How Wednesday is becoming the icon of Gen Z

Played at 12 by the brilliant Christina Ricci in the two cult films of the 90s directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, the daughter of Gomez and Morticia Addams is a teenager in the series Wednesday, and takes the form of Jenna Ortega. A shrewd casting choice to attract the audience of teenagers and twenties of Generation Z (born after 2000): the actress stood out in The relapsea drama about American high school shootings, the series YOU or even the fifth part of He shouted. She embodies a new generation of actresses who aren’t afraid to show commitment. For example, she proudly assumes her Mexican and Puerto Rican ancestry. “Wednesday is technically a Latino character and has never been portrayed. So for me, whenever I get the opportunity to represent my community, I want it to show. explains. Jenna Ortega slipped into Wednesday braids, goth looks and funeral vibes like her role was meant for her. The actress just received a Golden Globe nomination for her already iconic performance.

Wednesday at the school of weirdos

Although of its worldwide success (the series is number 1 in 83 countries) and co-directed by Tim Burton, many critics have pointed out the lack of originality. His dynamics – Wednesday plays the detectives of Nevermore High School, afflicted by a criminal creature – does not shine for his inventiveness. The school of misfits – made up of students with powers – inevitably evokes Hogwarts and his wizarding school. Mercredi introduces herself as a cousin of Riverdale for his taste for investigations, The New Adventures of Sabrinaanother Netflix series centered around a teenage witch and fan of dark humor, with a twist of Crow phenomenon for his ability to see visions. Many references that speak to twenty-year-olds. The universe of Wednesday, series under influences, is familiar to them. And unlike those in their 30s and older who feel betrayed by this less subversive version of Christina Ricci in their eyes, Gen Z doesn’t have many memories of 90s movies. especially inspired by Billie Eilish, another Gen Z icon who makes no effort to smile for anyone.

Wednesday comes as a dark version of Hermione. Precocious genius (she plays the violin, writes a spy novel, solves criminal cases, etc.), badass teenager (she fencing and knows how to fight), she is distinguished by cynical jokes and an ability to put things right. the established order.

A feminist character, she refuses to be confined to the traditional codes of femininity and shines with her self-confidence. A reluctant vigilante, Wednesday stands up to his brother’s bullies and exposes the hypocrisy of adults in positions of power, who celebrate former settlers like Joseph Crackstone. Like a gothic Greta Thunberg, the teenager has no time to spare the touchiness of the boomers. She spends the season holding her elders to account, whether it’s her parents or the director of Nevermore. Jenna Ortega sums up the character’s Gen Z mentality: “Wednesday now wants to take over the law. He will somehow manage to create a new world, a new universe for the new generations. »

tik tok queen

Despite his legendary sociability, Mercredi lets himself be tempted by the dance floor and shines with his perfect looks. He single-handedly revived the gothic trend for a whole new generation! In this first season’s most iconic scene, he lets loose on the dance floor, to the tune of ” Goo Goo Muck of Cramps.

The choreography, imagined by Jenna Ortega herself, set TikTok on fire. It has been recreated more than a million and a half times on the social network, with Lady Gaga’s “Bloody Mary” playing in the background. To complete the circle, this other weirdo icon posted her dance version on TikTok.

Through this sequence that has gone viral, Mercredi invites us to embrace our singularities and ignore the gaze of others. Pop icon celebrated for his strangeness, Mercredi embodies a Generation Z that has to deal with a very dark world, and that, despite adversity, intends to make the best of it.