When Netflix needed someone to play Morticia Addams's estranged, dangerous sister, they went to one of horror's most captivating performers.
Eva Green—star of Penny Dreadful, Casino Royale, and Dark Shadows—joins Wednesday Season 3 as Ophelia Addams.
The casting is so perfect it feels inevitable. Here's everything we know about what Green will bring to the Addams universe.
Playing Morticia's Sister
Ophelia Addams is new to Addams Family canon.
The Character: Morticia's older sister, estranged from the family for decades. She possesses dark powers and harbors darker intentions.
The Threat: Season 2's final scene reveals Ophelia wants Wednesday dead. Her motivations remain mysterious.
The Family Dynamic: This is the first time an Addams sibling has been a primary antagonist. Family versus family.
Green's Approach: In early interviews, Green describes Ophelia as "wounded as much as wicked." Complexity, not cartoon villainy.
Opposite Catherine Zeta-Jones: Scenes between the sisters should be highlights. Two powerhouse performers in gothic sisterly conflict.
Her Horror Genre Experience
Eva Green understands gothic storytelling.
Penny Dreadful (2014-2016): Her Vanessa Ives remains one of television's greatest horror performances. Three seasons of psychic torment and supernatural battles.
Dark Shadows (2012): Working with Tim Burton before, Green played the witch Angelique. She already knows the Addams aesthetic.
Miss Peregrine (2016): Another Burton collaboration, another supernatural role. The pattern is clear.
Casino Royale (2006): Vesper Lynd proved Green can be magnetic and mysterious in any genre.
Her Range: From Bond girl to demon-possessed medium, Green brings depth to every role. Ophelia will be no exception.
What to Expect from Her Performance
Based on her history and the role's demands.
The Menace: Green excels at elegant threat. Ophelia should feel dangerous without obvious villainy.
The Tragedy: Her best performances layer pain beneath power. Ophelia's backstory likely includes suffering.
Physical Presence: Green commands space. Expect memorable entrances and compositions.
Opposite Ortega: The generational contrast—seasoned screen presence versus young star—should create dynamic tension.
Scene-Stealing Potential: Every Penny Dreadful viewer knows Green can dominate scenes. She might overshadow the main plot.
The Challenge: Making Ophelia sympathetic enough to matter, evil enough to threaten. Green can do both simultaneously.
Why Fans Are Excited
This casting generated immediate enthusiasm.
Perfect Fit: Green's entire career feels like preparation for an Addams role. The aesthetic match is uncanny.
Elevating the Show: Adding an actress of Green's caliber signals Netflix's commitment to Wednesday as prestige television.
Burton Connection: Having worked with Tim Burton twice before, Green understands his visual language.
Star Power: Green brings her own fanbase. Penny Dreadful viewers will tune in specifically for her.
The Promise: Early production reports describe Green's scenes as "the most intense filming" of the season.
The Wait: Season 3 remains distant. But knowing Eva Green is coming makes the anticipation easier.
Ophelia Addams could become one of television's most memorable villains. With Eva Green in the role, that's practically guaranteed.