Jenna Ortega, the breakout star of Netflix’s Wednesday, has recently opened up about the controversy surrounding her comments on the show’s script. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, the young actress expressed regret over the way her words were interpreted, admitting she could have communicated her thoughts more effectively.
Jenna Ortega Reflects on Controversial Comments About Her Role in Wednesday
Jenna Ortega in Wednesday. Image Credit: Netflix
Jenna Ortega recently told Vanity Fair, “I probably could have used my words better in describing all of that. I think, oftentimes, I’m such a rambler. I think it was hard because I felt like had I represented the situation better, it probably would’ve been received better.”
This comment referred to her appearance on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, where she openly discussed her need to “put my foot down on set” to change lines she felt did not fit her character. Her remarks on the podcast drew significant backlash, highlighting the tension between actors and writers.
During the podcast, Ortega shared an incident involving a line about a dress Wednesday had to wear for a school dance, stating, “Oh my God, I love it! Ugh, I can’t believe I said that. I literally hate myself.” Ortega felt strongly that her character would never express such sentiments, leading her to change the line. This act of altering the script led to some confusion on set, with the script supervisor believing she was improvising and writers needing explanations for the changes.
Jenna Ortega Spoke On Protecting Her Character
Jenna Ortega in Wednesday. Image Credit: Netflix
Ortega emphasized that her decisions came from a deep sense of protection for her character. She remarked to Vanity Fair that her protective nature also mirrored her growing independence on set. Reflecting on the traditional expectations for women in the industry, she commented, “Women have to be princesses. They have to be elegant and classy and so kind and…then when they’re outspoken, they can’t be tamed and they’re a mess.”
The backlash from her comments on Armchair Expert was profound, as media outlets amplified her words, creating what Ortega described as an almost dystopian scenario. She felt like a caricature of herself, her remarks becoming a focal point for striking writers last year. Despite the controversy, she secured a producer credit for the second season of Wednesday.
In her new role as a producer, Ortega is actively involved in the show’s development, offering notes and creative input. Tim Burton, the executive producer and director, praised her direct and no-nonsense approach, stating, “She’s very direct. She’s very no-nonsense, and I find that very refreshing and beautiful and artistic.” He even suggested that Ortega could direct the series if she chose to, acknowledging her keen awareness and insight from day one.
The second season of Wednesday began filming in early May in Dublin, with new cast members including Steve Buscemi, Thandiwe Newton, Christopher Lloyd, and Billie Piper. Returning cast members such as Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Isaac Ordonez, and Emma Myers will continue their roles, with Fred Armisen reprising his role as Uncle Fester in a guest appearance.
Ortega and Burton are also preparing for the release of the highly anticipated Beetlejuice sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, scheduled to hit theaters on September 6. This new project promises to bring the same level of excitement and creativity that fans have come to expect from their collaborations.
