discussions, character development, and tone.

Her influence has ensured that Wednesday remains authentic to its gothic roots while evolving to resonate with a modern audience. With her return in Season 3, fans can expect even deeper character exploration, possibly showcasing a more vulnerable, conflicted version of the Addams heiress.

Ortega’s commitment to the role has transformed Wednesday from a supporting character in pop culture to a leading figure of dark youth rebellion, inspiring memes, trends, and think pieces across the internet.

What Fans Can Expect in Wednesday Season 3

If previous seasons are any indication, Season 3 will continue to blend gothic horror with teen drama, mystery, and coming-of-age storytelling. With growing stakes and expanding world-building, Wednesday Season 3 aims to not only satisfy long-time fans but also attract new viewers looking for something beyond the typical teen series.

The creators have hinted at more magical creatures, deeper family lore, and richer emotional stakes. With Wednesday maturing and evolving, the new season may delve into themes of identity, loyalty, and the gray areas between good and evil.

It’s also possible we’ll see new faculty or students at Nevermore Academy, and possibly a new villain hiding in plain sight. As always, expect the unexpected.

Conclusion

Wednesday Season 3 is shaping up to be another major milestone for the Addams Family universe on Netflix. With Jenna Ortega returning to lead the cast, a promising production timeline, and a slate of unresolved storylines, the stage is set for a thrilling new chapter.

While fans may have to wait until 2027 to return to Nevermore Academy, the good news is that this time, the wait will be shorter and the payoff even greater. As one of Netflix’s crown jewels, Wednesday is not just a hit—it’s a phenomenon. And with Season 3 on the horizon, its dark spell over viewers is far from broken.