He is the other star of the “Wednesday” series on Netflix. The character of the Thing is doing a lot of talking on social networks. On screen, not everything was designed digitally. The hand really belongs to an actor who is taking his first steps here.
In the universe of The Addams Family, the Thing is a character apart, both macabre and poetic. This hand, covered with scars, moves everywhere and has a real personality. Thanks to the Wednesday series, she forms an unexpected duo with the heroine, played by Jenna Ortega, and even becomes the star of social networks.
To create this character, Tim Burton wanted to avoid visual effects at all costs. He wanted a hand, a real one, and the teams rose to the challenge. It is the Romanian actor Victor Dorobantu who embodies the Thing. He signs here his first appearance – well almost – on the screen.
On the set, he is subjected to a long preparation of three hours. Victor Dorobantu must dress in a tight blue jumpsuit to become invisible and go through the make-up box to transform his own hand.
netflix Victor Dorobantu on the set of “Wednesday”.
On set, the actor bends over backwards and multiplies the most uncomfortable positions to shoot his scenes. For travel, he sits on a skateboard and moves his fingers to create the illusion. His body is then erased in post-production.
On his Instagram account – in which he shares a lot of funny shots – the actor explains: “This whole process was quite difficult. We did everything, to such an extent that the Thing expresses its emotions through its gestures and body language. We improvised and made sure to make it as natural as possible.”
The result is worthy of the work, especially if we are to believe the reactions of the public, charmed by this character who is anything but ordinary.
Wednesday is available on Netflix.