Jenna Ortega sparked quite a conversation earlier this year when she opened up about her frustrations with certain creative choices in Wednesday during an appearance on the podcast Armchair Expert. Speaking candidly with hosts Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, the young actress expressed her belief that some of the character’s actions and dialogue didn’t feel true to the iconic, deadpan nature of Wednesday Addams. Her comments caused a stir, especially amid the backdrop of the writers’ strike, drawing both support and criticism.
Jenna Ortega’s Candid Critique
On Armchair Expert, Ortega didn’t hold back as she discussed her dissatisfaction with some of the decisions made for her character. “Everything she was doing, everything I had to play, just didn’t align with who Wednesday is,” she remarked. One moment that stood out for Ortega was a storyline involving a love triangle, which she felt made no sense for her character. She also highlighted a line where Wednesday was supposed to gush over a dress, saying, “Oh my god, I love it! I can’t believe I just said that, I hate myself.” Ortega found this completely out of character, insisting that Wednesday would never react in such a way.
The actress further explained that she had to push back against some of these choices, sharing her thoughts with the writers about what didn’t feel right. Her comments didn’t go unnoticed, and amid the ongoing writers’ strike, some saw her remarks as poorly timed, leading to backlash.
Understanding Reactions from the Show’s Creators
Addressing Ortega’s remarks in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Wednesday creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar took a measured stance. They acknowledged that young actors often face intense scrutiny and sometimes speak out in ways that attract unwanted attention.
“It’s tough,” Gough admitted. “We’ve been through this before with shows like Smallville, which became a hit right away. Suddenly, these young stars are thrust into the spotlight. They’re going to make mistakes. They’re going to say things. I think we need to be understanding and realize that it happens. It’s never pleasant, but it’s part of the business. At this point, the internet is going to do what it does. The best thing is not to give oxygen to these situations.”
Millar was quick to add that despite the controversy, their relationship with Ortega has remained strong, praising her work ethic and dedication to the series. “We love working with Jenna,” he said. “This year, she’s even taken on a producer role for the show. It’s always a wonderfully collaborative and joyful experience with her. She’s one of the hardest-working and most talented young actresses in the industry, and we couldn’t be more proud to have her as part of our team.”
Jenna Ortega Reflects on Her Own Words
In a later interview with Vanity Fair for the magazine’s September issue, Ortega revisited the topic, acknowledging that her comments may have been more impactful than she initially realized. She admitted she could have chosen her words more carefully.
“I’m aware of my role as an actress. I know I’m not in charge of everything… But with someone like Wednesday, who’s in every scene, it makes sense for that person to be involved in what goes on behind the scenes too,” Ortega explained. She shared how the situation felt amplified, almost dystopian, as if she was a caricature of herself in the public eye. “I probably could have expressed myself better. I felt like if I had represented the situation more accurately, the comments might have been received differently.”
Looking Ahead to Season 2
Despite the controversy, production on Wednesday Season 2 is moving forward in Ireland, with filming expected to wrap up around October or November. The show’s return is likely slated for late 2025, and fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next for the Addams family’s most beloved daughter.
With Ortega now taking on a producer role, the upcoming season may see an even deeper exploration of Wednesday’s dark yet witty nature. As audiences await the next chapter, the drama both on-screen and behind the scenes has only added to the intrigue surrounding the series.