Lady Gaga Delivers Eerie Visual Masterpiece with The Dead Dance from Wednesday Season 2
Lady Gaga has premiered her chilling new single, “The Dead Dance,” debuting alongside a grisly, Tim Burton, directed music video that coincides with the release of Part 2 of Netflix’s hit series Wednesday Season 2.
Cameo & Song Integration: Gaga portrays Rosaline Rotwood, a spectral former teacher at Nevermore Academy, appearing in Episode 6, where her eerie presence intertwines with Wednesday’s storyline through a psychic encounter.
Visual & Thematic Highlights
Haunting Aesthetic: The black-and-white visuals, infused with bursts of color later in the video, showcase Gaga emerging among lifeless dolls in a graveyard, evoking a porcelain doll come to life.
Choreography & Production: Choreographed by Parris Goebel (who previously collaborated with Gaga on Abracadabra), the movements are jerky and undead-like, reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. The video was filmed on the ominous Island of the Dolls in Mexico, enhancing its gothic atmosphere.
Visual Design: Gaga’s ensemble transitions from Victorian-inspired attire, with a corseted bustier and tiered skirt, to revealing a babydoll tank and puffed pants. Her porcelain-esque makeup and platinum curls complete the haunting effect.
Critical Reception: Media outlets have praised the video as “fabulously frightening,” spotlighting Burton’s signature visual style, Goebel’s choreography, and the culturally resonant setting.
Behind the Release
Creative Collaboration: This marks the first ever collaboration between Gaga and masterful filmmaker Tim Burton, who lauded her as “inspiring” and open to future projects together.
Song Origins: “The Dead Dance” was co-written by Lady Gaga, Andrew Watt, and Henry Walter, and appears on the re-release of her 2025 album Mayhem. Written specifically for Wednesday, the song underscores themes of resilience and moving through emotional pain.
Build-Up & Announcement: Gaga first surprised fans with the track’s announcement at the “Wednesday” Graveyard Gala in New York, alongside stars including Jenna Ortega.