Imagine being cast in a huge Netflix hit, only to realize your character existed long before you knew! Joanna Lumley, the legendary Absolutely Fabulous star, found herself in this exact hilarious predicament with her role as Hester Frump in ‘Wednesday’. What other secrets might the Addams Family universe be hiding from its own stars?
Iconic British actress Joanna Lumley found herself in a uniquely charming predicament following her casting in the hit series, ‘Wednesday Netflix’. The veteran performer, renowned for her roles across decades, expressed genuine surprise upon learning a crucial detail about her character, Hester Frump, a revelation that left her comically exclaiming, “why didn’t anyone tell me?” This humorous blunder has captivated fans, highlighting the delightful on-set dynamics of one of the streaming giant’s most anticipated shows.
Lumley’s involvement in the second season of ‘Wednesday’ as the formidable Hester Frump was a highly anticipated announcement. Handpicked for the pivotal role by none other than executive producer Tim Burton, Lumley, who previously collaborated with the visionary filmmaker on “Corpse Bride,” admitted her perplexity regarding Burton’s decision. She candidly noted that Burton, known for his distinct creative style, “is not hugely communicative,” leaving her to ponder the precise reasons behind his casting choice, a testament to their professional yet enigmatic working relationship.
The character of Hester Frump, destined to be Wednesday Addams’ grandmother, is slated for introduction in the second series, enriching the already complex family tapestry of the Addams Family universe. Her arrival sets the stage for a long-running feud with her daughter, Morticia Addams, portrayed by Catherine Zeta-Jones, promising layers of dramatic tension and dark humor that fans have come to expect from the beloved franchise.
The root of Lumley’s humorous quandary stemmed from her initial assumption that the role of Hester had been specifically penned for her. It was only after proudly sharing the news of her casting that the esteemed actress made a surprising discovery: the character of Hester Frump had in fact appeared in the original 1960s Addams Family lore. This delightful oversight underscores the timeless appeal and deep history embedded within the Addams Family saga, even catching its newest stars by surprise.
Showrunner Miles Millar conveyed the immense enthusiasm of the production team regarding Lumley’s addition to the ensemble. He praised the television legend, remarking on her impeccable performance, stating that she “nailed every single line” from the moment she stepped onto the set. Such high accolades from the creative minds behind ‘Wednesday Netflix’ affirm the perfect synergy between Lumley’s iconic presence and the show’s distinctive tone.
Alfred Gough, co-creator of ‘Wednesday’, elaborated on a central thematic thrust of the second series: the intricate dynamics of mother-daughter relationships. This theme will be explored through various lenses, including the historical friction between Morticia and Hester, as well as the evolving relationship between Wednesday and her own mother. The narrative promises to delve into the subtle “similarities and differences” that define these familial bonds, offering rich psychological depth.
Furthermore, Gough highlighted a particularly intriguing aspect of the upcoming season: the unexpected bond between Wednesday and Hester. Despite the overarching family feuds, Grandmama Frump is depicted as possibly Wednesday’s favorite person, after Uncle Fester, and the individual with whom she shares the deepest sense of kinship. This unique connection between the two adds another fascinating layer to the Addams Family narrative, promising unexpected alliances and understanding.
As anticipation builds, viewers can immerse themselves in the unfolding mystery and family drama of ‘Wednesday season two’. Episodes one to four are currently available for streaming, with the subsequent episodes five to eight scheduled for release on Wednesday, inviting fans to witness Joanna Lumley’s memorable portrayal of Hester Frump and the ongoing adventures within the captivating Wednesday Netflix universe.
