Jenna Ortega recently concluded a hectic day at work in London for an upcoming production, and we had a conversation while she was traveling in a car – this isn’t unusual for a popular talent like her. Despite the chaotic circumstances of the last few hours, the courteous 22-year-old actress speaks with genuine enthusiasm and answers questions thoughtfully and respectfully.
Alongside my numerous blockbuster movies released this year, as a follower, I’m excited to share that the much-anticipated second season of “Wednesday,” the show masterfully directed by Tim Burton, will resume on August 6 following a three-year hiatus. This highly acclaimed series has indeed elevated me from an emerging talent to a sought-after figure in Hollywood.
In contrast to how Wednesday, the eerie Addams Family member and their latest chapter’s protagonist, struggles with sudden, undesired fame following her heroic act at Nevermore, the peculiar school for outcasts, Ortega tends to avoid discussing the downsides of stardom, unlike her character.
When asked about handling the increased fame from the series, Ortega replies in a polite manner, “I don’t give it much thought these days. I used to ponder over it, but I find myself losing interest. Things are as they are.” She suggests that perhaps the writers intended for the series to be somewhat self-referential or metaphorical.
2022 saw the debut of “Wednesday” on Netflix, quickly becoming their most-viewed series. This sparked a viral social media craze centered around Ortega’s dance routine to The Cramps’ “Goo Goo Muck”. Viewers were instantly captivated by Ortega’s sharp wit, self-assured demeanor, and contemporary gothic style. Her portrayal of Wednesday was so spot-on that it seems impossible to separate her performance from the character now.
After that groundbreaking moment, she has firmly established herself as a leading lady with a brooding edge, gracing the screen in the horror sensation “Scream VI,” delving further into Burton’s world with “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” featuring in the dark fantastical comedy “Death of a Unicorn,” and collaborating on the music-infused thriller “Hurry Up Tomorrow” alongside pop sensation the Weeknd.
In my youth, I often portrayed characters that were considered geeky and shy. People never saw me as the mysterious, brooding type. It’s ironic, given my current approach, because I was frequently cast in scripts as timid or incredibly intelligent but lacking self-assurance.
While Ortega anticipates that certain upcoming roles may shift her public image, she recognizes the intrigue and depth that a character like Wednesday Addams provides for an actor. “It’s peculiar,” she notes, “that when others perceive you in a specific way, they tend to want to see only that side of you. When you explore beyond it, some people might find it disinteresting.
In addition, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán return to the quirky world of “Wednesday”. They portray Morticia and Gomez Addams, the esteemed parents of the protagonist, and this season gives a larger spotlight to their characters, which they find particularly enjoyable.
Speaking from Spain during a video call, I, as a seasoned film enthusiast, find myself questioning alongside Luis: “Is there any more we can give to this captivating series?” The Young Adult (YA) production has undeniably launched the careers of newcomers like Ortega and Emma Myers, who brings Enid, Wednesday’s roommate, to life. However, with extensive film and television credits under our belts, my co-star Guzmán and I bring decades of experience to this remarkable show. Notably, I have the distinction of being an Oscar winner for my supporting role in the 2003 film “Chicago.
Upon discovering that the originators of the series, Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, intended to delve deeper into the lives of other Addams family members such as Gomez and Morticia, Zeta-Jones showed great enthusiasm and agreed to develop her character further, committing to Season 2.
In my own words, I can’t help but express my excitement when I say, “I was absolutely delighted to discover more about Morticia, such an iconic character, as portrayed by you. The writers did a fantastic job of showcasing her vulnerability, emotions, and complex relationship with Wednesday. And to top it off, they introduced Grandma Frump, played brilliantly by Joanna Lumley.
Guzmán explains that the upcoming seasons maintain the spirit of inclusivity introduced in the initial one, which is a characteristic that has allowed the Addams Family to stay relevant throughout different eras.
During an interview before performing at Netflix’s Tudum event in May, he shared that our show communicates a message of acceptance – it’s alright to stay true to yourself regardless of what others may think. It’s not about conforming to societal norms; rather, it’s all about embracing and living your unique life. While ‘weird’ might not be the perfect term, in our context, being different or unconventional is something to cherish and celebrate.
Guzmán, known for discussing his character personally, expresses delight about viewers uncovering Gomez’s intricacies during this season. “This time around, you’ll learn more about his parenting,” he notes. “I actually have a significant part involving my on-screen son [Pugsley, portrayed by Isaac Ordonez] in this season.” He further adds, “The audience will observe how I handle fatherhood across various situations we encounter throughout the storyline.
In this enhanced version of Gomez, there’s a soulful interpretation of the timeless Spanish ballad “Bésame Mucho,” a classic bolero penned by Consuelo Velázquez in the 1930s and covered countless times. This scene provides an opportunity for the Puerto Rican actor, who has worked with director Paul Thomas Anderson on numerous projects, to showcase his fervor for music.
Ortega praises her on-screen parents for being brilliantly portrayed and hilarious together, adding that they bring a fantastic sense of humor. She notes their passionate relationship, reminiscent of past versions of the characters, and expresses excitement at seeing Gomez and Morticia displaying affection, as it’s a significant part of the series’ charm.
They had previously collaborated on a project, as it turns out. In “Wednesday”, Guzmán and Zeta-Jones were working together for the first time since the 2000 Steven Soderbergh film “Traffic”, where they both appeared.
Zeta-Jones remarked that it felt as if no time had passed since they last met, and they effortlessly resumed their relationship. During the filming of ‘Traffic,’ she was pregnant with her son, and Luis would always attend to her needs, ensuring she had her tea and a place to rest her feet.
Guzmán said their reunion was “incredibly rewarding,” calling her “kind and precise in her work.”
Ortega, fully appreciating the achievements of her fellow actors, values the time she’s spent with these experienced artists – initially in Romania during the first season filming, and later in Ireland for this latest installment. She holds this experience dear because it was a series that demanded them to establish a familial bond while portraying unusual characters.
She notes that their careers span wide and diverse fields, making them adaptable artists. Working with them on a project blending numerous concepts has not only been advantageous but also an enriching learning experience for her.
The feeling of admiration between them is reciprocal. Zeta-Jones ponders that sometimes, young individuals who achieve great success may not be prepared to handle it, regardless of how many mentors they have to support them. Ortega, in her view, embodies the opposite and she is full of praise for her work.
(Alternatively)
Both parties admire each other. Zeta-Jones wonders if some young high achievers might not be ready for their success despite having numerous mentors. In contrast, Ortega seems to symbolize the opposite and Zeta-Jones is quite complimentary of her work.
In Zeta-Jones’ words, “There isn’t anyone more suitable or better prepared for the events she’s faced recently. She’s authentic through and through.” She also noted Ortega’s maturity and resilience as a young woman, stating, “She has her wits about her. More crucially, she remains steadfast in her strength. We discussed art, politics, and various other topics that are unrelated to ‘Wednesday.’
The two actors have previously collaborated on another production titled “The Gallerist,” a forthcoming thriller filmed in Paris, which also features Natalie Portman and is directed by Cathy Yan (“Birds of Prey”). As Zeta-Jones expresses, it was delightful to work with her outside the realm of the “Wednesday” series.
Currently, Zeta-Jones, expressing her aspiration to direct in the future, feels there’s nothing more to accomplish in this industry as she has already solidified her status with movies like “The Mask of Zorro” and “Entrapment,” paving the way for a prosperous Hollywood career. Nowadays, every role she accepts is taken for enjoyment rather than proving herself. She expresses her delight, stating, “I am relishing this period of rejuvenation, this fresh start.
Despite not always appearing serene, she admitted to experiencing significant distress. “I can vividly recall being haunted by nightmares that Friday about box office figures,” Zeta-Jones recollects. “It was truly terrifying, but now everything is a bonus, so the pressure has been lifted.
When asked what bit of knowledge she wished she knew at Ortega’s age, the actress pondered within herself. “The most significant thing I’ve learned throughout my career and life is that it’s impossible to please everyone,” expressed Zeta-Jones. “And you can’t be liked by everybody.
Luis Guzmán and Catherine-Zeta Jones, who have both had successful careers in Hollywood, are full of praise for Jenna Ortega’s talent: “She has good judgment and knows what she’s doing.” (Jennifer McCord / For The Times)
As a film enthusiast, I’d put it this way: In my experience, maintaining a long and successful career in the movie world requires humility. With such a diverse and consistent body of work as mine, it seems that I must be onto something. From “Carlito’s Way” to “Boogie Nights,” and even “Punch-Drunk Love,” I’ve had some truly unforgettable roles. And for my performance in Steven Soderbergh’s 1999 crime drama “The Limey,” I was honored with a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male.
He views Ortega as someone who remains “down-to-earth” and not influenced by her fame or stardom. Additionally, he notes that she exudes the confidence and poise of an experienced professional.
He notes that this venture might lead you to believe you’re unbeatable, and perhaps you are, but never forget your humble beginnings. Recall the journeys you undertook to reach where you stand now. My approach when I work is always striving to be included in future events, and I’ve been fortunate enough to receive numerous invitations.
As someone who’s spent my life in front of the camera since I was just nine, I can’t help but wish I’d grasped the importance of asserting my artistic autonomy earlier. In an industry that often seems intent on sidelining me, understanding how to defend and uphold my creative voice has been a critical, albeit belated, lesson.
Ortega expressed that he wished he had been more confident in his role and personally, as he often felt like he had to pretend to be someone else or wear a mask due to the tough job market and intense competition. There was so much rejection, and he didn’t always fit what they were looking for.
Currently, Ortega has increased control over the projects she takes on, and she’s decided against being constantly busy. Instead, she aspires to exert greater influence in deciding where her efforts are directed.
Ortega mentions that she was advised to change herself for others when she was young, which she believes could have been very confusing. She’s unsure of its impact on her psychology, but she has come to understand it more in recent years, wishing she had grasped the concept earlier.
Whatever self-assuredness Ortega might have been lacking, Wednesday exhibits abundantly. Yet, one wonders if she aspires that her presentation and management of her career could motivate younger viewers. Could it possibly ignite a passion for acting similar to the way watching Dakota Fanning in “Man on Fire” did for her at a young age?
Ortega shares, “I find it challenging to consider myself in that light, but Wednesday truly serves as an inspiring figure for young girls. Her determination, bravery, and self-assuredness are commendable. She doesn’t doubt her abilities and is constantly seeking knowledge. She’s a character full of curiosity.
Sharing a common trait of curiosity, both Ortega and Wednesday manage their demanding schedules exceptionally well. The actress, whose extensive knowledge of directors and significant movies from cinema history has been praised by Zeta-Jones as “remarkable,” always makes time to watch films and broaden her artistic horizons.
Ortega notes that juggling numerous stories while filming can be mentally taxing. “I read fewer books,” he admits, “but I never miss a weekend movie. Plays are easier to manage as they can be started, paused, and finished without overwhelming me. Plus, they contribute to my craft and its rich history,” he explains.
Achieving fame through hard work certainly brings its shining advantages. On the Tudum stage, Ortega joined Lady Gaga’s somber group during her performance. This season, Lady Gaga makes a special appearance in “Wednesday.
Ortega mentioned, “That was an unexpected development from the previous night.” He admitted he had little time to ponder it, but it seemed like a decision he’d regret deeply in the future if he didn’t seize the opportunity she offered.
In striving to blend impulse with planning in her future endeavors, Ortega – who isn’t particularly fond of contemplating the future – might rely more on Guzmán and Zeta-Jones for their insights into constructing a durable, rewarding career that can endure challenges and successes.
Ortega mentions, “Perhaps I need to have serious discussions with them on that topic rather than constantly joking around. You see, I tend to get overloaded quickly, so it’s best for me to tackle one day at a time before my thoughts wander too far ahead.
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2025-07-30 13:32