Thing Uncle Fester

[Map Rousch]

Theres only one plausible way to make an Addams Family spinoff focused on Uncle Fester work, and Wednesday subtly teased the idea. Over a year after Wednesday season 1 released, reports revealed that Netflix is developing an Uncle Fester spinoff, but the project is still in the early stages. Though Uncle Fester is a fan favorite among Addams Family fans, he only had a small role in Wednesday, which is understandable considering the show primarily centered on the titular teen played by Jenna Ortega. In the most recent franchise title, Fred Armisen portrayed Fester Addams, one of the few who could make Wednesday smile.

Despite the intriguing bond between Wednesday and her uncle, a Fester spinoff seems to ignore what made Wednesday so successful. The Jenna Ortega-led show quickly became one of Netflix's most successful titles in the show's history, with anticipation for Wednesday season 2 only growing as time goes on. Granted, the show clearly grabbed the attention of the younger demographic, as proven by the viral dance stemming from Wednesday's memorable performance during a school function. Granted, the show still teased how an Uncle Fester spinoff could work.

Rather than feature an older version of Uncle Fester as seen in Wednesday, a spinoff should center on a younger version of the odd Addams Family character with Thing as his sidekick. When Fester first appeared in Wednesday episode 7, he was hiding out before it was clarified that he was actually a criminal mastermind. He still had his electricity powers and creepy traits, but his extensive criminal background added new appeal. A prequel following Uncle Fester's criminal escapades would be something different enough for the franchise while still incorporating beloved figures and elements.

In Wednesday, Uncle Fester and Thing were partners in crime, so a prequel could easily include the severed hand. There was also talk of a previous Kalamazoo job gone wrong that possibly soured their criminal partnership. A spinoff could shed more light on Fester and Thing's past while also showing their criminal adventures and schemes over the years. Seeing as Wednesday's version of Uncle Fester carried more confidence than past portrayals, and Thing had a bigger personality than most human characters on TV, throwing the two together in precarious situations could be an excellent foundation for a TV show.

As mentioned, for an Uncle Fester spinoff to truly work, the show must take pages out of Wednesday's playbook by primarily focusing on younger characters. A younger actor in the role of Fester Addams would also be in tune with Wednesday's flashbacks featuring young Morticia and Gomez during their time at Nevermore Academy. Though a spinoff wouldn't need to involve the school, showing Fester's journey as a young adult would still do the trick to appeal to the same demographic that led to Wednesday's massive popularity.

A prequel could also dive deeper into Thing's origins. Then again, any screentime given to the sentient hand would be satisfying enough, considering how much of a scene-stealer Wednesday's version of Thing had become. Granted, even if a younger actor is cast as Fester Addams for a spinoff, there's no reason Armisen couldn't reprise his role in Wednesday season 2 or other franchise projects that Netflix develops. This could just be the start of an even more expansive Addams Family universe for Netflix.

Tim Burton's hit horror comedy Wednesday marks the director's first TV outing. The incredible reception of his The Addams Family adaptation proves that the group of misfits can work just as well alone as they do as a unit. With several cameos from members of the family throughout the series and such positive reception, another solo spinoff is a no-brainer. Of course, a lot of factors will go into selecting the next star of the family.

Uncle Fester appears in Wednesday Season 1, Episode 7, "If You Don't Woe Me By Now," played by the hilarious Fred Armisen. Fester is portrayed as his usual goofy self, except in this series he is shown to be a wandering thief, pulling bank heists and evading the cops at every turn. Armisen is no stranger to leading television, and that combined with Fester's lone-wolf status and silly nature makes him the perfect character for his own series.

Armisen brings new energy to the electrokinetic uncle. In a show where Jenna Ortega's performance as Wednesday shines, it's hard to stand out as a supporting role. Armisen joins the show for an episode as an eccentric traveler evading the police. It's clear from his first time on screen that Armisen is a seasoned pro when it comes to television. Besides his run on the iconic Saturday Night Live, he created and starred in Portlandia which lasted 8 seasons. He has proven he can carry a show and his depiction of the already legendary character means promising things for Uncle Fester.

Besides Armisen's staying power, the character's status in the world of Wednesday also makes him perfect for a spinoff series. Wednesday thrives as an isolated escape from the whole family to focus on a single member, and since Fester is already on his own, another isolated show makes sense. Audiences could see him travel the world and get involved with various crime organizations. It even leaves room for cameos from characters viewers haven't seen yet, such as Cousin Itt who only appeared in a portrait in Wednesday.

The Netflix original following the daughter of The Addams Family was an unexpected smash hit. Its success means a probable Season 2 and possibly even more than that. Now that this show has proven audiences love the spooky and kooky family on their own, spinoffs of the other icons may start getting announced. Uncle Fester's appearance in Wednesday not only enhances the show, but it sets him up for his own adventure.

Since Fester is flying solo, it offers this potential new show infinite story possibilities. Fester even mentions the "Kalamazoo job" to Thing in the episode, meaning audiences could see flashbacks or a prequel series of events that have already happened in this world. Needless to say, Wednesday sets up some major plots for the character that can be further fleshed out in his own series.

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