A cast member from the hit Netflix series Wednesday has been confirmed to not be returning.
The second season has officially begun filming, and three members of the cast will not be returning as regulars - with one major character set to be written out entirely.
The Jenna Ortega-led series was a huge success for Netflix, bringing in the greatest number of viewers for a premiere on the streamer in 2022.
Ortega will be a producer for season two of the show as well as reprising her role, with Deadline reporting that she has indicated ‘that the show would have stronger emphasize on horror over teen romance next season’.
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As such, one of her romantic interests from season one has been cut from the show moving forward.
Percy Hynes White, who played psychic student Xavier Thorpe, will not be returning for season two of Wednesday. This is despite being a major part of the first season, and the finale indicating he would continue in a significant role within the show.
Last year, White was embroiled in a controversy around sexual assault accusations, which he vehemently denied. There has been no confirmation that this has anything to do with the decision.
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The actor addressed the accusations in a statement posted to Instagram, where he said: “Earlier this year, somebody I’ve never met started a campaign of misinformation about me online.
“Underage photos of me were used, and examples of me acting in character were presented as hateful.
“The rumors are false. I can’t accept the portrayal of me as someone bigoted, or criminally negligent of people’s safety.
“These are the kind of baseless, harmful claims that can create mistrust toward victims.
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“It’s very distressing to know that this misinformation has upset people.
“I’m really thankful for everyone who’s stood by me and helped share the facts.”
The accusations posted to social media regarding White have since been removed.
Two more actors have been confirmed not to be returning for season two of Wednesday.
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Naomi J Ogawa, who played vampire student Yoko Tanaka, will not be making a comeback - however her character was a minor part of season one, with her role reducing in size as it went on.
The final cast member not to return as a series regular is Jamie McShane, who will instead feature as a guest star. McShane will be the only one of the three to reprise his role at all.
McShane plays Sheriff Donovan Galpin, whose role was always likely to be reduced due to the conclusion of the storyline involving his son being the Hyde.
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The new season may have lost three regulars, but it has gained a few more.
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán have had their roles increased to that of series regular, and Scoop star Billie Piper will also be joining the cast.
UNILAD has contacted a representative for Percy Hynes White for comment.
Topics: Netflix, Jenna Ortega, Film and TV
Michael Slavin