The Addams Family is one of the most iconic TV shows of all time, having begun all the way back in 1964. Because of this, any new interaction of the show is under scrutiny by fans as it draws obvious comparisons to the original. Tim Burton has helped bring to light the smash-hit Netflix series Wednesday in 2022, and as of late, it would appear that one change has been bothering people more than anything. The subject of Gomez Addams (Luis Guzman) is odd since, to be completely honest – he’s an odd character. But at the same time, he’s the type of character that many people have come to love since, as the Addams family patriarch, he’s crucial in a way that can’t be denied, even if his role on Wednesday has been diminished.
While this new show might be centered primarily on the character of Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega), who has been given a great deal of interest by the fans and by Burton, the idea of positioning Luis Guzman as the head of the family has caught the eye of a few people, and some folks have been less than pleased.
Luis Guzman Is An Accomplished Actor
Guzman has been a mainstay in Hollywood for almost 50 years, having started his career in 1976. Over the course of his career, Guzman has been cast in movies including Anger Management, Dumb and Dumberer, and TV shows including Miami Vice, Fraiser, and Shameless. As well as playing Ricardo Diaz in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
But, as great as he’s been over the years, it’s still fair to think that there are some roles that fans will see as difficult to take on after other great actors have played the character. Usually, it’s easy to accept Guzman in any role since he can bring a great deal of comedy to any role and create a great deal of drama that people want to watch at least. But there is something about the role of Gomez that has a lot of people thinking twice about Guzman at this time, no matter how great he can be.
There is one name that comes to mind for many fans, while for others, a few different names might come to mind. But the one that tops the list for many people is the late, great Raul Julia, who played the patriarch of the Addams family twice and nailed the role in a way that many would agree was superb.
Comparing Luis Guzman To Raul Julia Isn’t Fair
Both men are great actors, and Julia would have undoubtedly been an absolute legend if he were still alive. But attempting to compare them in this one role was expected since Julia turned on the charm in a big way when playing Gomez.
To expect Guzman to do the same is highly unfair, but to think he will turn in a satisfactory role is easy. Comparing actors is usually a bad idea from the start, but comparing two men with very different styles isn’t exactly fair, and it’s not a great thing to get into regularly. The truth is that every actor has their own style, and while some will mimic others from time to time, appreciating what they can do and what they bring to a show or movie is a far better idea.
Raul Julia And Anjelica Huston Are A Tough Act To Follow
The fan reaction to the Addams Family movies that starred Julia, Anjelica Huston, Christina Ricci, Christopher Lloyd, and several other noted actors was mixed for the first and second movies. Still, there’s no denying that two gifted actors played the haunting couple that ran the family. Trying to compare Guzman and Catherine Zeta-Jones to these two legendary actors isn’t going to fly in the eyes of many fans, but stating that the two newcomers to the roles will be able to do their own thing is simple since it’s absolutely true.
The accomplished nature of those making up this cast is enough to make one think that this show should be viewed as a fine addition to the Addams legend that’s been present in Hollywood for decades now and a great way to move things forward. But as it’s been noted for so long, plenty of people are set on being less than satisfied with various changes.
Will Luis Guzman be remembered for his role as Gomez Addams?
That’s a good question, to be fair since a role such as Gomez Addams is one that a lot of people would rather see fade away into legend rather than be taken on by an actor who will end up butchering the part beyond belief. But again, Guzman is an accomplished individual that knows how to turn in a role, and he should be able to take on the part of Gomez with his own comedic flair.
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