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Jenna Ortega’s surprising advice from her cello instructor
Embracing confidence: A lesson from ‘Wednesday’
In a recent video interview, Jenna Ortega shared a piece of advice that has profoundly impacted her approach to new challenges. This wisdom came from an unexpected source: her cello instructor on the set of the hit series Wednesday. Ortega, who had to learn to play the cello for her role, was grappling with self-doubt and insecurities. Her instructor’s advice was simple yet powerful: “Think like the average white man.”
The power of confidence
Ortega explained, “The show that I do right now I have to play the cello, and I don’t play the cello. I want it to look real so that cellists don’t look at it and call me mean names. My teacher told me that as long as I look confident in my movements and I was strong and stoic and, you know, fully embodied the character that it would be fine. She told me that I just needed to approach everything I do in life with the confidence of the average white man. That changed my life. That made me feel better.”
This advice resonated deeply with Ortega, helping her to overcome her nerves and embrace her role with newfound confidence. She even applied this mindset to the interview itself, saying, “I was nervous even to do this [interview] because I ramble like crazy. Like what am I going to talk about this whole time? Then I just remembered: How would an average white man do this? And he probably would’ve shown up with mismatched socks.”
A new direction for ‘Wednesday’
Ortega is currently back in production for the second season of Wednesday, which is expected to return to Netflix in 2025. Reflecting on the upcoming season, Ortega revealed that the show would be taking a darker turn. “We’ve decided we want to lean into the horror aspect of the show a little bit more,” she said. “Because it is so lighthearted, and a show like this with vampires and werewolves and superpowers, you don’t want to take yourself too seriously.”
This shift in focus means that the romantic storylines from the first season will be taking a backseat. Ortega expressed her relief at this change, noting that the love triangle involving her character, Wednesday, Tyler Galpin (Hunter Doohan), and Xavier Thorpe (Percy Hynes White) “made no sense” for her character.
Bigger and bolder: What to expect in season 2
Ortega also hinted at what fans can expect from the new season during an interview on the Emmys red carpet. “Everything’s bigger in Wednesday Season 2,” she said. “It’s a lot more action-packed. Each episode will probably feel a little bit more like a movie, which is nice.”
This promise of more action and a cinematic feel is sure to excite fans who have been eagerly awaiting the return of the show. The decision to focus more on the horror elements and less on romance suggests a more intense and thrilling viewing experience.
Personal reflections: The impact of ‘Wednesday’
As a fan of both cinema and TV series, it’s fascinating to see how a show like Wednesday evolves over time. The decision to lean into the horror aspects while dialing back on romance is a bold move that could redefine the series. It’s a reminder of how dynamic storytelling can be, constantly shifting to keep audiences engaged and entertained.
Ortega’s journey with the cello and her instructor’s advice is a testament to the power of confidence and the importance of fully embodying a character. It’s a lesson that extends beyond acting, applicable to any challenge we face in life. By approaching tasks with confidence and a strong sense of self, we can overcome our insecurities and achieve our goals.
Final thoughts
Jenna Ortega’s experience on Wednesday offers valuable insights into the world of acting and the importance of confidence. Her instructor’s advice to “think like the average white man” is a powerful reminder that sometimes, all we need is a shift in perspective to unlock our full potential. As we look forward to the new season of Wednesday, it’s clear that Ortega’s journey is one of growth, resilience, and unwavering confidence.
