Jenna Ortega’s Stunning Metamorphosis Will Leave You Speechless

Ortega’s success extended beyond Disney; she made significant strides in the streaming world, taking on key roles in Netflix series and films since 2020. Her projects have ranged across various genres, reaching a broader audience. Notably, she voiced Brooklynn in “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous” and played Jennifer Garner’s daughter in “Yes Day.” Collaborating with seasoned actors like Garner provided Ortega with valuable insights into the industry, as she recounted stories of Garner’s experiences growing up in Hollywood, humorously noting, “She kind of had a plan for my future.”

Exploring a new territory, Ortega starred in the horror sequel “The Babysitter: Killer Queen.” Despite this mark in her career, she faced challenges adjusting to a tight-knit cast and found it awkward to scream at her new co-stars on set. “I didn’t know these people, and I just had to scream in their face,” she chuckled during an interview with Cosmopolitan. Nevertheless, any initial discomfort didn’t deter her from exploring darker roles in future films.

Jenna took on several noteworthy spooky roles, starting with “The Babysitter: Killer Queen,” which marked her entry into horror films. However, her debut in the genre began years prior with a minor role in “Insidious: Chapter 2.” Despite showcasing talent, she initially struggled with her affinity for horror. “As a kid, I was a scaredy cat,” she revealed in an interview with Cosmopolitan, admitting that she only watched the films she starred in much later in her life.

Her ventures weren’t limited to only horror; she also appeared in the second season of the Netflix thriller “You,” portraying Ellie. Fans are eagerly anticipating her return in the final season. Despite her prowess in horror, Ortega shared a childhood fear of the Chucky doll, humorously recounting how she hid away scared after watching “Child’s Play” on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

Jenna Ortega is not only renowned for her roles in horror but has also showcased her dramatic talent in films like the critically acclaimed “The Fallout.” In this 2022 film, she depicted a student grappling with the aftermath of a school shooting. The director sought an authentic voice from Generation Z for this poignant role, and Ortega was an ideal match. “I wanted someone honest, brave, and smart,” director Megan Park expressed to InStyle.

Ortega drew from her own experiences of being in a lockdown drill at school that turned out to be a real emergency, allowing her to authentically capture the intense emotions of her character. “It’s chilling when the unexpected becomes real,” she noted in her interview with Deadline. “No one truly understands until they encounter it themselves.”

Earlier in her career, she displayed her dramatic abilities in films such as “Saving Flora,” indicating her versatility as an actress.

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The daughter of a circus owner is on a mission to rescue the star elephant of her show. “It’s crucial for me to share stories that are significant or that create a meaningful impact,” she previously mentioned to InStyle.

Emerging as a Horror Film Icon

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In 2022, Jenna Ortega truly made her mark in the horror genre, starring in the latest “Scream” films, alongside Melissa Barrera, who played her sister. Her impressive performances in “Scream” and its sequel, “Scream VI,” solidified her reputation as a prominent figure in the franchise, placing her in the same league as legends like Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox.

Ortega took her role seriously, investing time into her character’s background. “I had to develop a personality for her,” she explained about her process in “Scream VI” to Elle. She contemplated aspects such as her wardrobe, favorite color, and style of humor while preparing.

Although Ortega had to bow out of “Scream VII” due to scheduling conflicts, coinciding with Barrera’s exit from the film, she continued her journey in the horror realm. She acted alongside the Foo Fighters in the comedic horror film “Studio 666” and featured in the acclaimed thriller “X,” where she faced new challenges as an actress. “You understood the intention behind each scene from Ti West, which made the experience more fulfilling,” she shared with Complex.

Stardom Achieved through Wednesday

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Taking a significant step in her career, Jenna Ortega landed the role of Wednesday Addams in Tim Burton’s Netflix show “Wednesday,” which premiered in 2022 and quickly became a sensation. This opportunity felt especially meaningful as she acted alongside Christina Ricci, who portrayed the character in the original movies. Ortega expressed her admiration for Ricci, saying, “Being compared to Wednesday was an incredible honor,” during their chat for Interview.

Despite becoming an executive producer for the series’ second season, Ortega admitted to occasionally overstepping as an actor, tweaking scripts on set without prior approval. She acknowledged her primary role as an actress, asserting that being heavily involved was sensible since her character is pivotal throughout the series: “I understand I’m not the director… but when you’re in every scene, it makes sense to be engaged behind the scenes,” she told Vanity Fair.

Continuing the Legacy in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

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Jenna Ortega collaborated once again with Tim Burton in the sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” released in 2024. She played the daughter of Winona Ryder’s character, navigating chaotic events caused by the beloved title character. Surprisingly, Ortega had feared this iconic character when she was younger, but learned to embrace that fear as a form of excitement. “As I grew older, I realized that excitement and fear often feel similar,” she shared with Hoda Kotb on Today.

With legends like Michael Keaton and Willem Dafoe in the mix, Ortega felt the weight of the sequel’s expectations, but also found inspiration working alongside such seasoned actors.

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Jenna Ortega Finds Connection with Winona Ryder

Jenna Ortega has cultivated a close bond with Winona Ryder, both as colleagues and friends. On set, their conversations flowed effortlessly, often resulting in hours of continuous dialogue. “We could be found in the same spot for four hours,” she expressed in an interview with Fandango. “Her presence is just amazing.”

Diving into Serious Roles and Production

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While known for her roles in horror films, Jenna Ortega has explored more serious themes, taking on the lead in the 2024 drama “Miller’s Girl,” where she played a student involved with a much older teacher, portrayed by Martin Freeman. Despite mixed reviews, including critiques of a contentious scene, Ortega believed it was important for films to provoke thought. “Art can be uncomfortable, but it’s part of our human experience,” she shared with Vanity Fair.

Ortega also stepped into a producing role with “Winter Spring Summer or Fall,” where she collaborated again with her “Wednesday” co-star, Percy Hynes White. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, she mentioned, “A project flourishes when many voices and ideas are involved,” during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

Advocating for Meaningful Causes

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Beyond her acting career, Jenna Ortega is a passionate advocate for various social issues. Since her early career, she has actively supported women’s rights, notably expressing her views on the red carpet at the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards. “Our skin color does not limit our abilities,” she stated in an interview with Forbes. “It’s crucial for young girls to see this and embrace their uniqueness.”

Ortega has also voiced her support for movements like Artists4Ceasefire amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. She encourages everyone to take a stand, asserting, “Everyone should speak up. No matter your follower count or background, every opinion matters,” she reiterated to Forbes.

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