Lady Gaga appears in the second season of Netflix’s hit series Wednesday as Rosaline Rotwood, a deceased teacher from Nevermore Academy. Her character plays a key role in helping Wednesday Addams regain her psychic abilities. The casting was confirmed by Netflix earlier this year, and Gaga’s cameo has been one of the most talked-about aspects of the new season.
Rosaline Rotwood is a legendary figure at Nevermore Academy, known for her powerful psychic gifts. She taught runes and ancient cryptology at the school and was considered a Raven due to her ability to see negative visions. Her character is described as a tall, pale woman with long platinum blonde hair and green eyes. She lived in a cottage near the school and held secret séances there. After her death, her gravestone was imbued with dark energy, allowing psychics to temporarily regain their powers by reciting a Latin inscription engraved on it .
In Episode 6 of Season 2, titled “Woe Thyself,” Wednesday visits Rosaline’s grave to seek help after losing her psychic abilities. Rosaline’s spirit appears and guides Wednesday through a ritual to restore her powers. However, when the ritual is interrupted, Wednesday and her roommate Enid Sinclair switch bodies. Rosaline later helps them reverse the spell by providing a cryptic riddle. Gaga’s screen time is brief but impactful, totaling under two minutes across the episode .
Costume Design and Historical Influence
The costume for Rosaline Rotwood was designed by Oscar-winning designer Colleen Atwood. The dress was made from a putty gray French wool crepe fabric and featured silk embroidery with feathers to reflect a bird-like aesthetic, inspired by the raven symbolism associated with the character. The design also incorporated elements from the 1930s, the era in which Rosaline died. Large sleeves and a thin silk overlay called crepeline were used to create a ghostly appearance .
Atwood explained that the original design included pointed shoulders to mimic bird wings, but this was adjusted due to action sequences. The final costume aligned with the gothic visual style of the Addams family while emphasizing Rosaline’s supernatural and ethereal nature. The design process involved a special fitting session with Gaga, who collaborated closely with Atwood to achieve the desired look .
Lady Gaga’s Contribution to the Soundtrack
In addition to her acting role, Lady Gaga contributed an original song titled The Dead Dance to the show’s soundtrack. The song was produced in collaboration with Andrew Watt and Henry Walter (Cirkut). It features a pop-driven sound with lyrics that match the dark tone of the series. Gaga stated that she began working on the song as soon as she learned about her role in the show .
The track was released on digital platforms on September 3, 2025, coinciding with the premiere of the second half of Season 2. It joins other featured artists on the soundtrack, including The Rapture, The Surfaris, and Blackpink. The song plays during key moments in the episode, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of Rosaline’s scenes .
Fan and Cast Reactions
Jenna Ortega, who plays Wednesday Addams, praised Lady Gaga’s involvement in the series. She described Gaga as a legend and expressed excitement about her participation. Ortega hinted that Gaga’s portrayal of Rosaline Rotwood would surprise viewers, noting that the character is not what audiences might expect .
“There’s definitely dances in the show.… I’m not saying anything about her character, though! Let her be incredible and amazing,” Ortega told Entertainment Tonight. “She’s great in the show, and I don’t think she’s what people expect her to be” .
The announcement of Gaga’s casting generated significant buzz on social media, with fans eagerly anticipating her appearance. Netflix officially welcomed her to the show with a post saying, Welcome to Nevermore, Mother Monster .
Rosaline Rotwood’s Role in the Plot
Rosaline Rotwood’s character is pivotal to the storyline of Season 2. After Wednesday loses her psychic abilities due to an attack by Tyler Galpin, she seeks help from Rosaline’s spirit. The ritual at the grave temporarily restores Wednesday’s powers but leads to a body swap with Enid. Rosaline’s guidance becomes essential to reversing the curse before dawn, or both characters face fatal consequences .
Rosaline is portrayed as a wise but stern figure who challenges Wednesday’s arrogance and helps her grow. Her warnings about the dangers of breaking the Raven’s gaze prove accurate, and her riddles guide Wednesday through solving the supernatural crisis. The character adds depth to the lore of Nevermore Academy and expands on the history of psychics within the Addams family universe .
Background and Legacy of the Character
According to the Addams Family Wiki, Rosaline Rotwood was a respected teacher at Nevermore Academy during her lifetime. One of her students was Hester Frump, the grandmother of Morticia Addams. Rosaline did not see potential in Hester as a Raven, which adds a layer of historical tension to the family’s dynamics. Her former cottage, now occupied by the Addams family, holds a secret séance chamber where her spirit appears .
The character’s name has symbolic meanings. Rosaline derives from Latin and Germanic roots, meaning beautiful rose or gentle horse. Rotwood may be linked to Old English words for red wood, suggesting a connection to nature or decay. These details enrich the character’s background and align with the gothic themes of the series .
Future Appearances and Speculations
While Lady Gaga’s role in Season 2 is limited to one episode, her character could potentially return in future seasons. The show has been renewed for a third season, and Rosaline’s influence may continue to shape Wednesday’s journey. Fans have expressed hope that Gaga might reprise her role in upcoming episodes, though no official announcements have been made .
The inclusion of Rosaline Rotwood adds a new dimension to the supernatural elements of the show, exploring the history of Nevermore Academy and the powerful psychics who once taught there. Her presence also highlights the show’s commitment to blending horror with humor and heart, a hallmark of the Addams Family franchise .
Also Read: Lady Gaga and Mariah Carey Lead Major Comebacks and New Honors at the 2025 MTV VMAs
Credits: Addams Family Wiki, Infobae, Harper’s Bazaar
