Taoiseach Simon Harris (TD) visited the set of Netflix’s "Wednesday" Season 2, which is set to be the largest production to ever film in Ireland, on Tuesday, July 2.
The Taoiseach was joined at the set in Co Wicklow by Catherine Martin (TD), Ireland's Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and Désirée Finnegan, Chief Executive of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.
The trio met with "Wednesday" director Tim Burton, showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, and several Irish creatives working on the production.
Last year, Deadline reported that "Wednesday" was set to film in Ireland after filming its Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated first season in Romania.
As per Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, the Taoiseach said on Tuesday: “It was a pleasure to visit Netflix’s 'Wednesday' set to see the award-winning team in action and meet acclaimed director and executive producer Tim Burton.
"I'm delighted to see Ireland continues to be chosen as a location to film series and movies which supports our economy, creates jobs, showcases our creative talents, and promotes our country on a global stage."
The Taoiseach highlighted recent improvements to the film and television tax incentive, Section 481. Last year’s Budget announcements increased the tax incentive’s cap on eligible expenditure from €70 million to €125 million per project, and further extended the credit to 2028.
Screen Ireland noted that these amendments have been welcomed by the Irish screen industry as encouraging further investment into the Irish economy on jobs, goods, and services during production.
No black clouds over this set. ☔️
Taoiseach @SimonHarrisTD and Minister @cathmartingreen visited the set of Netflix’s Wednesday Season 2.
Produced by MGM Television for Netflix, the series is set to be one of the largest ???? productions in Ireland. ?️?#irelandonscreen pic.twitter.com/TZZ4xCsG5h
— Screen Ireland (@ScreenIreland) July 2, 2024
Minister Martin said: “I’m delighted that Netflix and MGM Television chose to bring 'Wednesday' - one of its biggest shows - to Ireland, creating jobs and hugely contributing to the Irish economy.
"The Irish Government’s continued recognition of the importance of incoming large-scale production for our sector has been invaluable.
"Supports like Section 481 are crucial to the continued development of Ireland’s screen sector.”
Delighted @netflix chose to bring #Wednesday S2, produced by @MGMTelevision, to Ireland, creating jobs + adding hugely to the Irish economy.
A pleasure to meet Tim Burton on sethttps://t.co/HkqMYBAWUl pic.twitter.com/7EAW2vRmv4
— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) July 2, 2024
Anna Mallett, VP Production EMEA, Netflix, said: “Ireland has a thriving production sector, and Netflix has a keen interest in its long-term potential.
"In recent years we have invested substantially in productions made in Ireland such as 'The Siege of Jadotville,' 'The Wonder,' 'Bodkin,' and 'Vikings: Valhalla.'
"Netflix is planning to produce Marian Keyes 'Grown Ups' and Lisa McGee’s 'How to Get to Heaven from Belfast' series in Ireland too.
"We’re so proud to now bring the cultural juggernaut that is 'Wednesday' to Ireland, as the country’s biggest production it will create jobs and add millions of Euros to the Irish economy.”
Lindsay Sloane, Head of MGM Television, said: “Ireland has long been a home for MGM Television productions from the original 'Vikings' in 2012, to 'Vikings: Valhalla,' and now 'Wednesday.'
"We have found resources in Ireland to be top notch and an incredibly skilled group of professionals and apprentices that help bring our productions to life.
"We are proud to be a part of the growing television and film community.”
Jena Ortega as Wednesday Addams in Netflix hit "Wednesday." (Netflix)
Netflix confirmed back in May that production for Season Two of "Wednesday" had begun.
Joining star Jena Ortega, who plays the titular role, in the second season of "Wednesday" are Christopher Lloyd, Steve Buscemi, Thandiwe Newton, Joanna Lumley, Haley Joel Osment, Heather Matarazzo, and Billie Piper.
Wednesday Season 2 is NOW IN PRODUCTION ? Please give a round of double snaps to our cast — now including Christopher Lloyd, Steve Buscemi, Thandiwe Newton, Joanna Lumley, Haley Joel Osment, Heather Matarazzo, and Billie Piper! pic.twitter.com/v6nX6eLPP8
— Netflix (@netflix) May 7, 2024
The most popular English-language television series on Netflix, Season One of "Wednesday" has amassed 252.10 million views and has spent 20 weeks on the global top 10 and the top 10 in 93 countries.
"Wednesday" is produced by MGM Television for Netflix.
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