Wednesday season 2 explains Xavier's absence after Percy Hynes White exit

Psychic student Xavier was a major character in season 1, showing a romantic interest in Wednesday (Jenna Ortega) following his previous relationship with Bianca (Joy Sunday).

While Hynes White will not appear in season 2, his character Xavier is referred to multiple times in the first episode.

Explaining his sudden absence from Nevermore, Principal Dort (played by Steve Buscemi) tells Wednesday: "He's heading to Reichenbach Academy in Switzerland."

Wednesday later receives a letter from Xavier, which suggests he's seen something relevant to the mystery of season 2 in one of his psychic visions.

Enid (Emma Myers) reads to Wednesday: "I tried texting but I guess you lost the phone I gave you."

Unveiling a painting of the red-eyed crow we saw earlier in the episode, Enid goes on to read: "Consider this my goodbye gift. The image suddenly flashed in my head. Don't ask me how I know or what it means, but it's connected to you, I'm sure. Who's Wednesday Addams without a mystery to solve, right?"

An explicit reason for the actor's departure has not been made public, but it came after he was accused of sexual assault in January 2023 by a young woman on X in a now-deleted post.

The user alleged that Hynes White had assaulted her at a party and that he had thrown parties with intent of giving underage girls alcohol.

Hynes White denied the allegations, describing them as a "campaign of misinformation".

He said in a statement: "Earlier this year, somebody I’ve never met started a campaign of misinformation about me online. Because of this, my family has been doxxed, and my friends have received death threats.

"Underage photos of me were used, and examples of me acting in character were presented as hateful. My friend Jane was falsely portrayed as a victim, and her attempts to set the record straight have been ignored. She gave me permission to include her in this message."

He added: "The rumours are false. I can’t accept the portrayal of me as someone bigoted, or criminally negligent of people’s safety.

"These are the kind of baseless, harmful claims that can create mistrust toward victims. It’s very distressing to know that this misinformation has upset people. I’m really thankful for everyone who’s stood by me and helped share the facts.

"Harassment of my family, friends and coworkers needs to stop, please. Thank you for taking the time to read this."

Hynes White confirmed he wouldn't appear in Wednesday season 2 earlier this year, saying: "I had so much fun working on this show. I can't wait to watch season 2 :) Much love."

Ortega also referenced his exit from the series, describing it to Vanity Fair as "a weird redirect, but we’re introducing so many different characters that I think it kind of will get lost".

She added that Wednesday's "world does feel slightly askew anyway".

As well as Hynes White's exit, there have been a fair few cast changes in season 2, including Lurch being recast, with Joonas Suotamo taking over from George Burcea.

Billie Piper, Joanna Lumley and Steve Buscemi, meanwhile, are among those to have joined the cast for season 2.

Wednesday season 2 part 2 will stream from Wednesday 3rd September on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.

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