Kansas City, Missouri, August 8, 2025
News Summary
The second season of Tim Burton’s Netflix series Wednesday has premiered, featuring the new character Kansas City Scalper, portrayed by Haley Joel Osment. This fictional serial killer and pet groomer has piqued the curiosity of fans regarding his real-life inspirations and the authenticity of his name. While set in Kansas City, it’s important to note that the series was filmed in Ireland. With its blend of horror and dark humor, Season 2 is expected to ignite discussions about media portrayals and their real-life counterparts.
Kansas City Welcomes New Villain in Wednesday Season 2
Season 2 of Tim Burton’s Netflix series Wednesday has premiered, introducing audiences to its latest antagonist, the Kansas City Scalper. This new character, portrayed by Haley Joel Osment, is a fictional serial killer and pet groomer, and he has already sparked a wave of curiosity among fans questioning the authenticity of his name.
With the first four episodes released on August 6, 2023, and an additional four set to premiere on September 3, the series has once again captured viewers’ attention. Fans have been conducting online searches to determine if a real-life killer by the name of the Kansas City Scalper actually exists.
Setting and Representation Issue
In the series, the fictional Kansas City serves as a backdrop, featuring scenes with modest houses set against the Kansas City skyline. However, excitement among local fans has been accompanied by skepticism regarding the accuracy of the show’s portrayal. It has been clarified that the series was not filmed in Kansas City. The first season took place in Romania, while the current season was filmed in Ireland, using a housing development in Newcastle to depict the Kansas City setting.
Showrunner Miles Millar noted that the landscapes of Ireland complement the show’s dark aesthetic, which is further exemplified by a scene transforming Trinity College in Dublin into Newark Airport in New Jersey.
Background on the Kansas City Scalper
The Kansas City Scalper is a composite character inspired by real-life killers, combining elements from two notorious murderers. While there is no actual individual known as the Kansas City Scalper, the character’s name draws influence from Lorenzo Jerome Gilyard, known as the Kansas City Strangler, who murdered at least 13 women from 1977 to 1993 and was convicted in 2007. Another influence is John Sweeney, a British killer known as the scalp hunter, who dismembered his victims and disposed of their remains in canals.
The chilling nature of these inspirations adds depth to the Kansas City Scalper’s character, making him a fitting villain for the dark and enigmatic world of Wednesday.
Popularity of the Series
Since its original release, Wednesday has become one of Netflix’s most-watched shows, attracting a vast audience eager to follow the adventures of the young psychic student Wednesday Addams, played by Jenna Ortega, as she confronts various threats, including the Kansas City Scalper. In a memorable clip from Season 2, viewers will see Wednesday’s encounter with the Scalper alongside an eerie set of creepy dolls, further intensifying the series’ haunting atmosphere.
Conclusion
With its compelling characters and unique settings, Season 2 of Wednesday promises to be an exciting chapter for fans. The combination of fictional horror with hints of real-life terror not only captivates viewers but also sparks discussions about the relationship between media portrayals and historical events.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kansas City Scalper?
The Kansas City Scalper is a fictional character introduced in Season 2 of the Netflix series Wednesday. He is a serial killer and pet groomer, portrayed by Haley Joel Osment.
Is the Kansas City Scalper based on a real person?
No, there is no actual Kansas City Scalper. The name is a composite inspired by real-life serial killers Lorenzo Jerome Gilyard, known as the Kansas City Strangler, and John Sweeney, the scalp hunter.
Where was Season 2 of Wednesday filmed?
Season 2 was primarily filmed in Ireland, using a housing development in Newcastle to represent Kansas City. Season 1 was filmed in Romania.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Wednesday |
| New Antagonist | Kansas City Scalper |
| Actor | Haley Joel Osment |
| Release Date | August 6, 2023 (first four episodes) |
| Setting | Filmed in Ireland, representing Kansas City |
| Real-life Inspirations | Lorenzo Gilyard and John Sweeney |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kansas City News
- Wikipedia: Serial Killer
- The Tab: Kansas City Scalper Inspiration
- Google Search: Wednesday Netflix
- Geek Girl Authority: Wednesday Recap
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kansas City
- People: Wednesday Season 2 Cast
- Google News: Kansas City Scalper
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
