Stephen King'S Spooky Influence On Netflix'S "Wednesday" Unveiled

The Unique Blend of Influences Behind "Wednesday"

Al Gough and Miles Millar have crafted "Wednesday," a show that not only stays true to "The Addams Family" legacy but also forges its own unique path. With Tim Burton's passionate involvement, the series is a gothic wonderland where the dark and mysterious meet vibrant, unexpected colors. The heart of "Wednesday" lies in its ability to take familiar characters and place them in the enchanting setting of a fantastical boarding school. Nevermore Academy, with its eccentric students, might remind you of Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood, but Millar is quick to point out that the true muse behind "Wednesday" is the legendary Stephen King.

"We've always loved the genre [YA] and 'Harry Potter' and 'Percy Jackson', certainly, but, for us, Stephen King and Tim Burton [were the inspirations]... The Stephen King element of small towns and teenage emotions run rampant felt like the elements that [we went for]," Millar explained to The Hollywood Reporter.

The show cleverly draws on King's iconic themes, weaving them into its very essence, particularly in the portrayal of the small, eerie town of Jericho.

Jericho: A Tribute to King's Haunting Small Towns

Jericho, the town that serves as the backdrop for "Wednesday," is a deliberate nod to the unsettling small towns found in Stephen King's stories. These towns, such as Derry, Maine, are almost characters themselves, with their quaint facades masking sinister secrets. Jericho captures this sense of unease perfectly. It's a seemingly sleepy town that hides a dark underbelly, one that has claimed the lives of innocent teenagers for generations. The second season of "Wednesday" delves deeper into these mysteries, revealing the chilling truth about L.O.I.S. and the lurking evil that even the gifted students of Nevermore can't escape.

Teenage Angst and Supernatural Drama

Beyond its spooky setting, "Wednesday" also channels the emotional turbulence found in King's works. The show explores the coming-of-age journey of its protagonist, Wednesday, portrayed by Jenna Ortega. While Wednesday appears aloof and detached, she grapples with vulnerabilities and the pressures of teenage life. Her status as an outcast among Outcasts places her in a unique position within the show's supernatural world. As the series progresses, viewers witness her evolution, a journey that mirrors the struggles of emotionally volatile teen characters in King's novels.

With the third season on the horizon, fans can look forward to even more Stephen King-inspired thrills in "Wednesday." Stay tuned for new twists and turns as the eerie world of Jericho continues to unfold.