Every major production uses codenames to hide their identity during filming. Star Wars films become generic thrillers. Marvel movies transform into indie dramas.
Wednesday Season 3 has been filming under the name "Nightshade & Raven."
Production codenames often mean nothing. But Wednesday's choice feels deliberate—referencing two key elements from the show's mythology. Here's what it might tell us about Season 3.
What "Nightshade" Means
The Nightshades were Season 1's secret society.
The Organization: A centuries-old group of outcasts protecting supernatural kind. Wednesday joined after uncovering their existence.
Season 2 Role: The Nightshades expanded, becoming more central to Nevermore's power structure. Wednesday's position within them grew.
The Codename Implication: Season 3 may see the Nightshades face their greatest threat. The organization's history with the Addams family could be explored.
Ophelia Connection?: Was Aunt Ophelia a Nightshade before her exile? Could she be coming for the organization as well as Wednesday?
The Symbol: Nightshade the plant is poisonous—beautiful but deadly. Just like the society it represents.
What "Raven" Means
Ravens have deep significance in Wednesday's story.
Wednesday's Connection: Wednesday's psychic abilities are sometimes called "raven gifts"—visions of death and darkness.
The Addams Legacy: Ravens appear throughout Addams Family lore. They're messengers between worlds, symbols of the family's connection to death.
Aunt Ophelia: Season 2 hints that Ophelia has raven powers too. The codename might reference their shared gifts.
Visual Motif: Expect more raven imagery in Season 3. The production codename suggests thematic centrality.
The Meaning: Combined with Nightshade, the codename suggests Season 3 focuses on Wednesday's powers and her place in supernatural society.
Production Updates
What we know about Season 3's creation.
Filming Location: Production moved from Romania to Ireland. New locations, new atmosphere.
Timeline: Filming began in early 2024. Principal photography should wrap by late 2024.
Cast Returns: Jenna Ortega confirmed. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán return with expanded roles.
New Additions: Eva Green as Ophelia. Other casting announcements expected.
Director Lineup: Tim Burton returns for select episodes. Other directors handling the remainder.
Budget: Reportedly Netflix's largest single-season investment for the year. They're betting big on Season 3.
Summer 2026 Release Timeline
When will we actually see Season 3?
The Gap: Season 2 dropped December 2024. A similar timeline suggests late 2025 or early 2026.
Post-Production: Wednesday requires extensive visual effects. That process takes months.
Netflix Strategy: Stranger Things proved Netflix spaces major releases strategically. Wednesday won't overlap with other tentpoles.
Current Projection: Industry sources suggest summer 2026. This allows full post-production and marketing.
The Wait: Nearly two years between seasons is standard for prestige productions. Quality takes time.
What to Expect: Trailers likely by early 2026. Netflix will build anticipation carefully.
The "Nightshade & Raven" codename will eventually give way to official Season 3 marketing. Until then, it tells us enough to speculate.