Wednesday – Newark Airport

The Netflix series Wednesday features a key scene set at New Jersey’s Newark Airport in its second season, but the actual filming took place at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland. This episode 1 moment captures Wednesday Addams navigating airport security amid her pursuit of a serial killer, blending tension and dark humor characteristic of the show’s style. The production team’s creative choice to transform an academic building into a realistic terminal highlights innovative location scouting in Ireland, where season 2 was primarily shot after season 1’s Romanian locations. This shift allowed for expansive sets while leveraging Ireland’s tax incentives and gothic landscapes to enhance the supernatural atmosphere.

The Scene

In episode 1 of Wednesday season 2, Wednesday Addams, heavily armed and determined, heads to the Midwest to confront the notorious Kansas City Scalper, played by Haley Joel Osment. The sequence unfolds at Newark Airport, where she encounters an awkward and chaotic interaction with the metal detector. Her arsenal of weapons triggers alarms, leading to a deadpan physical comedy moment as security personnel react to her unflappable demeanor. This brief but memorable scene sets up her high-stakes journey, contrasting her gothic eccentricity against the mundane bureaucracy of air travel. It underscores the series’ blend of horror, mystery, and Tim Burton-esque whimsy, propelling the plot forward while showcasing Jenna Ortega’s precise comedic timing.

The Real Filming Location

The Newark Airport scenes were filmed at Trinity College Dublin’s Trinity Business School in Ireland, not at the actual New Jersey site. The production transformed the business school’s security desk into an airline check-in area, creating a convincingly realistic terminal. Filming occurred while the building remained open to staff and students, who were reportedly stunned by the set’s authenticity. Additionally, the Phil Council Room in the Graduates Memorial Building served for interior shots. This location choice stemmed from Dublin Airport being too busy for production needs. Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university founded in 1592, provided a practical, accessible urban backdrop for the sequence.

Why This Location Was Chosen

Producers opted for Trinity College Dublin because Dublin Airport was deemed too operational and crowded for filming, making on-site shooting impractical. Supervising locations manager Maria O’Connor noted that the business school’s existing security desk easily adapted into a check-in counter, allowing for quick, efficient production. Ireland’s overall appeal for season 2 included its amended Section 481 tax credit, supporting up to €125 million in eligible spending per project, which drew major productions like Wednesday. Co-showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar praised Irish locations for adding timeless beauty, wonder, and epic spectacle, expanding the show’s canvas beyond season 1’s Romanian sets.

Visiting the Location

Trinity College Dublin, located in the heart of Dublin city center, welcomes visitors year-round to explore its historic campus, including the famous Long Room in the Old Library housing the Book of Kells. The Trinity Business School and Graduates Memorial Building, used for the airport scenes, are part of the main campus accessible via public tours. Admission to the campus is free, but guided tours and library exhibits require tickets starting around €18 for adults, with student discounts available. Public transport like Dublin Bus or Luas tram stops nearby; parking is limited. The site buzzes with students, so visits are best early morning or via official tours. Note that specific filming spots blend into daily university life, with no dedicated plaques.