Steve Buscemi recently shared that director Tim Burton contributed to his portrayal of Barry Dort, the new principal at Nevermore Academy in Netflix’s “Wednesday.” In an exclusive interview, Buscemi revealed that Burton gifted him an Edgar Allan Poe action figure, which served as a significant source of inspiration for his character, intended to be based on the iconic poet known for his haunting works. The character’s connection to Poe is evident, especially given the recurring theme of “nevermore,” famously found in Poe’s poem “The Raven.”
This collaboration marks a reunion for Buscemi and Burton, who last worked together in the 2003 film “Big Fish.” Buscemi expressed his admiration for Burton’s directorial style, highlighting how the director entrusts actors with substantial creative responsibility. He noted feeling a mix of excitement and nerves about stepping into a beloved world, but found comfort in Burton’s leadership.
Additionally, he praised Jenna Ortega, who reprises her role as Wednesday Addams and is also an executive producer on the show. He described her as a consummate professional and mentioned that the new iteration of “The Addams Family” maintains its classic essence while exploring new directions.
With the second season of “Wednesday” divided into two parts, the first installment is set to premiere on August 6, 2025, followed by the second on September 3, 2025. This arrangement gives fans something to look forward to in the continuation of a show that has successfully reimagined a beloved franchise.