Hunter Doohan is back in the world of Wednesday — and this time, he’s bringing more muscles, madness, and mystery.
The 31-year-old actor has enjoyed a meteoric rise since landing his first speaking role in Westworld in 2018. After breakout roles in Truth Be Told and Your Honor, it was Netflix’s Wednesday that launched Doohan into global fame. The Addams Family-inspired hit, executive produced by Tim Burton, became a cultural phenomenon when it premiered in 2022 — thanks in part to Jenna Ortega’s viral goth dance sequence, with Doohan’s Tyler Galpin watching on in awe.
“I had done Your Honor, and I kind of thought that was the level of things,” Doohan reflects. “And then Wednesday came out, and it truly was just like overnight… It’s a weird thing to try to get used to. I don’t know if I’m there yet, but it’s been fun.”
Since then, life’s been full of milestones — both personal and professional. A month after Wednesday dropped, Doohan married his partner in a ceremony officiated by Your Honor co-star Bryan Cranston. He’s since landed roles in Daredevil: Born Again as a sadistic villain named Muse, and will star in Evil Dead Burn, the next instalment in the Evil Dead horror franchise.
But first, he returns to Wednesday Season 2, which debuted on Netflix on 6 August. Fans last saw Tyler hauled away to a psychiatric hospital after being revealed as a murderous Hyde — a monstrous being banned from Nevermore Academy.
“I think Tyler is flirting and trying to get under her skin,” Doohan says of Tyler’s first encounter with Wednesday in Season 2, Episode 2. “I think he’s been dreaming of her coming to see him… he definitely feels hurt and abandoned. So he’s full of rage and wanting revenge after that encounter.”
This season promises to be darker, twistier, and more emotionally layered.
“There’s something huge that people are not going to see coming,” Doohan teases. “It’s a wild ride.”
Chained, Shirtless… and Channelling Hannibal Lecter
When we first see Tyler again, he’s locked in a cell wearing chains and a shock collar — evoking strong Hannibal Lecter vibes.
“I kind of just sat in my apartment chained up a lot,” he jokes.
To prepare, Doohan drew inspiration from iconic screen villains: The Silence of the Lambs, Heath Ledger’s Joker, Edward Norton in Primal Fear, and Scream’s Billy Loomis.
“Even in Season 1, when I did that turn in the police station, I was using Silence of the Lambs as a touch point.”
Fans have already gone wild over a promo image of Doohan, shirtless and shackled, confronting Wednesday.
“You read the script and it’s like, ‘Chained, shirtless’ — hmm, there’s a layer of vanity. You want to look your best,” he laughs. “I wanted him to feel feral and like a caged animal, a little bit.”
Sex Symbol & Queer Inspiration
Doohan has become a heartthrob, especially within the gay community. His Calvin Klein underwear shoot on Instagram only fuelled the admiration.
“It’s fun. Bring it on. Love it,” he says of the fan thirst.
Though his major roles haven’t been queer characters, Doohan — who is openly gay — says he’s eager to play one when the right script comes along.
“I truthfully haven’t been offered a bunch of gay roles. I would love to play a queer character, not for the sake of it being queer, but like a great character who is queer,” he says. “I’m just grateful for the queer actors before me… Jonathan Bailey is a huge inspiration for me.”
What’s Next? Evil Dead, Drag Race & a New Direction
Beyond Wednesday, Doohan is set to appear in The Wilderness, a grounded drama. He’s also diving into horror with Evil Dead Burn, directed by Sébastien Vaniček.
“It’s gonna be amazing… He’s the perfect person to take the reins.”
But one dream gig still eludes him: a guest appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
“That is literally a dream bucket list item for me. I definitely want to be there at some point,” he says. “From your lips to Ru’s ears, let’s go.”
