Wednesday Season 2: Xavier Return Status Amid Percy Hynes White Controversy

The halls of Nevermore Academy feel distinctly emptier in Wednesday Season 2. Fans immediately noticed the absence of brooding psychic artist Xavier Thorpe, portrayed by Percy Hynes White in Season 1. Netflix’s hit series returns after nearly three years, introducing new faces like Lady Gaga while quietly writing out a once-central character under a cloud of real-world controversy.

Why is Xavier Thorpe Missing from Wednesday Season 2?

Wednesday learns of Xavier’s departure early in Season 2’s premiere. Principal Dort (Steve Buscemi) explains that Vincent Thorpe, Xavier’s father, withdrew his son and crucial financial support from Nevermore following the events of Season 1. “After Xavier was falsely accused of murder, he pulled his son and his endowment from Nevermore,” Dort states. When Wednesday explicitly asks if Xavier is returning, Dort confirms he’s enrolled at Reichenbach Academy in Switzerland. This abrupt exit resolves Season 1’s love triangle but leaves narrative threads dangling. Industry sources confirmed in June 2024 that Hynes White was dropped from the production, though Netflix never publicly stated the reason. Vanity Fair reported Jenna Ortega’s subdued reaction, suggesting new characters would make the absence “get lost.”

What Were the Allegations Against Percy Hynes White?

In January 2023, serious allegations surfaced against Hynes White via social media. A now-deleted Twitter thread accused the actor and his Toronto friend group of predatory behavior, including manipulating underage girls for explicit photos and planning parties to intoxicate women for sex. One claim alleged Hynes White, then 17, pursued a relationship with a 13/14-year-old friend, with encounters continuing until she was 16 and he was 20. Multiple women corroborated these patterns, with one stating, “Knowing what he’s done to me and other women is disgusting.” Additional controversy arose over resurfaced social media activity, including alleged likes of offensive memes and a clip of him using a racial slur while acting.

How Did Percy Hynes White Respond to the Allegations?

Hynes White broke his silence in June 2023 via Instagram, vehemently denying all accusations. He described the claims as a “campaign of misinformation” leading to doxxing and death threats against his family and friends. “The rumors are false. I can’t accept the portrayal of me as someone bigoted, or criminally negligent of people’s safety,” he asserted. He clarified that underage photos and acting clips were misrepresented, and a friend named “Jane” was falsely portrayed as a victim. Jane publicly supported Hynes White, stating the primary accuser had “never interacted with, or even been in the same room as Percy.” Despite his defense, Netflix proceeded with Season 2 without him, as confirmed by multiple entertainment outlets in mid-2024.

 

Must Know

 

Q: Was Xavier Thorpe supposed to be in Wednesday Season 2?
A: Narrative setups in Season 1 suggested an ongoing role, but creative direction shifted. Showrunners eliminated the love triangle and refocused on new mysteries and characters, making Xavier’s exit feasible within the storyline.

Q: What does Wednesday Season 2 say about Xavier’s absence?
A: Principal Dort explicitly states Xavier transferred to Reichenbach Academy in Switzerland after his father withdrew funding due to the false murder accusations in Season 1. The character isn’t mentioned again.

Q: Has Percy Hynes White commented since being dropped?
A: No public statements followed his June 2023 denial. His social media activity ceased after the controversy, and he hasn’t addressed the Season 2 recasting directly.

Q: Were the allegations against Percy Hynes White proven?
A: No formal charges or legal findings were reported. The claims remain allegations contested by Hynes White and supporters, lacking public legal resolution.

Q: Who replaces Xavier as Wednesday’s love interest?
A: Season 2 shifts focus from romance to Wednesday’s friendships and family dynamics. New characters like Carmen (Lady Gaga) and returning figures like Enid fill central roles without direct romantic replacements.

Q: How did Jenna Ortega react to the recasting?
A: Ortega told Vanity Fair in 2023 that the influx of new characters would make Xavier’s absence “get lost,” framing it as a natural creative evolution rather than addressing the controversy directly.

Wednesday Season 2 moves beyond Xavier Thorpe’s shadow, channeling its gothic charm into fresh mysteries and alliances at Nevermore. Percy Hynes White’s departure, framed in-universe as a parental decision, closes a chapter marred by off-screen allegations. While questions linger, the show’s evolution proves its resilience. Stream Wednesday Season 2 now on Netflix to unravel its new enigmas.