Summary
Expanded universes are no foreign concept to most people at this point, and it looks like the next franchise in line to receive one will beThe Addam’s Family. Following the massive success ofNetflix’sWednesdayseries, in addition to a second season, an Uncle Fester spinoff show set in the same universe has recently been announced. The show is set to bring backWednesdayactor Fred Armisen and will release in 2025 or early 2026.
The choice to make the series focused on one relatively minor character has confused some fans, who would prefer a show focused around all the Addams' instead. Cinematic universe fatigue likely plays a part in this feeling as well. However, with the heavier lore focus ofWednesday, now could be the perfect time to expand on Fester’s character in a big way.
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Netflix Is Making An Uncle Fester Spinoff Of Wednesday
Netflix’sWednesdayseries,starring Jenna Ortega in the titular role, was a smash success. After premiering in November 2022, it became one of Netflix’s most popular series ever and was quickly renewed for a second season. Given the immense popularity of both the show and Jenna Ortega, it makes all the sense in the world to expand this version of theAddams Familyuniverse. This week, Netflix revealed that the first step in this plan is an Uncle Fester focused spinoff show. Fred Armisen, who portrayed the character inWednesday, is set to return to the role.
This move is a bit of a surprise to many. Uncle Fester had a very limited amount of screentime inWednesday, only appearing in a single episode. Generally speaking, Uncle Fester is a comic relief character with less ability to carry a show than a character like Wednesday Addams. Many feel that rather create anAddams Familyextended universe, it would make more sense to just make anAddams Familyshow or movie.
Still, there’s definitely some merit to the idea.Wednesdaygot a lot of mileage out of expanding the lore of Wednesday and her family, focusing on a continued story more than mostAddams Familyadaptations. This might just be the ideal setting to expand the lore of the character. Whilehistorically a comic relief character, Fester’s role in the family dynamic has always been to be extremely strange and mysterious even compared to the rest of the Addams'. If theWednesdayuniverse is leaning into being story focused, expanding on Uncle Fester’s character could be a perfect next step.
The show also seems like it had been planned on for some time and is truly the direction the showrunner’s wish to take theWednesdayuniverse, and not a simple cash grab. Fred Armisen was publicly very excited about taking on the role, shaving his head for his one episode appearance. It seems as though he cares deeply about the part, saying viaNetflix:
“Then, when I heard what the project was, I wanted to do it even more. And when it was like, ‘Well, it’s Uncle Fester,’ it just made complete sense to me. It doesn’t happen that often, but it was a real case of, ‘Oh, I’m the guy for this. This is something that I would really love to do.’ ”
Overall, while an unorthodox move, the Uncle Fester spinoff seems to be believed in by everyone involved in making it. Only time will tell how good the show is, and what’s in store for this newAddams Familyuniverse. The Uncle Fester spinoff is still in early development, but is likely to release in 2025 or early 2026.
When Does Uncle Fester Show Up In Wednesday?
Uncle Fester appeared in just a single episode ofWednesday, that being the seventh episode, “If You Don’t Woe Me By Now.“His bond with Wednesday is immediately obvious, as upon seeing him she gives an incredibly rare smile. Fester is looking for a place to lay low after a burglary and remains with Wednesday for the remainder of the episode. He is instrumental in helping Wednesday look into the identity of the killer, recognizing the monster she seeks as a Hyde. He also saves the day by using his strange electric powers to revive Thing after he has been impaled.
This was Fester’s only appearance inWednesday, but fans were immediately impressed with this incarnation of him. Fred Armisen’s performance was praised, noting the similarities in his mannerisms and speech to Christopher Lloyd’s performance inThe Addams FamilyandAddams Family Values. This version of Uncle Fester was successful enough to warrant a lot of good will for the upcoming solo venture.
Other Versions Of Uncle Fester From The Addams Family
Uncle Fester was first portrayed by Jackie Coogan in the 1964 TV showThe Addams Family. This series was the adaptation of Charles Addams' cartoons and thus was the first time any of the characters were given personality traits. Fester’s character came into full fruition here; he was a kindhearted and ridiculous man, with a bizarre gift to conjure electricity and a fierce love for his family. In this initial incarnation, he was Morticia’s uncle, which would not be carried over into future versions. Jackie Coogan also voiced Fester in the first animated seriesand in the crossover withScooby-Doo.
The 1998Addams Familylive-action show kept Uncle Fester mostly intact. The only major change compared to his 60’s iteration was that he was made to be Gomez’s brother, and was aged down appropriately. This change would go on to become a staple aspect of Fester’s character. In this series, Fester is played by Michael Roberds.
Perhaps the most famous portrayal of Uncle Fester comes from Christopher Lloyd, who portrayed himin the live action filmThe Addams Familyand its sequel,Addams Family Values.Fester is instrumental to the plot of both films. In the former, Fester has been missing for twenty-five years. As the family maintains their effort to find him, a strange woman arrives at the old mansion. Her son, Gordon, strongly resembles Fester, and so she disguises him as the missing Addams to steal the family fortune. Gordon grows to love the Addams' and sides with them against his mother. After being struck by lightning, it is revealed that Gordon actually was Fester and had been suffering from amnesia. The lightning strike gives him his electric powers, marking the first time an explanation for Fester’s lightning conjuring had been given.
The final incarnation of Fester beforeWednesdaycomes from the 2019 animatedAddams Familymovie. Fester is played by Nick Kroll in this film, and is goofier and less intelligent than Fester normally is, fitting for the more child-friendly nature of the film. The most recent Fester, of course, is Fred Armisen’s version fromWednesday. With a spinoff dedicated to him on the way, there is sure to be plenty more revealed about this version of Fester Addams.
Netflix
Netflix is one of the most popular and widely viewed streaming services in the world. Beginning with its mail order DVD service, Netflix has since grown into an entertainment juggernaut, with original shows and movies including Squid Game, Stranger Things, The Irishman, and The Killer.
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