The Merlina Vs. Miércoles Debate: 5 Shocking Differences In Wednesday Addams’ Spanish World
The global phenomenon of Netflix’s *Wednesday* has sparked a fascinating linguistic and cultural debate across the Spanish-speaking world, centered entirely on the title character’s name. Released in November 2022, the series, starring the talented Jenna Ortega, has captivated millions, but a major point of confusion persists: why is Wednesday Addams known by two completely different names—*Merlina* and *Miércoles*—depending on whether you are watching in Mexico or Madrid? This linguistic split is more than just a translation quirk; it’s a deep dive into cultural sensitivities, dubbing history, and the modern push for authentic Latinx representation, especially as fans eagerly await the fresh updates of Season 2, which is currently filming in Ireland as of December 2025.
The distinction between *Merlina Addams* and *Miércoles Addams* highlights the vast differences in Spanish-language localization, revealing a rich history of dubbing choices and a modern focus on avoiding awkward or offensive wordplay. The choice of name directly impacts the viewing experience for hundreds of millions of Spanish speakers, proving that a single word can carry immense cultural weight and topical authority. Understanding this dual identity is key to appreciating the full scope of the Addams Family’s global legacy.
Jenna Ortega: A Latina Star's Profile
The actress who brought a new, deadpan dimension to Wednesday Addams is a proud Latina, a fact that has been central to the show's massive cultural impact in Spanish-speaking territories. Her biography is a testament to a rapid rise in Hollywood.
- Full Name: Jenna Marie Ortega
- Date of Birth: September 27, 2002
- Place of Birth: Coachella Valley, California, U.S. (She was raised in La Quinta, California)
- Heritage: Mexican and Puerto Rican
- Career Debut: She began her professional acting career as a child, with her first major role in the sitcom *Rob* in 2012.
- Key Roles: She gained recognition in the Disney Channel series *Stuck in the Middle* (2016–2018). Her career exploded with a string of horror roles, including *Scream* (2022) and *X* (2022), establishing her as a modern "Scream Queen."
- Breakthrough: Her portrayal of the titular character in the Netflix series *Wednesday* (2022) earned her Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, cementing her global stardom.
Despite her prominent Hispanic heritage, Ortega has been open about not being fluent in Spanish, a point that has led to both criticism and supportive discussion among the Latinx community about what it means to be "Latina enough."
1. The Name Split: Why Merlina and Miércoles Exist
The core of the "Wednesday Addams in Spanish" mystery is the geographical division in her name. The reason for this split is a fascinating blend of direct translation, historical dubbing, and linguistic caution.
Miércoles: The Direct Spanish Translation (Spain)
In Spain (known for its Castilian Spanish dialect), the character is officially named Miércoles Addams. The word *Miércoles* is the direct, literal translation of the English word "Wednesday," which is a reference to the nursery rhyme line: "Wednesday's child is full of woe." The Netflix series is titled *Miércoles* in this region.
However, this direct translation presents a linguistic challenge. The Spanish word *Miércoles* sounds very similar to the vulgar Spanish word *mierda*, which means "shit" or "crap." For audiences in Spain, this phonetic similarity is generally accepted as part of the dark humor, but in other regions, it was deemed too risky or inappropriate for a children's character.
Merlina: The Cultural Adaptation (Latin America)
In Latin America (Latinoamérica), which includes countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, the character is known as Merlina Addams. This name is not a direct translation of the day of the week, but rather a long-standing, historical localization choice dating back to the original 1960s *The Addams Family* TV show and the 1990s films.
The choice of *Merlina* was a deliberate move to avoid the phonetic similarity to *mierda*. By using an invented, more neutral name, the dubbing directors ensured the character's name was clean and marketable across the vast and diverse Latin American market. Because of this history, the Netflix series is titled *Merlina* in this region, and this name is now deeply ingrained in the popular culture of Latin America.
2. The Two Voices of Wednesday: Dubbing Actresses Who Define Her
The true voice of Wednesday Addams in Spanish is not Jenna Ortega herself, but two highly respected dubbing artists, each a major entity in their respective regions. Their work ensures that the character's signature deadpan delivery and dark humor translate perfectly.
Cristina Hernández: The Voice of Merlina (Latin America)
The voice of Merlina Addams for the Latin American Spanish dub is the legendary Mexican dubbing actress Cristina Hernández. Her casting is a powerful nod to the character's legacy and adds significant topical authority to the show.
- Legacy Connection: Hernández is famous for being the recurring voice of many iconic characters, and crucially, she previously dubbed actress Christina Ricci as Wednesday Addams in the classic 1990s films, *The Addams Family* and *Addams Family Values*.
- Cultural Significance: By casting the same voice actress for the new generation's Merlina (Jenna Ortega), Netflix provided a comforting sense of continuity for Latin American fans, linking the new series directly to their childhood memories of the character.
Beatriz Llaneza Mielgo: The Voice of Miércoles (Spain)
In Spain, the Castilian Spanish voice of Miércoles Addams is the talented actress Beatriz Llaneza Mielgo. She is a prominent figure in the Spanish dubbing industry and is known for her work voicing many Hollywood stars.
- Jenna Ortega's Spanish Voice: Llaneza Mielgo is recognized as the habitual Spanish voice for Jenna Ortega, meaning she voices the actress in many of her films and series. This consistent casting creates a strong, recognizable vocal identity for the actress among Spanish audiences.
- The Deadpan Delivery: Her performance is critical to capturing the unique, monotone, and emotionless delivery that defines Wednesday, ensuring the character’s personality is not lost in translation for the Spanish audience.
3. The Latina Factor: How Wednesday Embraces Hispanic Heritage
One of the most modern and unique aspects of the Netflix series is its explicit embrace of the Addams Family’s Latinx and Hispanic roots, a detail that resonates deeply with the *Merlina* and *Miércoles* audiences.
The new series, helmed by director Tim Burton, features a predominantly Latine cast for the core Addams family, most notably Jenna Ortega as Wednesday and the great Luis Guzmán as Gomez Addams. This casting choice, while not entirely new to the franchise's lore, is the most prominent representation of the family's Hispanic heritage to date.
This emphasis on the family’s roots is a powerful statement about diversity and representation in modern media. For fans in Latin America, seeing a canonically Latina Wednesday Addams, played by an actress of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, is a significant cultural moment. It validates the use of the name *Merlina* as a familiar, culturally adapted entity, making the character feel even more like their own.
As production for *Wednesday* Season 2 continues, the conversation around the two Spanish names and the character's cultural identity remains a hot topic. Whether you call her Merlina or Miércoles, the character's global appeal, driven by Jenna Ortega’s captivating performance and the show’s success on Netflix, ensures that the Addams Family’s dark, charming legacy will continue to thrive in every corner of the Spanish-speaking world.
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