The absence of Percy Hynes White from Netflix’s hit series “Wednesday” Season 2 has left many fans wondering what exactly transpired behind the scenes. The Canadian actor, who played the brooding artist Xavier Thorpe in the show’s debut season, was notably missing when the second season premiered on August 6, 2025. Here’s the complete story behind his departure and how the show addressed his character’s absence.
Who Is Percy Hynes White?
Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Percy Hynes White comes from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. His father, Joel Thomas Hynes, has worked on shows like “Orphan Black” and “Sullivan’s Crossing,” while his mother, Sherry White, is a writer and producer known for her work on “Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent” and “Frontier.”
Hynes White began his acting career as a toddler and gradually built his resume with supporting roles in films like “The Grand Seduction” (2013) alongside Brendan Gleeson and “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” (2014) with Ben Stiller. However, it was his two-season run as mutant Andy Strucker on the X-Men spinoff “The Gifted” (2017-2019) that significantly raised his profile in the industry.
Xavier Thorpe: The Character That Made Him Famous
In “Wednesday,” Hynes White portrayed Xavier Thorpe, a psychic art student at Nevermore Academy with the unique ability to bring his artwork to life. The character served as one of Wednesday Addams’ potential love interests, creating a compelling love triangle with Tyler Galpin (Hunter Doohan).
“He’s sort of this dramatic, very broody guy,” Hynes White described his character to CBC in 2022. “He’s this painter and he [has] some sort of psychic ability and he becomes a suspect in an investigation. He’s this suspicious character but also this kind of weird love interest.” CBC
Xavier’s artistic abilities and mysterious nature made him a fan favorite, and his complex relationship with Wednesday added depth to the show’s romantic subplot throughout the first season.
The Allegations That Changed Everything
The controversy began in January 2023 when anonymous allegations surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) accusing Hynes White of sexual misconduct. An anonymous woman alleged that the actor had engaged in inappropriate behavior, including claims of sexual assault and manipulation. The posts, which have since been deleted, sparked widespread discussion and concern among fans and industry professionals.
Additionally, Hynes White faced accusations of racism when an old video of him using a racial slur resurfaced online, though this video was also subsequently deleted.
The allegations quickly gained traction on social media, leading to significant scrutiny of the young actor’s personal life and career. The situation became more complex as his family was reportedly doxxed, and his friends received death threats as a result of the online campaign against him.
Percy’s Response to the Allegations
In June 2023, Hynes White broke his silence and addressed the allegations directly through an Instagram Story. His statement was comprehensive and emotional, denying all claims made against him:
“Earlier this year, somebody I’ve never met started a campaign of misinformation about me online,” he wrote. “Because of this, my family has been doxxed, and my friends have received death threats. Underage photos of me were used, and examples of me acting in character were presented as hateful. My friend Jane was falsely portrayed as a victim, and her attempts to set the record straight have been ignored. She gave me permission to include her in this message.”
He continued with a firm denial: “The rumors are false. I can’t accept the portrayal of me as someone bigoted, or criminally negligent of people’s safety. These are the kind of baseless, harmful claims that can create mistrust toward victims. It’s very distressing to know that this misinformation has upset people.” Entertainment Weekly
Despite his denials, the damage to his reputation had already been done, and the controversy continued to follow him throughout 2023 and into 2024.
Netflix’s Decision and Hynes White’s Departure
In May 2024, Netflix officially announced that Percy Hynes White would not be returning for “Wednesday” Season 2. According to reports, the decision was made jointly, and Hynes White was given the opportunity to move forward with the show but ultimately chose not to continue.
Upon the announcement of his departure, Hynes White maintained a gracious attitude toward the show and his former colleagues. In an Instagram Story posted in May 2024, he wrote: “I had so much fun working on this show. I can’t wait to watch season 2 😃 Much love,” ending his message with a red heart emoji. People
This positive response demonstrated his professionalism despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his exit from the popular series.
How Wednesday Season 2 Explained Xavier’s Absence
The writers of “Wednesday” had to creatively address Xavier Thorpe’s sudden absence from Nevermore Academy. In the first episode of Season 2, the new principal, Barry Dort (played by Steve Buscemi), provides a logical explanation for Xavier’s departure.
“He’s heading to Reichenbach Academy in Switzerland,” Principal Dort reveals, explaining that Xavier’s father, Vincent Thorpe, was unhappy after his son was falsely accused of being the Hyde monster in the previous season. As a result, Vincent “pulled his son and his endowment from Nevermore.”
Co-showrunner Alfred Gough described Reichenbach Academy as “the European version of Nevermore,” making Xavier’s transfer seem like a natural progression rather than an abrupt exit.
The show also provided emotional closure through a farewell gift. Xavier sent Wednesday a haunting painting of a one-eyed crow on a headstone, along with a poignant letter that Wednesday’s roommate Enid (Emma Myers) reads aloud:
“I tried texting, but I guess you lost the phone I gave you. Consider this my goodbye gift. The image suddenly flashed in my head. Don’t ask me how I know or what it means, but it’s connected to you, I’m sure. Who’s Wednesday Addams without a mystery to solve, right?”
This touching farewell not only addressed Xavier’s absence but also set up potential plot points for the season, maintaining continuity while acknowledging the character’s importance to the story.
The Finality of Xavier’s Exit
Despite the possibility that Xavier’s letter and painting might suggest a future return, co-showrunner Alfred Gough made it clear that fans shouldn’t expect to see the character again. In an interview with TVLine, Gough definitively stated, “We have seen the last of him.”
This finality suggests that the show’s creators are committed to moving forward without the character, allowing the story to develop in new directions while focusing on the remaining cast members and new additions to the series.
Impact on the Show and Cast
Jenna Ortega, who plays Wednesday Addams, acknowledged the challenges of Hynes White’s departure in an August 2024 interview with Vanity Fair. She described his exit as “a weird redirect” but noted that the introduction of many new characters would help the show move forward.
“We’re introducing so many different characters that I think it kind of will get lost,” Ortega explained, suggesting that the show’s focus would shift to accommodate the changes in the cast.
The absence of Xavier also meant changes to the show’s romantic dynamics. Season 1 featured a love triangle between Wednesday, Xavier, and Tyler, but Season 2 has had to reconfigure these relationships and explore new romantic possibilities for the titular character.
Percy Hynes White’s Current Projects
Despite the controversy, Hynes White has continued working in the entertainment industry. He appeared in several films following his departure from “Wednesday,” including the 2024 romantic drama “Winter Spring Summer or Fall,” where he interestingly starred opposite his former co-star Jenna Ortega.
He also appeared in “My Old Ass” (2024) alongside Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza, showing that he has maintained some industry support despite the allegations against him.
Looking ahead, Hynes White has several projects in development, including “Whistle,” a teen horror movie featuring “X-23” actress Dafne Keen and “Yellowjackets” breakout Sophie Nélisse.
The Broader Impact on Wednesday Season 2
The departure of such a significant character inevitably affected the show’s narrative structure. Xavier’s absence meant that the writers had to:
- Restructure romantic plotlines: Without Xavier as a love interest, the show had to explore new romantic dynamics for Wednesday
- Introduce new characters: Season 2 features several new cast members to fill the void left by departing actors
- Shift focus: The show has pivoted to emphasize other relationships and storylines
The showrunners have worked to ensure that these changes feel organic rather than forced, maintaining the show’s quality while adapting to the new circumstances.
Fan Reactions and Reception
The news of Hynes White’s departure elicited mixed reactions from fans. While some supported the decision given the serious nature of the allegations, others expressed disappointment at losing a beloved character. Many fans appreciated how the show handled Xavier’s exit, providing closure while maintaining respect for the character and the actor.
The controversy also sparked broader discussions about accountability in the entertainment industry and how allegations of misconduct are handled, particularly in the age of social media.
Looking Forward: Wednesday Without Xavier
“Wednesday” Season 2 has demonstrated that the show can successfully continue without one of its original main characters. The series has introduced new mysteries, relationships, and challenges for Wednesday Addams while maintaining the dark humor and gothic atmosphere that made the first season so popular.
The show’s ability to adapt and evolve speaks to the strength of its core concept and the talent of its remaining cast and creative team. While Xavier Thorpe’s absence is noticeable, “Wednesday” has proven resilient enough to continue captivating audiences.
Conclusion
The departure of Percy Hynes White from “Wednesday” represents a complex intersection of personal allegations, professional consequences, and creative adaptation. While the controversy surrounding the actor remains unresolved, the show has successfully moved forward, providing fans with new content while respectfully addressing the absence of a beloved character.
The situation serves as a reminder of how quickly careers can be affected by allegations in the digital age, regardless of their veracity. It also demonstrates the entertainment industry’s ongoing struggle to balance accountability with due process.
For fans of “Wednesday,” the focus now shifts to the new characters and storylines that Season 2 brings, while the legacy of Xavier Thorpe remains preserved in the show’s first season. As the series continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it develops without one of its original core characters.
The first part of “Wednesday” Season 2 is currently streaming on Netflix, with the second part set to premiere on September 3, 2025. Despite the changes behind the scenes, the show continues to deliver the dark, witty, and mysterious content that made it a global phenomenon.