Lina Irawan
DUBLIN — When the first season of Wednesday shattered streaming records in late 2022, it did so against the backdrop of Romania’s rugged Southern Carpathians. However, for the highly anticipated second season, Netflix and executive producer Tim Burton made a pivotal decision that would fundamentally alter the show’s visual DNA. Moving production from the castles of Transylvania to the mist-shrouded landscapes of Ireland, the series has not only found a new home for Nevermore Academy but has also ignited a massive surge in "set-jetting" tourism that is reshaping the Irish travel industry.
The transition marks one of the largest production undertakings in Irish history, leveraging the country’s ancient architecture and temperamental weather to deepen the show’s gothic atmosphere. As Season 2 unfolds, critics and fans alike are noting that the move was more than a logistical shift—it was a creative evolution.
Main Facts: A Production of Unprecedented Scale
The relocation of Wednesday to Ireland represents a strategic alignment between Netflix’s production needs and Ireland’s growing status as a global hub for high-end television. While Season 1 utilized Cantacuzino Castle in Bușteni, Romania, to represent the school for outcasts, Season 2 has expanded the world of the Addams Family by utilizing a tapestry of Irish locations that offer a more "timeless, ethereal quality," according to production insiders.
Key facts regarding the production include:
- Economic Impact: The production is the largest ever filmed in Ireland in terms of spend, outstripping previous heavyweights like Vikings and Game of Thrones (which filmed primarily in Northern Ireland).
- Primary Hub: Operations were centralized at Ashford Studios in County Wicklow, a facility capable of housing the massive, intricate interior sets required for Nevermore’s sprawling dormitories and secret societies.
- Creative Vision: Tim Burton, known for his penchant for German Expressionism and gothic whimsy, reportedly found Ireland’s natural lighting—often characterized by soft, diffused gray skies—perfectly suited for the show’s "deadpan" color palette.
Chronology: From the Carpathians to the Celtic Sea
The journey of Wednesday Season 2 began shortly after the explosive success of the debut season. By early 2023, rumors began to circulate within the industry that the production was seeking a new base.
Late 2022 – Early 2023: The Search for a New Nevermore
While Romania provided an authentic Eastern European gloom, logistical challenges and the need for more expansive studio infrastructure prompted showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar to scout Western European alternatives. Ireland’s Section 481 tax credit and its reputation for world-class crews made it a frontrunner.
Late 2023: Pre-Production and Set Construction
Construction began at Ashford Studios. Unlike the first season, which relied heavily on existing structures, Season 2 saw the creation of more bespoke environments. Production designer Mark Scruton and his team worked to blend Irish architectural motifs with the established "Addams" aesthetic.
2024: Principal Photography
Filming commenced across various counties, including Wicklow, Dublin, and Offaly. The production faced the challenge of maintaining continuity while introducing the lush, green, yet hauntingly desolate Irish countryside. Throughout the year, sightings of Jenna Ortega and the iconic "Thing" became frequent in local Irish villages, fueling social media speculation.
2025: Global Release and Cultural Impact
With the premiere of Season 2, the shift to Ireland became a central talking point. The "Irishness" of the new season—from the moss-covered stone walls to the ancient woodlands—was immediately apparent, cementing the country’s role in the Wednesday lore.
Supporting Data: The Anatomy of the New Gothic Landscape
The visual success of Season 2 rests on four primary locations that have become characters in their own right.
1. Charleville Castle, County Offaly
If Nevermore Academy had a soul, it would be found within the walls of Charleville Castle. A masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, the castle was built in the late 18th century. Its history of reported hauntings—specifically the legend of a young girl named Harriet—added a layer of "method atmosphere" for the cast. The castle’s massive ogee windows and crenellated battlements provided the exterior grandeur necessary for the school’s reimagining.
2. Powerscourt Estate & Waterfall, County Wicklow
The grounds of Powerscourt provided the "epic spectacle" the showrunners desired. The estate’s formal gardens offer a stark contrast to the wilder, more untamed elements of the Irish woods. The Powerscourt Waterfall, cascading from a height of 121 meters, serves as a dramatic backdrop for the supernatural sequences that define the Addams Family universe.
3. Deansgrange Cemetery, Dublin
To capture the show’s preoccupation with the macabre, the production utilized Deansgrange Cemetery. As one of Ireland’s largest burial grounds, its rows of Celtic crosses and weathered Victorian headstones provided a realism that soundstages could not replicate. The presence of historical figures buried there, including literary and political icons, added a sense of gravity to the show’s darker scenes.
4. Ashford Studios, County Wicklow
While the exteriors capture the imagination, the technical heart of the show lies in Ashford Studios. Occupying over 30,000 square feet of stage space, the studio allowed for the construction of "in-camera" sets. Production designer Mark Scruton emphasized that minimizing "blue screen" work was essential for the actors to feel immersed in Wednesday Addams’ world.
Official Responses: Praise for the "Magical" Move
The decision to film in Ireland has been met with universal acclaim from both the creative team and the local government.
The Showrunners’ Perspective:
Alfred Gough and Miles Millar expressed that Ireland offered a sense of "wonder and epic spectacle." In a joint statement, they noted: "Everything in Ireland fits the show’s style. The woods feel ancient, the castles feel lived-in, and the gray skies provide a natural filter that enhances the gothic vibe without the need for heavy post-production color grading."
The Stars’ Experience:
Jenna Ortega, who has become a global fashion and cultural icon through her portrayal of Wednesday, spoke warmly of her time in the country. "My favorite thing was just how kind the people are," Ortega said in a recent press junket. "But beyond that, the countryside has this specific kind of beauty that feels very nostalgic and a little bit sad—which is perfect for Wednesday."
Luis Guzmán, who plays Gomez Addams, echoed these sentiments, describing the Irish landscape as "sensational and deeply atmospheric."
Tourism Ireland’s Strategic Response:
Tourism Ireland has been quick to capitalize on the "Wednesday Effect." Siobhán McManamy, a representative for the organization, highlighted the importance of "screen tourism." She noted that approximately 24% of travelers now choose their destinations based on what they see on screen. "We are actively promoting the locations of Wednesday Season 2 to a global audience, ensuring that fans know they can walk the same halls and forests as their favorite characters," McManamy stated.
Implications: The "Netflix Effect" and the Future of Screen Tourism
The move to Ireland has implications that extend far beyond the television screen. It signals a shift in how major studios view "location" as a brand-building tool.
The Rise of "Set-Jetting"
The phenomenon of "set-jetting" has seen a massive uptick due to TikTok and Instagram. Hashtags like #WednesdayNetflix and #CharlevilleCastle have garnered millions of views, with fans posting "outfit of the day" videos in gothic attire at filming locations. This has created a new micro-economy for local businesses, from boutique hotels to guided "ghost tours" in County Offaly.
Ireland as a "Gothic Hub"
Historically, Ireland has a deep connection to gothic literature—Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, was born in Dublin. By hosting Wednesday, Ireland is reclaiming its status as the spiritual home of the gothic genre. This move is expected to attract other supernatural and period productions, further bolstering the nation’s audiovisual sector.
Technological vs. Practical Filmmaking
The success of Season 2’s visuals—achieved through practical locations rather than heavy CGI—may influence future high-budget series. The industry is seeing a return to "tactile filmmaking," where the physical environment plays a crucial role in the storytelling process. As Mark Scruton noted, when a set is "all in-camera," it creates a level of authenticity that resonates with modern audiences who are increasingly weary of over-digitized media.
Conclusion: A Match Made in Macabre Heaven
Netflix’s Wednesday Season 2 is more than a continuation of a successful franchise; it is a cinematic love letter to the Irish landscape. By swapping the castles of Romania for the haunted halls of Charleville and the misty vistas of Wicklow, the production has elevated the show’s aesthetic to new heights.
As fans continue to binge-watch the latest mysteries of Nevermore Academy, the impact of the show will be felt on the windswept cliffs and in the quiet villages of Ireland for years to come. The Addams Family has found a new home, and in doing so, they have turned the "Emerald Isle" into a premier destination for those who find beauty in the dark, the ancient, and the supernatural. Whether through the lens of a camera or the eyes of a tourist, the gothic legacy of Ireland has been firmly revitalized by the world’s favorite morose teenager.
Azzam Bilal Chamdy
Ali Ikhwan
