Hunter Doohan Disproves Fan Theory Regarding Tyler’s Fate in Wednesday Scene

Although Tyler’s relationship with Wednesday becomes increasingly complex in season 2, there’s still hope for this fictional couple — and for Hunter Doohan’s well-loved character in Wednesday.

“[As we go into season 2], emotionally, it’s about discovering Tyler’s mindset. To me, he seems utterly abandoned by everyone,” Doohan, 31, shared exclusively with Us Weekly regarding Tyler’s feelings while at Willow Hill Psychiatric Hospital. “Laurel had assured him of so much and promised to look after him. Yet here he is, feeling entirely forsaken and as though he has been left to perish.”

The human-turned-Hyde has spent the time between seasons 1 and 2 scheming for an escape until Wednesday (Jenna Ortega) unexpectedly re-enters his life.

“For Tyler, it was all about envisioning what it would be like to see Wednesday again,” Doohan reflected. “So there’s this immense anticipation when she shows up in episode 2.”

Tyler and Wednesday’s reunion does not unfold as expected. After a romantic involvement in season 1, the now-ex-couple find themselves at a crossroads when Wednesday uncovers Tyler’s involvement in the recent murders. Nevertheless, Tyler clings to the hope of reconnecting with Wednesday when they meet again.

“Tyler believed all his life that he lost his mother, only to discover she died because she was a Hyde, a fact concealed from him. Then Laurel enters the picture, manipulating him and blaming the outcasts for his mother’s fate. He begins to understand his father’s disdain towards him because Tyler always sought his father’s affection, not grasping why he was treated poorly,” Doohan elaborated. “Therefore, Wednesday seemed like one person who — being Wednesday Addams — wouldn’t fear him or loathe him for his darker traits and might even accept them.”

Consequently, encountering Wednesday again is a “really jarring moment” for Tyler.

“You can see in episode 2 how his attitude shifts from flirtatious banter to anger when he realizes she’s there merely for information,” he observed. “That switch triggers a profound hurt within him.”

However, Doohan is not ruling out the possibility of rekindling Tyler and Wednesday’s romance, remarking, “Can anyone truly be too dark for Wednesday Addams?”

The series first introduced audiences to a fresh take on the iconic character of Wednesday Addams in November 2022. Before Jenna Ortega’s portrayal, Christina Ricci famously embodied the character in several films inspired by Edward Gorey’s artworks.

The inaugural season chronicled Wednesday’s struggles to harness her psychic abilities at Nevermore Academy while contending with a murder spree, which is where Tyler comes into play after a chance encounter at a coffee shop.

“Laurel and Tyler had a connection before season 1, but it wasn’t planned for Wednesday to appear in the coffee shop. Until he hears her name, he has no idea who she is,” Doohan recalled, reflecting on when Tyler’s interest in Wednesday ignited. “I believe there was an immediate spark between them.”

By the conclusion of season 1, Wednesday had caught onto Tyler’s true nature, which ended with him being sent to Willow Hill. He made his escape just as part 1 of season 2 concluded — but not before taking Laurel (Ricci) out for her betrayal.

It also appeared that Tyler (in his Hyde form) was behind Wednesday being thrown out the window in part 1. However, Doohan clarified to Us that there’s a notable distinction between his reactions to Laurel and Wednesday.

“I’d certainly say he was behind it [throwing Wednesday out]. But we also witnessed him tearing Laurel apart, which he doesn’t do to Wednesday,” the actor quipped, adding, “Not that tossing someone out a window is polite, of course.”

Now that Tyler is on the loose, the direction of the story is uncertain.

“We aimed for him not to be just seen as a villain. He has undeniably committed atrocious acts. Yet, much of that was influenced by someone else’s dominance over him. Now that his master’s grasp is weakening, and he’s free, there is an overwhelming rage within him,” Doohan teased. “In part 2, we’ll discover what occurs when he lacks a master. What’s intriguing is that all his knowledge about being a Hyde comes solely from Laurel. She only divulged what served her interests — leaving him unprepared for what lies ahead.”

Doohan mentioned that the “mystery expands significantly” in the second half of the season, stating, “Tyler is deeply hurt and filled with rage, and things become more unhinged as part 2 begins. You’ll uncover much more about what lies beneath the surface.”

He shared his “surprise” at how the murders and Tyler’s connection unfolded on screen.

“From an acting perspective, it was incredibly gratifying. We get to explore multiple facets of his character, which is exciting,” he remarked. “It’s a testament to the writing as Alfred Gough and Miles Millar delve into each aspect of Tyler. Some parts are just so enjoyable to portray, with a lot of it showcasing the real Tyler battling against something.”

He continued, “This season, for the first time, Tyler is free, leading a significant portion of the latter half to focus on what he will do being unrestrained and more perilous. There’s still a larger mystery bridging Wednesday’s ongoing visions about Enid and the Slurp’s escalating power, creating a plethora of factors that hint at an exciting cliffhanger for part 2.”

Looking ahead, Doohan shared his thoughts on the announcement of Wednesday being renewed for a third season — as well as the potential for franchise expansion and a chance for a Tyler spinoff.

“I simply want to be part of Wednesday,” he said. “I’d gladly be involved in anything that Alfred, Miles, or Tim Burton are part of.”

Beyond Wednesday, Doohan is also engaged in various upcoming projects. While speaking with Us while filming in New Zealand, he shared insights into his future endeavors.

“I’m passionate about horror, but Evil Dead Burn is exciting me right now because, despite being the most horror-centric of my roles, it’s a distinctly different character compared to Tyler. It’s a blast to portray,” he disclosed. “While I have an affinity for horror, the killer role just happened. I’m not sure what draws me to these roles. I also shot a film titled The Wilderness, scheduled for release on October 17th. It’s a drama rooted in real-life occurrences and our director and writer Spencer King’s experiences at a wilderness camp for troubled teens. I’m incredibly proud to be a producer on that film and excited for its release.”

Us pointed out a noticeable absence of Doohan in rom-coms, to which he responded, “I would love a rom-com. It would be a delightful shift to play someone other than a murderer and just experience love. Sounds quite lovely.”

Wednesday season 2 part 1 is currently available for streaming on Netflix, with part 2 set to premiere on September 3.