It’s funny, isn’t it? How a show set in the seemingly quaint, autumnal landscapes of Vermont can transport us to places that feel both familiar and utterly otherworldly. When Tim Burton’s "Wednesday" first landed on Netflix, it wasn't just Jenna Ortega's deadpan delivery and the show's delightfully macabre humor that captured our imaginations; it was the very backdrop of Nevermore Academy and its surrounding town. Many of us, myself included, found ourselves wondering, "Where exactly was this gothic wonderland filmed?"
Well, prepare for a bit of a plot twist, because despite being firmly rooted in the fictional Jericho, Vermont, the actual filming locations for "Wednesday" season one took us across the Atlantic to the rich, historic landscapes of Romania.
Romania: A Gothic Dreamscape
Director Tim Burton himself felt Romania was a natural fit for the Addams Family's peculiar charm. While the challenge was to make it look like Vermont, this creative endeavor unlocked a treasure trove of stunning, often overlooked, European destinations.
Nevermore Academy, that imposing, neo-gothic edifice that serves as the central hub for our misfit students, is none other than Cantacuzino Castle. Nestled in the Carpathian Mountains in Bușteni, Romania, this former summer residence of a Romanian Prime Minister now opens its doors to the public, offering tours of its grand interiors and sprawling gardens. Filming here during the winter lent the castle that perfectly stark, beautiful, and slightly spooky aesthetic we saw on screen.
But Nevermore isn't just about its imposing exterior. For the interior shots, the production team utilized two other magnificent neo-gothic buildings in Bucharest: Palatul Monteoru and Casa Niculescu-Dorobantu. Palatul Monteoru, built in 1874, now serves as a vibrant arts center, buzzing with live music and exhibitions. Casa Niculescu-Dorobantu housed the rest of Nevermore's indoor scenes, further cementing Bucharest's role as a key filming hub.
Even Nevermore's lush greenhouse, a surprisingly verdant spot amidst the gothic gloom, can be found in the Bucharest Botanical Gardens. Spread across 45 acres, these gardens are a local favorite for a peaceful stroll, boasting everything from towering pines to a serene lily pond and an aromatic herb garden.
And what about Jericho, Vermont itself? While the town is a real place, the production team opted to recreate it entirely at the Bucharest Film Studios of Buftea. The town square, the iconic coffee shop, Pilgrim World, the sheriff's house – all meticulously constructed within the studios to give that subtly unsettling twist on Vermont's charm. Even the picturesque lakeside shots, which might have you thinking of Lake Champlain, were actually filmed at Brănești and Sterbei in Romania.
Season Two's New Horizon: Ireland
Following the immense success of its debut, "Wednesday" set its sights on a new filming destination for its second season. And the rumors were indeed true: the cast and crew packed their bags and headed to the Emerald Isle – Ireland.
Showrunner Miles Millar perfectly encapsulated the choice, stating, "Everything about Ireland fits the sensibility of the show: we have incredible woods; we have beautiful castles; we have the lush greens, the gray skies. There’s something magical about the light that really lends itself to the show." This move promises to infuse the series with a fresh, yet equally atmospheric, visual palette.
While specific locations for season two are still emerging, the mention of Charleville Castle as a filming site suggests a continuation of the gothic grandeur that fans have come to expect. This historic castle, with its rich history and imposing architecture, is sure to provide a fitting new home for Nevermore's mysteries and the Addams family's unique brand of chaos.
So, whether you're planning a trip to explore the gothic architecture of Romania or dreaming of the misty landscapes of Ireland, the world of "Wednesday" offers a tangible, visitable magic that extends far beyond the screen.
