Wednesday's Principal Weems Was Inspired By Alfred Hitchcock's Horror Classic The Birds

Wednesday Addams has dedicated herself to a lifestyle off the beaten path, so it stands to reason other characters would also be a reflection of that. Alfred Hitchcock's filmography stands apart, depicting terrifying elements as well as the star power of leading lady Tippi Hedren. Their fraught relationship was not a secret, portrayed in biopics such as HBO's "The Girl." But that still does not change how iconic the actor became, especially in the horror film "The Birds." Starring as Melanie Daniels, who pursues a romantic interest in a bayside community, Hedren became known in the role for her coiffed hairstyle and stylish trench coat. This was the exact sort of look that costume designer Colleen Atwood took a shine to when developing Principal Weems (Gwendoline Christie).

"I bought this vintage poster of Tippi Hedren in 'The Birds.' I showed her a picture of it. I said, 'This is who I think you are. And she was like, 'I love it,'" Atwood told Variety, going on to say that, "Weems is her own kind of misfit, in a totally different way." Though Weems demonstrates supernatural abilities found in students at Nevermore, she also stands apart. Like Melanie, she is profoundly vulnerable, holding on to hurtful memories from the past. Many of her actions mask inner pain, a trait that connects her with fellow figures in the genre.