Wednesday Addams is back—and this time, she’s bringing some of the biggest names in entertainment along for the ride. Netflix’s hit series “Wednesday” has returned for its much-anticipated second season, and the gothic halls of Nevermore Academy are alive with not just returning favorites, but also a slew of surprising new faces. Among the most talked-about additions? None other than Lady Gaga, who is set to make a dramatic entrance in the latter half of the season, stirring up excitement across the entertainment world.
The buzz began in earnest on May 31, 2025, when Netflix’s official Wednesday Addams X account teased Gaga’s involvement during the streamer’s live Tudum 2025 event. As reported by Deadline, the account cryptically tweeted, “Rosaline Rotwood. Cloaked in mystery with a reputation that precedes her. Our paths will surely cross. Welcome to mayhem @LadyGaga.” The message was sent just as Lady Gaga wrapped up a show-stopping medley performance at the event, featuring her hits “Bloody Mary” and two fresh tracks from her new album, “Mayhem”—namely “Abracadabra” and “Zombieboy.”
So, who exactly is Rosaline Rotwood? Netflix has kept details close to the vest, but according to their official character description, Rosaline is “a legendary Nevermore teacher who crosses paths with Wednesday.” This enigmatic figure is shrouded in secrecy, and fans are already speculating about her impact on the season’s dark, twisty narrative. As Variety first reported, Gaga’s casting was initially revealed back in November 2024, but it wasn’t until this summer that Netflix confirmed she would appear as a guest star, igniting a new wave of anticipation.
While the first four episodes of Wednesday’s sophomore season landed on Netflix on August 6, 2025, viewers will have to wait until September 3 for the final four episodes—when Gaga’s character is set to make her grand debut. According to The Hollywood Reporter, not only will Gaga appear on screen, but she’s also written a brand-new original song for the show, titled “Death Dance.” The track is slated for release alongside a Tim Burton-directed music video, coinciding with the launch of Part 2. Given Burton’s signature gothic flair and his role as executive producer on “Wednesday,” fans are expecting a visual and auditory feast.
It’s not the first time Lady Gaga has made waves in the world of film and television. As Deadline notes, she’s no stranger to the small screen or to creating music for major productions. Her early single “Poker Face” was featured in “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief,” and more recently, her song “Disease” appeared in the season finale of Apple TV+’s “The Buccaneers.” She’s also contributed to the soundtracks for major films like “Joker: Folie À Deux” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” and even crafted a companion album for the former. Her reputation for crafting haunting, cinematic pop makes her a natural fit for the moody world of “Wednesday.”
But Gaga isn’t the only high-profile addition shaking up Nevermore Academy this season. As reported by Harper’s Bazaar and The Wrap, the new episodes feature a dazzling ensemble of both returning stars and fresh faces. Jenna Ortega reprises her Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated role as Wednesday Addams, the sharp-witted, psychic teen detective. Emma Myers returns as her werewolf best friend, Enid Sinclair, and Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán are back as Morticia and Gomez Addams, respectively. Isaac Ordonez, Joy Sunday, Fred Armisen, and Victor Dorobantu round out the core Addams family and their closest allies.
On the newcomers’ front, the show has pulled in a veritable who’s who of Hollywood talent. Steve Buscemi joins as Principal Barry Dort, a pyrokinetic outsider who brings a new style of leadership to Nevermore after the death of Principal Weems. Joanna Lumley makes her debut as Grandmama Hester Frump, adding a new intergenerational twist to the Addams family dynamic. Thandiwe Newton appears as Dr. Rachael Fairburn, the chief psychiatrist at Willow Hill Psychiatric Facility, overseeing the treatment of the troubled Tyler Galpin, played by Hunter Doohan. Billie Piper, Christopher Lloyd (the original Uncle Fester from the 1990s films), and even Haley Joel Osment pop up in memorable roles, ensuring that each episode is packed with surprises.
The scale of the season is ambitious, with Nevermore Academy reopening its doors to both familiar faces and a host of new students and faculty. The storyline delves deeper into Wednesday’s psychic abilities, exploring her status as a Raven—gifted with powerful, unpredictable visions. She’s still grappling with the aftermath of saving Nevermore from the resurrected Joseph Crackstone, and now must navigate her growing popularity and the evolving dynamics with her friends, family, and foes. As The Wrap details, the season also introduces new mysteries, including Wednesday’s foreboding psychic visions and the arrival of figures like Principal Dort and Dr. Fairburn, who each bring their own agendas to the school’s hallowed halls.
Lady Gaga’s involvement is particularly noteworthy given her history with the show’s fandom. When Season 1 of “Wednesday” premiered, Gaga delighted fans by filming herself performing the now-viral goth dance made famous by Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday to The Cramps’ “Goo Goo Muck.” The moment quickly spread across social media, cementing Gaga’s status as a beloved figure among the show’s audience. Her upcoming turn as Rosaline Rotwood feels like the natural next step in this ongoing love affair between the pop icon and the Addams Family universe.
Netflix has been careful to build anticipation for Gaga’s appearance, using both official announcements and strategic teases at major events. At Netflix’s Tudum 2025: The Live Event, Gaga’s performance alongside Jenna Ortega was a highlight, with fans and media alike buzzing about the chemistry between the two stars and what it might mean for the episodes to come. The streamer’s decision to split the season into two parts has only heightened the sense of suspense, with viewers eagerly awaiting the September 3 drop.
Beyond the headline-grabbing cameos, “Wednesday” Season 2 continues to deliver on its promise of dark humor, supernatural intrigue, and sharp social commentary. Executive producer Tim Burton’s gothic vision is evident in every frame, and the addition of new characters and mysteries ensures that the show remains fresh while honoring its roots. The decision to bring in Lady Gaga—both as an actress and a musical contributor—feels like a bold, inspired move that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on fans and newcomers alike.
As the countdown to September 3 continues, one thing is certain: Nevermore Academy has never been more alive with possibility, and Lady Gaga’s arrival is poised to take the mayhem to new heights. Whether you’re a die-hard Addams Family enthusiast or a Little Monster eagerly awaiting Gaga’s next act, “Wednesday” Season 2 promises a wickedly fun ride that’s anything but ordinary.
