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Wandinha, the new Netflix series, is a hit on the streaming platform
Wandinha, spinoff from The Addams Family, is Netflix’s latest hit. Created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar and directed by acclaimed director Tim Burton, the attraction is highlighted by the enigmatic rendition of Jenna Ortega as Wandinha Addams. But did you notice that the character doesn’t blink?
With a dark atmosphere and exotic personality, the eldest daughter of Morticia (Catherine ZetaJones) and Gomez Addams (Luis Guzmán) captivates audiences with her tirades of grief and comedy. But what has caught attention is that Wandinha doesn’t blink.
“After Tim Burton attempted a shot where she didn’t blink, he was so thrilled with the result that he told Jenna Ortega to stop blinking while she was playing Wandinha. So she didn’t do it,” Netflix said on Twitter.
After trying a shot that didn’t leave her blinking, Tim Burton was so thrilled with the result that he told Jenna Ortega to stop blinking on Wednesday. So she didn’t. pic.twitter.com/h5Ver9oozC
Netflix (@netflix) November 28, 2022
The director’s request was considered a hit by viewers, as this quality gave Wandinha an even scarier atmosphere. A veteran filmmaker in gothic and fantasy themes, Burton demonstrates a commitment to the smallest details in his debut as a series director.
“I didn’t realize I wasn’t blinking, it just happened. It’s just that every time we started a shot, I would ‘reset’ my face, drop all the muscles in it… and Tim really liked my look, where I look through my eyes, eyebrows. It’s just a little bit intimidating,” Ortega told Teen Vogue.
Jenna, the attraction’s protagonist, revealed that she did not consult veteran Christina Ricci the interpreter of the first version of the character for the construction of Wandinha. The actress demonstrated her desire to embody the role by eschewing stuntmen, devoting herself to fencing and cello lessons, and choreographing the steps of one of the dance scenes herself.
“Following in the footsteps of someone a little more eccentric and scary was really exciting for me and definitely challenging, especially with a character so beloved. I really want to take care of her and be fair to her,” said the performer.
*In collaboration with Amanda Moreira.