Why is xavier not in wednesday season 2

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Xavier Thorpe, played by Percy Hynes White, is not in Wednesday Season 2 due to the actor's departure from the series following allegations of misconduct in early 2023. Netflix and the production team made the decision to recast the role, with the character being replaced by a new student named Rowan Laslow, portrayed by actor Calum Worthy. This change was officially confirmed in August 2023 when Season 2 began filming, with the storyline adapting to explain Xavier's absence through narrative adjustments.

Key Facts

Percy Hynes White played Xavier Thorpe in Season 1 (2022)
Allegations against White surfaced in January 2023
Netflix announced recasting in August 2023
Calum Worthy joined as Rowan Laslow for Season 2
Season 2 filming began in late 2023

Overview

Wednesday is a Netflix supernatural comedy horror series based on the Addams Family character Wednesday Addams, created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar. The first season premiered on November 23, 2022, and quickly became one of Netflix's most-watched series, accumulating over 1.02 billion viewing hours in its first month. The show follows Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) as she navigates Nevermore Academy, a school for outcasts, while solving supernatural mysteries. Xavier Thorpe, portrayed by Percy Hynes White, was introduced in Season 1 as a key supporting character - a psychic artist and love interest for Wednesday who becomes entangled in the season's central mystery involving the Hyde monster. The character appeared in 7 of the 8 episodes, with his storyline involving family secrets and supernatural abilities that connected to the main plot.

How It Works

The decision-making process for character changes in television series typically involves multiple stakeholders including producers, showrunners, network executives, and sometimes legal teams. In this case, when allegations of misconduct surfaced against Percy Hynes White in early 2023 through social media accusations (though no formal charges were filed), Netflix and the production team conducted an internal review. The standard protocol for such situations involves assessing the credibility of allegations, considering contractual obligations, evaluating potential impact on the show's reputation, and determining the best course for the production. The showrunners, Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, worked with writers to adjust the Season 2 storyline, creating a new character (Rowan Laslow) to fill the narrative gap left by Xavier's departure while maintaining the show's supernatural mystery elements and ensemble dynamics.

Why It Matters

This casting change matters significantly for several reasons. First, it reflects the entertainment industry's increased sensitivity to off-screen conduct following the #MeToo movement, where networks now more frequently address allegations proactively. Second, it demonstrates how streaming platforms like Netflix manage continuity challenges when key cast members depart between seasons. Third, it shows the practical realities of television production where storylines must adapt to real-world circumstances. For fans, this means Season 2 will feature different character dynamics and relationships, potentially altering romantic subplots and supernatural mysteries established in Season 1. The change also highlights how modern series handle recasting while maintaining narrative coherence in ongoing stories.