Joanna Lumley as Wednesday's Grandmama — How Her Iconic Movies and TV Shows Shaped Wednesday Season 2

Netflix's Wednesday Season 2 has introduced Joanna Lumley as Grandmama, Morticia Addams' mother and a pivotal new character in the hit gothic comedy. The eight-episode season, which premiered its first part earlier this month, continues the story of Wednesday Addams at Nevermore Academy, adding deeper family tensions and a darker horror tone. Part 2 is set to arrive on 3 September 2025, with Lumley's debut marking one of the most talked-about casting moves of the year.

Wednesday Season 2 Release, Format, and What's New

The second season of Wednesday comprises eight episodes released in two parts. Part 1 is now available on Netflix, while Part 2 will be released globally on 3 September 2025. Directed in part by Tim Burton, the series leans further into gothic horror and suspense, building on the global success of Season 1, which became one of Netflix's most-watched English-language shows. The latest season also introduces new characters and plotlines that expand the Addams Family universe.

Who Is Grandmama in Wednesday Season 2?

Grandmama, played by Lumley, is Morticia Addams' mother and the grandmother of Wednesday and Pugsley. Known as Hester or Helen Frump in Addams Family lore, she is portrayed as a commanding presence within the family.

In Season 2, Grandmama's arrival at Nevermore and her interactions with Morticia and Wednesday create a layered generational dynamic. Showrunners have described her role as central to a 'family triangle' that will drive key storylines throughout the season.

'Wednesday and Hester get along great. Other than Fester, her Grandmama is probably Wednesday's favorite person and the one she feels the most kinship with,' executive producer Alfred Gough said, as reported by Netflix. 'Hester is also somebody Wednesday can use against her mother. It's a delicious family triangle to set up.'

Why Joanna Lumley Fits the Role Perfectly

Lumley's portrayal of Grandmama draws on decades of experience in television and film. Her role as Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous showcased her ability to deliver sharp, acerbic humour with impeccable timing, traits that translate well to Grandmama's gothic elegance and sly wit.

Lumley also brings a long-standing connection to the macabre through her collaborations with Tim Burton, including voicing Maudeline Everglot in Corpse Bride and playing Aunt Spiker in James and the Giant Peach. These performances reveal her skill in balancing eccentric charm with a darkly comedic edge, making her an ideal addition to Wednesday's ensemble.

Returning and New Cast Members

Jenna Ortega returns as Wednesday Addams, also serving as a producer this season. Catherine Zeta-Jones reprises her role as Morticia Addams, alongside Luis Guzmán as Gomez, Emma Myers as Enid Sinclair, and Fred Armisen as Uncle Fester.

New faces include Steve Buscemi as the school principal and Billie Piper as a Nevermore faculty member. Part 2 will also feature a guest appearance from Lady Gaga, adding further star power to the series.

Filming in Ireland and Production Scale

As confirmed by Netflix, Season 2 was filmed primarily in Ireland, marking a shift from Romania, where Season 1 was shot. Major locations include Ashford Studios in County Wicklow, Trinity College Dublin for exterior scenes, and Charleville Castle in County Offaly as a stand-in for the forest surrounding Nevermore Academy.

The move to Ireland has been described as one of the country's largest television productions to date, benefiting from its gothic architecture and production incentives that enhanced the show's visual atmosphere.