Comparing the characters in The Addams Family films and Netflix’s Wednesday. This article looks at the similarities and differences between the characters in both the 90s movies and the 2022 Netflix original series.
There have been many versions of the Addams Family over the years, but the nineties films, specifically The Addams Family and Addams Family Values directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, remain dearest to fans. They seem to have captured the spirit of the franchise in the most accurate fashion, recreating that renowned dark, macabre humor, which Wednesday also aspires to. The new Netflix series, partially directed by Tim Burton, manages to generate similar laughs, whilst trying to forge its own unique style, although it is hard to outdo the former films.
With the release of Wednesday, I thought it would be interesting to compare and contrast the characters found in both the nineties movies and the new Netflix series, to see how the projects are similar and different from one another. So let’s explore the differences between the portrayals of the Addams Family characters in the movies and the series.
Comparing the characters in The Addams Family films and Netflix’s Wednesday
Wednesday Addams, played by Christina Ricci and Jenna Ortega
It’s only fitting to start with the gothic girl herself. This role seems to have been a breakout performance for both actresses. It was only Ricci’s third feature film outing after Mermaids and The Hard Way; while Jenna Ortega has starred in more projects before playing Wednesday, the Netflix series is clearly her biggest billing to date.
Christina Ricci was only around ten or eleven years old when she began filming for The Addams Family, and her adorable, innocent expressions really do add to the overall dark humor of the series. Ricci played Wednesday with a cheeky, sarcastic tone, which juxtaposed well with her deadpan stares and monotonous voice. Wednesday is much more playful in the movies than in the series, with Ricci clearly making the most of a hilarious script, easily stealing the spotlight in every scene she’s in.
Whereas Ortega’s Wednesday is a lot older in the teen-centric series. This teenage angst means that her Wednesday is less charming and more cutthroat. Although Ortega still manages to bring out that famous fiery spark in her interpretation. Ortega’s Wednesday can be sweet and sociable when she wants to be. She is far more likable when she ditches the frosty act and opens up a little more. There’s room for friendships, laughs, and love in the Netflix series, which makes her more relatable overall, but it is hard to compare with Ricci’s classic portrayal.
Morticia Addams, played by Anjelica Huston and Catherine Zeta-Jones
Wednesday’s mother, Morticia, is played by two very different, yet equally talented individuals over the two projects. Anjelica Huston’s portrayal pays homage to B-Movie actresses of years gone by, with her iconic look and the unique lighting placed around her eyes. Huston played Morticia with a whimsical, overdramatic edge, matching her daughter for the deadpan sarcasm. Her portrayal garnered many award nominations in the early nineties yet no overall wins. Catherine Zeta-Jones’ portrayal is more of a guest appearance really, as she doesn’t appear that often in the series. When she is on the small screen, she is softly spoken, elegant and regal just like Huston was, with a sharp mind and a motherly nature underneath it all. I think Huston’s portrayal is untouchable really, but hopefully, subsequent seasons can give more for Zeta-Jones to play with.
Gomez Addams played by Raul Julia and Luis Guzman
The ridiculously romantic father is surprisingly different in both offerings, yet his love for Morticia is undeniable across the board. He is head over heels in love with his wife and showers her with kisses and compliments almost constantly. Raul Julia played Gomez as loud and larger-than-life, a suave swordsman and accomplished dancer, who could master any skill if he put his mind to it. The acrobatic and overdramatic father is given an adrenaline shot of energy by Julia. Whilst Guzman’s Gomez is more calm and considerate. The affection is evidently there, yet Guzman’s guest starring role is more subdued. He loves his family dearly and would do anything for them, but the showman is very much a thing for the youthful Gomez of the past. The Netflix Gomez seems jaded by the years, but like Zeta-Jones, there needs to be more screen time for Guzman in future installments. All in all, Raul Julia’s performance is legendary and completely unbeatable in my opinion.
Uncle Fester played by Christopher Lloyd and Fred Armisen
Gomez’s brother Fester is remembered for his bald head and pale complexion, as well as his penchant for crime. The goofy, gullible Uncle is played by Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future) in the movies. Lloyd shapes Fester into a shy, bumbling buffoon, who yearns for companionship. In the series, Fester is a little more outgoing, with a more experimental, daring energy to his character. Armisen’s Fester is livelier and bold, going on the run after a string of bank robberies. He makes a guest appearance in the Netflix series to help Wednesday with her investigation. He’s as odd as ever, but there seems to be more going on in this Fester’s brain. I like both versions and hope to see more of Armisen’s character in subsequent seasons.
Thing played by Christopher Hart and Victor Dorobantu
A sentient, singular hand that can see without eyes and hear without ears. Thing is a strange addition to the franchise, but one of the most memorable. The movies pitch Thing as a scampering rascal sent to do the family’s bidding. He’s a very smooth, clean hand in the films, whilst the years haven’t been too kind on the Thing in the series. The hand comes with scars and stitches in Wednesday. Thing is a loyal servant in both offerings, yet he comes into his own in the Netflix series. Working as a Groot or Grogu-type sidekick, Thing is cute, charming, and consistently helpful in the series. Maybe one of the highlights of the show, Thing is definitely superior in the series.
Pugsley Addams played by Jimmy Workman and Isaac Ordonez
Wednesday’s brother Pugsley is a simpleminded, immature younger sibling, who is constantly bullied and belittled in the franchise. The movies paint him as a cheeky yet gullible child. Workman’s Pugsley is easy-going and open-minded, happy to tag along for each and every one of his sister’s schemes. It’s an endearing and naïve portrayal that works well as a duet with Ricci’s Wednesday. In the Netflix series, Pugsley is a bullied wallflower, like his father, he is shy and inward. Ordonez’s Pugsley seems more emotional and alert like he’s taking it all in. Another character left to guest appearances, there’s a nice moment between him and Ortega as they fish with grenades, which hints at a stronger partnership to come.
Lurch played by Carel Struycken and George Burcea
The family butler is played by the iconic actor Carel Struycken in the movies. You may recognize Struycken from his appearances in Twin Peaks, Gerald’s Game, and Doctor Sleep. His Lurch is a zombie-like giant who drives the family to places and the kids to school. Again in the Netflix series, he is just a chauffeur really to drive the Addams family about. The character isn’t a major part of the narrative overall but works as an iconic visual gag from time to time. The Lurch in the films is pretty hard to beat for his iconic look, which is of course all thanks to Carel Struycken.
What are your thoughts on the similarities and differences between the characters In The Addams Family Film and Netflix’s Wednesday? Please comment below.
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