Why is xavier not returning to wednesday

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Xavier is not returning to Wednesday because actor Percy Hynes White was not asked back for Season 2 following allegations of misconduct that surfaced in early 2023. Netflix and MGM Television made the decision to recast the role, with actor Hunter Doohan being cast as Tyler Galpin instead. The character Xavier Thorpe appeared in all 8 episodes of Season 1 but will not appear in Season 2, which began filming in April 2023.

Key Facts

Percy Hynes White played Xavier Thorpe in all 8 episodes of Wednesday Season 1
Allegations of misconduct against Hynes White surfaced in January 2023
Netflix and MGM Television decided not to bring Hynes White back for Season 2
Hunter Doohan was cast as Tyler Galpin for Season 2
Wednesday Season 2 began filming in April 2023

Overview

Wednesday is a Netflix supernatural comedy series based on the Addams Family character Wednesday Addams, created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar. The show premiered on November 23, 2022, and quickly became one of Netflix's most successful series, with over 1.02 billion hours viewed in its first month. The series follows Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) as she attends Nevermore Academy, a school for outcasts. Xavier Thorpe, played by Percy Hynes White, was introduced as a key supporting character in Season 1 - a psychic artist and love interest who appeared in all 8 episodes. The character was the son of famous psychic Vincent Thorpe and had romantic tension with Wednesday throughout the season. The show's success led to a quick renewal for Season 2, with filming beginning in April 2023 at locations including Romania and Ireland.

How It Works

The decision-making process for casting changes in television series typically involves multiple stakeholders including the production company, network/streaming service, and showrunners. In this case, MGM Television produces Wednesday for Netflix. When allegations of misconduct surfaced against Percy Hynes White in January 2023 through social media posts, the production team conducted an internal review. Netflix and MGM Television made the joint decision to recast the role rather than bring Hynes White back for Season 2. The casting process then began for a replacement character, with showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar deciding to introduce Hunter Doohan as Tyler Galpin instead of recasting Xavier Thorpe directly. This approach allowed the writers to maintain narrative continuity while addressing the casting change through character development rather than a direct replacement.

Why It Matters

The recasting decision reflects the entertainment industry's increased focus on accountability following the #MeToo movement and broader social awareness about workplace conduct. For Wednesday specifically, this change affects character dynamics and fan expectations, as Xavier Thorpe was a significant romantic interest in Season 1. The decision demonstrates how streaming platforms now respond more quickly to controversies than traditional networks might have. It also shows the practical challenges of maintaining continuity in serialized storytelling when cast changes occur between seasons. For viewers, this means Season 2 will develop different relationships and plotlines than anticipated based on Season 1 setups.