Since it was launched, the series Wandinha caught the attention of the public and specialized critics, establishing itself as one of the great successes of Netflix. However, it was not just the plot and the performance of the characters that drew attention: the name of the protagonist aroused a strange curiosity in foreign spectators.
This is because it was adapted to Portuguese and not literally translated as expected. Thus, Wednesday (Wednesday, in literal translation) became Wandinha Addams, which shocked some people.
In other countries such as France, Italy and Spain, the name was literally translated and the protagonist was called Mercredi, Mercoledi and Miércoles, respectively.
But anyone who thinks that Brazil was the only one to make such a change is mistaken. Ecuador and Mexico also changed the girl’s name to Merlina.
All this is due to the fact that the song Monday’s Child (which Wednesday’s name was inspired by) is not as well recognized in such countries. Therefore, it would not make sense to keep the original version.
However, it is important to note that Wandinha gained this name since the work of Charles Addams was brought to Brazil and not only with the Netflix work directed by Tim Burton. And of course she wasn’t the only one to have her name changed.
Check out the original names of other Addams Family characters below.
5. Uncle Chico/Uncle Fester
One of the most charismatic characters in the macabre family is Uncle Chico, Wandinha and Feioso’s favorite relative. Gomez’s missing brother was once called Tio Funéreo, but was soon renamed Uncle Chico when the series got an animated version in 1973.
Since then, the name has remained and in Tim Burton’s series the character came to life with comedian Fred Armisen.
4. Ugly/Pugsley
Speaking of Feioso, Wandinha’s younger brother (whom she loves to torture) also received a different name in the original version. He was called Pugsley in English and in the 1964 series he was played by Ken Weatherwax. In the films of the 1990s, he was played by actor Jimmy Workman.
In 2022, the character was brought to life by Isaac Ordonez, and although he didn’t appear much on screen, his performance was pleasing.
3. Stumble/Lurch
Another character who was also renamed when the series arrived in Brazil was Tropeço, the Addams’ butler. In the original version, he was named Launch, and was responsible for fulfilling the wishes of the family characters, especially those of Morticia.
It is worth remembering that in the first dubbing he was called Lackey, and only then did he gain the name that would remain forever in our memories.
In the video below, you can see Wandinha and Tropeço dancing together in the 1964 series.
2. Cousin Thing/Cousin Itt
Not as famous as the other members of the Family, Primo Itt was also renamed in Brazil, receiving the name of Primo Coisa. He is a character covered entirely in hair and who speaks a language understood only by the Addams.
In audiovisual he came to life through several actors, among them Feliz Silla, John Franklin, Anthony Magro and even Snoop Dogg.
1. Little Hand/Thing
Last but not least, one of the coolest Addams Family characters also got a Brazilian name. Called Thing in English, the member was baptized as Mãozinha in Portuguese. Faceless, speechless, and even bodyless, he still managed to captivate audiences and become an iconic figure.
In the Netflix series, Mãozinha is Wandinha’s faithful squire and one of the most important characters in the story. She came to life with Victor Dorobantu.
You can watch the Wandinha at Netflix??
