As a major Addams Family fan for years, there is but one mystery I've never been able to find anything more than a vague answer to: Why was Judith Malina replaced for the sequel? Most searches online simply say the role became more physically demanding than she was capable of, but this seems a bit absurd. I can't think of a single stunt Carol Kane did in "Addams Family Values." I'm aware that a majority of Judith's scenes from the first film were cut in the editing process (and that's a shame as they read as though they were hilarious in the shooting script and the novelization). Then, there are other sources that cautiously hint at a more unfavorable reason for the role to be recast for the sequel. Among them, John Franklin (Cousin It - yes, only one 't' in the films) stated that he was concerned that he'd be "replaced like Judith" when called in to discuss reprising his role. It's well-known that Judith and her husband Julian Beck had a reputation as theatrical anarchists and I've heard there was often a heavy cloud of fragrant smoke that poured from Judith's trailer anytime she opened its door. But still, nothing. As an Addams fan (of both Malina and Kane), I consider this mystery my Holy Grail.
I was on my research to find out why as well. I do see that she had a film released in 1993 as well. Not sure if it was a conflict of interest. Nonetheless, she did have some HIGH demands in the previous film (in terms of her being a vegetarian or vegan). Including everything that you mentioned, the studio probably didn't want the headache.
An axe...that takes me back.
As a major Addams Family fan for years, there is but one mystery I've never been able to find anything more than a vague answer to: Why was Judith Malina replaced for the sequel? Most searches online simply say the role became more physically demanding than she was capable of, but this seems a bit absurd. I can't think of a single stunt Carol Kane did in "Addams Family Values." I'm aware that a majority of Judith's scenes from the first film were cut in the editing process (and that's a shame as they read as though they were hilarious in the shooting script and the novelization). Then, there are other sources that cautiously hint at a more unfavorable reason for the role to be recast for the sequel. Among them, John Franklin (Cousin It - yes, only one 't' in the films) stated that he was concerned that he'd be "replaced like Judith" when called in to discuss reprising his role. It's well-known that Judith and her husband Julian Beck had a reputation as theatrical anarchists and I've heard there was often a heavy cloud of fragrant smoke that poured from Judith's trailer anytime she opened its door. But still, nothing. As an Addams fan (of both Malina and Kane), I consider this mystery my Holy Grail.
I was on my research to find out why as well. I do see that she had a film released in 1993 as well. Not sure if it was a conflict of interest. Nonetheless, she did have some HIGH demands in the previous film (in terms of her being a vegetarian or vegan). Including everything that you mentioned, the studio probably didn't want the headache.
Judith did a great job as Granny! However, Carol made Granny more memorable. Carol brought a MORE comedic side to the character.