Netflix dropped a wave of Wednesday Season 3 details today in a new production teaser and blog post, and for Stranger Things fans, one update stands out above the rest: Winona Ryder is officially joining the cast as a guest star.
The addition is a perfect fit for Ryder, who famously played Joyce Byers for five seasons of Stranger Things. This move reunites her with longtime collaborator Tim Burton, who directed her in the original Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands. It also serves as a reunion with Jenna Ortega; the duo recently starred as mother and daughter in the 2024 blockbuster sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Ortega plays the role of lead character Wednesday Addams in Wednesday.
While Netflix is keeping specific plot points under wraps, the cast announcement video confirmed Ryder’s character is named “Tabitha.” Given that Nevermore Academy seems to lose a headmistress every season, some fans are already theorizing that Tabitha may be the one to finally step into the principal’s office.
Ryder isn’t the only “Burton Alum” joining the fun. Tim Burton expressed his excitement to Netflix’s Tudum, stating:
“I’m so excited to be back for Season 3, and it’s great to be reunited with all of the original cast. The addition of some dear friends and past collaborators of mine — Winona [Ryder], Eva [Green], Chris [Sarandon], Noah [Taylor] … makes this season extra special. I feel very lucky.”
Production for Season 3 is currently underway in Ireland. While a release date hasn’t been set, the return of the “Gothic Queen” to a Tim Burton production is already generating a lot of buzz.
