When Wednesday, Tim Burton’s darkly comedic series, premiered on Netflix, it instantly captivated audiences worldwide. This fresh take on the classic Addams Family saga, starring Jenna Ortega’s compelling portrayal of Wednesday Addams, places the iconic character in a Vermont high school setting, navigating teenage angst with a supernatural twist.
If you found yourself wondering, “Where Was Wednesday Filmed?” while admiring the show’s hauntingly beautiful backdrops, you’re not alone. Despite being set in Vermont, Wednesday wasn’t actually filmed there. Instead, the production team chose the captivating gothic landscapes of Romania. Director Tim Burton noted that Romania inherently resonated with the “Addams Family world,” presenting an “interesting challenge” to transform it into Vermont, yet ultimately providing a wealth of unique and fitting locations.
Eager to uncover these locations? Keep reading to explore the key Wednesday filming sites, all while virtually venturing into Romania, a gem among European travel destinations.
Cantacuzino Castle: The Neo-Gothic Majesty of Nevermore Academy
The imposing exterior of Nevermore Academy, the central setting for much of Wednesday season one, is none other than Cantacuzino Castle. This stunning neo-gothic castle is nestled in Bușteni, Romania, within the picturesque Carpathian Mountains. Historically, it served as the summer retreat for Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino, a former Prime Minister of Romania – a residence with a suitably grand and slightly eerie past. Today, Cantacuzino Castle welcomes visitors, offering tours of its impressive architecture, sprawling gardens, and even an art gallery, in addition to its starring role as Nevermore.
Filming in Bușteni during the winter months enhanced the show’s aesthetic, lending a stark yet beautiful, and undeniably spooky, atmosphere to Nevermore’s surroundings.
Image source:Alexandra Marta / unsplash
Palatul Monteoru & Casa Niculescu-Dorobantu: Inside Nevermore’s Walls
While Cantacuzino Castle provided the striking exterior for Nevermore Academy, the interior scenes were brought to life within two other remarkable neo-gothic buildings: Palatul Monteoru and Casa Niculescu-Dorobantu.
Palatul Monteoru, or Monteoru House, stands proudly in downtown Bucharest, easily recognizable by its ornate facade. Constructed in 1874, it once housed the Writers of Romania Union and has since evolved into a dynamic arts hub, hosting live music, festivals, and art exhibitions.
To experience more of Nevermore’s interior environments, Casa Niculescu-Dorobantu is the next destination. This Bucharest-based neo-gothic edifice completes the interior landscape of Nevermore, further illustrating why Tim Burton found Romania such a fitting backdrop for Wednesday‘s world.
Bucharest Botanical Gardens: Nevermore’s Lush Greenhouse
Nevermore Academy’s grounds also feature a prominent greenhouse, and this, too, can be found in Romania. The Bucharest Botanical Gardens provided the perfect verdant setting. Spanning 45 acres, these gardens, despite their proximity to an industrial area, are a haven of lush greenery, boasting towering pines, a serene lily pond, and a fragrant herb garden. Beyond its role in Wednesday, the gardens are a beloved local park, frequented by residents seeking tranquility amidst its beautiful flora.
Image source:Chris Abney / unsplash
Jericho, Vermont: Recreated in Buftea Studios
Wednesday is geographically set in the town of Jericho, Vermont, a genuine location in the United States. However, for the Netflix series, Tim Burton and the production team undertook the ambitious task of recreating the entire town within the Bucharest Film Studios in Buftea.
From the town square and its quintessential coffee shop to Pilgrim World and the sheriff’s station, every detail of Jericho was meticulously constructed within the studio complex. This allowed for a subtly stylized and slightly unsettling interpretation of Vermont’s typical charm. Even the picturesque lakeside scenes, seemingly Vermont’s Lake Champlain, were filmed at the Romanian lakesides of Brănești and Sterbei.
Looking Ahead: Wednesday Season 2 and Ireland
Following the resounding success of season one, the Addams Family is reportedly scouting a new filming location for season two, with rumors pointing towards Ireland. While specific locations remain undisclosed, Ashford, with the dramatically gothic Ashford Castle, emerges as a potential candidate for a reimagined Nevermore Academy.
The coastal town of Wicklow, a frequent filming destination for productions like Braveheart and The Butcher Boy, is another possibility. Regardless of the chosen location, anticipation is high for another season filled with hauntingly captivating visuals.
In conclusion, while the mystery of “where was Wednesday filmed” might lead viewers to Vermont, the true answer lies in the enchanting landscapes and gothic architecture of Romania. From castles to botanical gardens, Romania provided the perfect backdrop for bringing the eerie and captivating world of Wednesday to life. Perhaps it’s time to add Romania to your travel list and explore these filming locations firsthand.
