Netflix's supernatural smash hit, Wednesday, has been universally praised for its fresh take on the macabre Addams clan, brilliantly led by Jenna Ortega. However, astute fans of the original franchise have identified one monstrously glaring omission from the family tree.
The series, masterminded by Tim Burton, introduces us to a stellar cast including Catherine Zeta-Jones as Morticia and Luis Guzmán as Gomez. Yet, amidst the kooky and spooky relatives, one fan-favourite character is conspicuously absent: the hirsute and unintelligible Cousin Itt.
The Voice Behind The Hair
For long-time devotees, the absence is particularly poignant. In the classic 1990s films, the role of Cousin Itt was not just a visual gag; he was brought to life by the legendary voice artist and actor Pat Fraley. Fraley's iconic, high-speed gibberish, delivered from beneath a massive wig and sunglasses, gave the character a unique charm and became a defining feature of the films.
An Irreplaceable Presence
Cousin Itt was more than just a background oddity. He was a multi-talented, suave member of the family—a concert-level violinist, a skilled golfer, and even a successful broker. His absence from the Netflix series leaves a uniquely strange hole in the family dynamic that newer characters have yet to fill.
While the show introduces new relatives like Uncle Fester, the distinct flavour of Itt's bizarre and endearing presence is sorely missed, leaving many to wonder if he might make a surprise appearance in the already-confirmed second season.
