Catherine Zeta-Jones lives between worlds: on-screen elegance and real-world warmth, gothic fantasy and Mediterranean ease.
Whether she’s captivating audiences as Morticia Addams or enjoying a quiet dinner in a palace overlooking the Bay of Biscay, one thing is clear—she’s still writing her own story, and we can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings. She is now living in the Palacio Lezama Leguizamón in the heart of Neguri while she films a new Amazon Prime series called ‘Kill Jackie’. There’s a grandeur and tranquility in Bilbao that’s very different from Mallorca, where she has a house. Now, the actress is discovering the Basque cuisine and immersing herself in the culture. Spain just keeps surprising her.
In the highly anticipated second season of Wednesday, Catherine Zeta-Jones steps further into the shadows—and the spotlight—as Morticia Addams. With the Addams family now more embedded in Nevermore Academy’s universe, Morticia’s role becomes more central and complex. This season, audiences will witness a Morticia who is not only a mother trying to protect and connect with her enigmatic daughter but also a woman confronting her own past. Catherine showcases Morticia’s strength through haunting duets, stylized fencing scenes, and surprising moments of vulnerability. There’s even a camping episode—something Zeta-Jones laughed about, joking that she’d never go camping as herself, but as Morticia? “Every day of the week!” she quipped. The character’s iconic elegance remains intact, thanks in part to the visionary costume design of Colleen Atwood, but it’s Catherine’s emotional intelligence and restrained charm that make Morticia unforgettable. “We root her in reality,” she says, “so the gothic glamour becomes not just a mask but a deeper truth.”
Q: Catherine, what can fans expect from Morticia in Season 2 of Wednesday?
Catherine Zeta-Jones: Oh, so much more Morticia this season! I was thrilled that Miles and Al really brought the family into the heart of Season 2. In Season 1, it felt like we were teasing it, but now we’re planted in Wednesday’s world, even if she didn’t exactly invite us in [laughs]. It allowed us to explore the complexities of that mother-daughter dynamic. Morticia is such a dove—so full of love and light in her own gothic way—but she’s trying to connect with a daughter who’s fiercely independent and dark in her own right. That tension, that layered relationship… It's what made this season such a joy to play.
Q: You portray Morticia with such restraint and grace. How do you find that balance?
Catherine Zeta-Jones: Thank you. It starts with the writing, of course. Morticia was originally a comic character, but we’ve tried to keep her real, deeply emotional, even when she’s cool and composed. I rely a lot on micro-expressions and the musicality of her voice. She doesn’t need to scream to be powerful. There’s a stillness in her that speaks volumes. And then you get to play within that stillness—push the comedy, the elegance, the maternal instincts. Plus, working with actors like Jenna [Ortega], Fred [Armisen], and Luis [Guzmán] just brings out the best in all of us.
Q: This season Morticia sings, dances, and even sword fights. Did you ask for that?
Catherine Zeta-Jones: Oh, it was a dream! All those physical elements were rooted in character, not just added on. I sing a little tune, I dance with Gomez, and I have this great fencing moment with Wednesday. It’s a way of showing that Morticia isn’t just a graceful presence—she’s powerful, she’s agile, she’s vibrant. When Wednesday says, “You’re good at everything,” that’s a real glimpse into who Morticia is. She’s a woman who has lived, who still burns with life.
Q: How do you feel on set with such a multigenerational cast and diverse characters?
Catherine Zeta-Jones: It’s honestly one of the most inclusive, welcoming sets I’ve ever been on. From Jenna to Joanna Lumley to the youngest crew member, there’s this shared joy in what we’re creating. No egos. Just a collaborative energy that feels rare these days. We support each other, challenge each other, and laugh a lot. It’s a safe space, and that’s a real credit to Tim [Burton], Miles, and Al. It makes all the difference.
Q: You mentioned your lipstick going viral. Was that a surprise for you?
Catherine Zeta-Jones: Hilarious! My daughter came to me and said, “Mom, your lipstick is trending.” I had no idea. But I loved that. It was actually a mix of a few shades, nothing fancy. We had to walk a fine line with the makeup—too much and it veers into Halloween costume territory. But our team nailed it. Everything was refined, stylized, but always grounded. I think that’s why people connected with it so much.
Q: Has playing Morticia changed how you see motherhood or family?
Catherine Zeta-Jones: Definitely. Morticia is deeply maternal, but she’s also not afraid to let her kids find their own way. That tension—between protecting and letting go—is so real. I feel it myself as a mother. And I think every parent can relate to trying to pass on wisdom without smothering. Morticia’s way of saying “I see you, and I love you, even if I don’t understand you” is such a powerful message.
Q: And finally, what’s next for you?
Catherine Zeta-Jones: Right now, I’m loving the balance of life and work—filming ‘Kill Jackie’, living in a palace, making the most of Spain. Beyond that, I’d love to do more producing. I want to help tell stories that matter, that resonate. But I also want to keep dancing, keep laughing, and keep surprising people. I think Morticia would approve of that.
Q: You’ve spoken before about your love for Spain. What keeps you coming back?
Catherine Zeta-Jones: Spain is also part of me. I’ve been coming since I was five years old. It’s the place where I feel most myself. The food, the climate, the rhythm of life, it’s so human, so joyful. And the regions are all so different! We’ve spent most of our time in Mallorca, in our home in S’Estaca, which is just magic. There’s a peace there that’s hard to describe. Michael and I even celebrated our birthdays there. We love riding bikes, visiting the markets, and enjoying the sunsets. It’s not just a getaway anymore, it’s home.
Q: Is it true that you speak Spanish?
Catherine Zeta-Jones: I do! I speak and read Spanish, and I’m always trying to improve. In fact, one of the joys of being in Spain so often is getting to read in both languages. I love literature, and Jorge Luis Borges is one of my absolute favorites. I read him in English and in Spanish. I always say—and Borges himself said it best— “I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library.” I actually shared a list of my favorite books on Instagram during the lockdowns, and Borges was at the very top. His work is hypnotic, philosophical, and layered.
Q: How do books and literature shape your view of culture?
Catherine Zeta-Jones: Books are the windows to understanding other people, other cultures. That’s why I gravitate to writers like Borges, or Lorca, or even Márquez—because they show us the beauty, complexity, and sometimes darkness of life in poetic and unforgettable ways. When you live between places—Wales, the U.S., Spain—books become a bridge. And in Spain, there’s such a love of literature and art. You see it in everything, even how people speak, how they cook, how they gather around a table. It’s inspiring.
By María Estévez
Correspondent writer
