It is not new that Hollywood executives might want to alter a film or TV show that does not go with the creatives’ perspective. Creators of the Netflix series Wednesday, Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, revealed to IndieWire that the streamer’s executives fought to cut some lines that would have changed some of the context, personality, and tone from the leading star, played by Jenna Ortega.
The series is part coming-of-age story and part murder mystery with the iconic Addams family character. As Tim Burton directed four episodes, his voice comes through with a particular tone that is dark yet playful. Gough said that executives were supportive of the direction they wanted to go in. Millar did note that some Netflix executives were hesitant on some lines, urging them to be cut from Wednesday.
For example, in one scene, Ortega’s character is talking with her roommate, Enid (Emma Meyers), who encourages her gothic roommate to “take a stab at being social.” The lead had a grim, humorous reply as she said how she likes stabbings. For Millar, “that’s the whole point of the character.” If they had taken out the stabbing comment, it would be a “betrayal of the character.”
Wednesday almost had lines cut, as urged by Netflix executives
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q73UhUTs6y0
Ultimately, the creators of the series won the battle. The show was able to come out with the creators’ vision intact. The show holds a respectable 69% on Rotten Tomatoes from its critical score and 88% from audiences. While some critics were torn, in our review, Eddy Skripko gave it four out of five stars and wrote that it “stands out for its excellent visuals” and “compelling performances (especially by Ortega).
Wednesday is currently available on Netflix with eight episodes for an easy binge. It also stars Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones), Riki Lindhome (Knives Out), Jamie McShane (Mank), and Hunter Doohan (Your Honor).