The first four episodes of Wednesday season 2 are now streaming on Netflix, and as expected, it's what everyone's currently watching and talking about. In the latest episodes, Wednesday heads back to Nevermore Academy and quickly becomes caught up in a new supernatural mystery.
Also joining her at the school for outcasts this season is her younger brother, Pugsley, who's just come into his abilities. Of course, it wouldn't be right if the entire Addams family didn't come to drop both Wednesday and Pugsley off for their first day of a new semester. This includes Morticia, Gomez, Thing, and Lurch. But there's something different about Lurch this season that you probably didn't notice while watching.
The beloved Addams family butler has been quietly recast, with a new actor stepping into the towering, silent role. In the first season, Lurch was played by George Burcea, a Romanian actor who is 6 feet 3 inches tall. But in Wednesday season 2, the role has been taken over by Finnish actor and former professional basketball player Joonas Suotamo, who stands an impressive 6 feet 11 inches.
Although Suotamo is significantly taller than Burcea, it would have still been difficult for most viewers to notice the change, as the character of Lurch is largely silent and masked by his imposing presence and signature stoic demeanor. You would've had to be an eagle-eyed fan paying close attention to the subtle physical differences to catch the switch.
Why was Lurch recast in Wednesday season 2?
Neither Netflix nor the show's creative team has ever come out and announced the recasting. However, Burcea himself confirmed on social media back in April 2024 that he would not be returning for season 2 due to personal and managerial reasons. Since his role as Lurch in Wednesday season 1, he has been in one TV show and two movies.
Before taking acting seriously, Suotamo focused on his basketball career, playing as a power forward and center for the Penn State Nittany Lions and later professionally. When it comes to his acting career, he's best known for portraying Chewbacca in the Star Wars franchise, a role he took over from Peter Mayhew starting with Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
He also played the role of The Scourge in the short-lived Disney+ series Willow, and as Kelnacca in the other canceled Disney+ show The Acolyte. It's unknown what he'll star in next, but with Wednesday season 3 confirmed, fans can likely expect to see more of Suotamo’s towering presence as Lurch in the near future.
Wednesday season 2 part 2 is slated to land on Netflix on Sept. 3.