In a show full of monsters, ghosts, and supernatural outcasts, the most beloved character is a disembodied hand. Thing has been an Addams Family staple since the original TV series, but Wednesday gave him more personality—and screentime—than ever before.
How do they do it? And what makes Thing so special?
How Thing Is Performed
The Performer: Victor Dorobantu, a Romanian magician, portrays Thing physically.
- Dorobantu wears a blue suit that gets digitally removed in post-production
- His arm extends through specially designed furniture and props
- He performs the hand movements practically on set
- VFX team then erases everything except the hand
The Acting: Thing communicates through sign language, finger snapping, and expressive gestures. Dorobantu studied the hand movements of classical actors to give Thing personality without words.
The performance is a collaboration between practical acting and VFX magic.
Thing's Addams History
1964 TV Series: Thing first appeared here, but was always in a box—you only saw him from the wrist up.
The Addams Family Films (1991-1993): Thing got more freedom, crawling around the house and having more personality.
Wednesday (2022-): The most developed version. Thing is a full character with motivations, loyalties, and emotional responses.
What Is Thing?: The show never fully explains. Is he a severed hand that became sentient? A creature that naturally resembles a hand? The Addams Family has always left this ambiguous—and it's better that way.
Thing's Role in Wednesday
Spy and Sidekick: The Addams family sends Thing to keep an eye on Wednesday at Nevermore. He becomes her most trusted ally.
Comic Relief: Thing's reactions provide humor in dark moments.
Emotional Anchor: When Wednesday pushes everyone away, Thing remains. Their friendship is surprisingly touching.
Action Hero: Thing gets into fights, rescues characters, and performs impressive physical feats.
Communication: He uses sign language, which Wednesday understands perfectly. Other characters sometimes need translation.
Why Fans Love Thing
Thing has become a breakout character because:
Expressive Performance: Despite being just a hand, Thing conveys complex emotions.
Unconditional Loyalty: Thing genuinely cares about Wednesday, even when she's difficult.
Physical Comedy: The slapstick never gets old.
Unique Design: Pale, slightly creepy, unmistakably Thing.
Scene Partnerships: Thing's scenes with Enid, Tyler, and other characters showcase his adaptability.
The show treats Thing as a real character, not a gimmick. That respect translates to audience love.