Steve Buscemi, renowned actor, recently opened up about the special gift that inspired his character in the hit show “Wednesday.” The “Wednesday” series, which is available on Netflix, is a dark comedy that sees Buscemi take on the role of Nevermore Academy principal Barry Dort. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Buscemi disclosed that director Tim Burton gifted him an item from his personal collection to aid in developing his character.
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The inspiration behind Buscemi’s portrayal of Barry Dort stems from legendary poet Edgar Allan Poe. With the character’s references to Poe and his famous poem “The Raven,” Burton presented Buscemi with an Edgar Allan Poe action figure from his own collection. Recalling the moment, Buscemi expressed his gratitude, saying, “It was like, ‘Oh my god, he gave me one of his possessions.'” The collaboration on “Wednesday” marks a reunion for Buscemi and Burton, who previously worked together on the 2003 film “Big Fish.”
Reflecting on his experience with Burton, Buscemi commended the director’s approach to filmmaking. He highlighted Burton’s reliance on actors to bring their own creativity to their roles, a factor which Buscemi found both enjoyable and fulfilling. Despite initial nerves about joining an established show, Buscemi felt supported by Burton and was able to seamlessly embody the character of Barry Dort alongside leading lady Jenna Ortega, who brings Wednesday Addams to life.
As Buscemi delved into the new season of “Wednesday,” he credited Burton and Ortega for reinventing the iconic “Addams Family” concept with fresh perspectives while staying true to its core elements. The actor praised Ortega’s dedication to her role and professionalism on set, describing her as “fabulous” and “the consummate professional.” He pointed out that their shared admiration for the original “Addams Family” series from the 1960s shone through in their collaboration on the show.
“Wednesday” returned for its second season on Netflix in two parts, captivating audiences with its intriguing storyline and compelling characters. Fans of the series were treated to a blend of gothic charm and dark humour, enhanced by Buscemi’s portrayal of Barry Dort and the dynamic interactions with the talented cast. The show’s success could be attributed to the seamless synergy between Buscemi, Burton, and Ortega, as they breathed new life into the beloved “Addams Family” universe.
In conclusion, Steve Buscemi’s revelation about the gift from Tim Burton that inspired his character sheds light on the creative process behind his role in the popular series “Wednesday.” The gift of the Edgar Allan Poe action figure not only served as a tangible source of inspiration but also symbolised the collaborative spirit between Buscemi and Burton. As audiences continue to be enthralled by the darkly comedic world of “Wednesday,” Buscemi’s portrayal of Barry Dort stands as a testament to the enduring allure of timeless characters brought to life on screen.