From the halls of the Disney Channel to the dark,
supernatural corridors of Nevermore Academy, Jenna Ortega’s ascent has been
anything but ordinary. As a sarcastic psychic navigating high school, Ortega’s performance enchanted
millions, earning her prestigious nominations and proving she is far more than
just a scream queen; she is an icon in her own right. Ortega’s commitment to the character of Wednesday Addams went far beyond her on-screen performance; quite literally so as per the creators.
This rise to stardom and creative influence did not go
unnoticed by those behind the camera. Jenna Ortega’s expanded role in Season 2 is a direct result of her invaluable insights making the series as dark, witty, and true to the Addams Family legacy as possible.
Wednesday creators reveal Jenna Ortega’s chokehold on the Netflix hit
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The show creator and producer from Wednesday
discussed Jenna Ortega’s influence on the show in a recent interview with Josh
Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. Alfred Gough praised her active
participation, noting how she went from being an actress to a true
collaborator. According to the producer, she sits in on production meetings and offers her input on various aspects of the series, a level of involvement rarely seen for a lead actor. She is now a creative force with a
comprehensive view, as she has a “360 view” of things. His remarks
highlighted her growing creative impact on the series, speaking directly to
fans and industry observers about her newfound power behind the scenes.
Jenna Ortega’s role in Season 2 extends far beyond simply
acting. This expanded role reflects her strong, interesting choices and contributions, from her now-iconic walk to the signature no-blink stare, which have reshaped the character. Her creative partnership with the creators is a direct result of her proven ability to not only embody Wednesday but to actively define her.
This deep creative investment and newfound influence on set
stand in stark contrast to the personal upheaval she experienced following the
show’s unexpected global success.
How did Jenna Ortega deal with the Wednesday world takeover
Jenna Ortega has expressed that the surge in fame following Wednesday
was a significant and overwhelming experience for her. She admitted in an
interview with the BBC that she was not prepared for the level of attention the
show brought and does not believe anyone truly can be. Despite the intense
change, she maintained that she is still grateful for the success, a sentiment
shared by the cast, who were unsure if the show would even be watched.
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To help cope with the life-altering effects of her newfound
stardom, Jenna Ortega has sought guidance from others who have experienced
similar trajectories. She had formed friendships with fellow former child
stars, including her Beetlejuice co-star Winona Ryder. By befriending
people who can relate to the bizarre experience of fame, Ortega is seeking
valuable insight and support to navigate the major life changes it has
triggered. With part one of season two already making fans go crazy, the second part is soon to give a conclusion.
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What do you think, how far was the character justified by Jenna Ortega? Let us know in the comments below.