When young stars rise to fame, their words often carry weight they might not anticipate. Jenna Ortega, the talented actress bringing Wednesday Addams to life in Netflix’s hit series Wednesday, recently found herself in the spotlight—not just for her performance, but for candid comments she made about her character. Now, the show’s creators are offering their perspective, shedding light on the complexities of creative collaboration in the entertainment industry.
Jenna Ortega’s Honest Reflections
Earlier this year, Jenna Ortega appeared on the “Armchair Expert” podcast with hosts Dax Shepard and Monica Padman. During the conversation, she openly shared her frustrations regarding certain aspects of her character’s portrayal.
“Everything she does, everything I had to play, did not make sense for her character at all,” Ortega expressed. She questioned storylines like a romantic love triangle involving Wednesday, feeling it strayed from the character’s essence. She also mentioned a scene where Wednesday gushes over a dress for a school dance, saying, “Oh my God, I love it! I can’t believe I said that. I literally hate myself.” Ortega felt this was out of character and took it upon herself to discuss these concerns with the writers.
Her willingness to voice her opinions sparked a mix of reactions. Some applauded her commitment to authenticity, while others criticized her for overstepping, especially during a time when the industry was grappling with a writers’ strike.
Creators Show Understanding and Support
Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, the creative duo behind Wednesday, recently addressed Jenna’s comments in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Rather than expressing frustration, they displayed empathy and understanding.
“It’s tough,” Gough acknowledged. “We’ve worked on shows like Smallville, which was a massive success from the start. Suddenly, these young stars are thrust into the spotlight. They’re going to make missteps. They’re going to say things. I think it’s important to be forgiving and recognize that it’s part of their journey. It’s never pleasant, but it’s part of the job.”
Millar added his thoughts, emphasizing their positive relationship with Jenna. “We love working with Jenna on the show,” he said. “It’s always an incredibly collaborative and joyful experience. We couldn’t be prouder of her work, and we’ve welcomed her as a producer on the show this season. She’s one of the most hardworking and talented young actresses in the business, and we’re very fortunate and proud to have her onboard.”
Jenna Ortega Reflects and Clarifies
Realizing the stir her comments had caused, Jenna Ortega revisited the topic in an interview with Vanity Fair for their September issue. She expressed a desire to have articulated her thoughts differently.
“I’m aware of my position as an actor,” she said. “I know I’m not in control of everything… But with a character like Wednesday, who is in every scene, it makes sense for her to be involved in what’s happening behind the scenes because she’s on screen every second. I felt more like a producer. Everything I said felt so amplified… It almost felt dystopian, like I was a caricature of myself. I think I could have… I probably could have used better words to describe it all.”
Jenna continued, “I think it was hard because I felt like if I had represented the situation better, they might have been better received.”
Looking Ahead to Season Two
Despite the controversy, production for the second season of Wednesday is in full swing in Ireland, with filming expected to conclude by October or November. Fans can likely look forward to the new season by the end of 2025.
The anticipation is building. With Jenna Ortega not only returning as the iconic Wednesday Addams but also stepping into a producer role, there’s excitement about the fresh creative directions the show might take. Her deeper involvement hints at a season that stays true to the character’s roots while exploring new dimensions.
As someone who has been captivated by the eerie charm of Wednesday Addams since childhood, I, for one, am eager to see how the next chapter unfolds. It’s clear that both the creators and Jenna are passionate about delivering a show that resonates with audiences while staying authentic to the beloved character.