Jenna Ortega’s surprising audition for ‘Dune’ and her journey in Hollywood
A missed opportunity in the sands of Arrakis
Jenna Ortega recently revealed an intriguing tidbit about her career that might surprise many fans. During a candid interview, the young actor shared that she auditioned for Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Dune when she was just 15 years old. Reflecting on the experience, Ortega expressed her excitement about meeting the acclaimed director, who she admires greatly.
“I think I auditioned for Dune when I was about 15,” Ortega mentioned. “I remember being a big fan of that film and that franchise and everything like that and being really excited for that interview because Denis [Villeneuve] is one of my favorite filmmakers.”
The role that could have been
Ortega believes she was auditioning for the role of Chani, a character ultimately portrayed by Zendaya in both Dune entries. The secrecy surrounding the project at the time left her uncertain, but she recalls the experience vividly.
“I think it was Chani. I think it was Zendaya’s. But they weren’t saying that. Everything was very secret.”
Zendaya was cast in Dune in January 2019, suggesting that Villeneuve was meeting with potential actors, including Ortega, in the months leading up to the casting announcement. The age difference between Zendaya and Ortega, with Zendaya being six years older, might have influenced the final decision.
A seasoned actor from a young age
Ortega’s audition for Dune was far from her first foray into the industry. She has been acting since childhood, a journey that has had its ups and downs. In a recent interview, Ortega reflected on her early start in Hollywood.
“There’s times I regret becoming an actor at a young age, but ultimately I wouldn’t change anything.”
Her mother played a crucial role in ensuring her safety and well-being on set, a responsibility she took very seriously.
“My mother had seen the way that other children maybe weren’t protected or weren’t as looked after. She watched over me like a hawk, so I think for her, it was more empathizing and wishing she somehow could have done something to help. She just called me saying she was so grateful that things were OK and that she was there to witness everything.”
Reuniting with Tim Burton in ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’
Ortega is currently in the spotlight promoting her latest film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, directed by Tim Burton. In this sequel to the 1988 classic, she plays Astrid, the daughter of Lydia Deetz, a character originally portrayed by Winona Ryder. This project marks a reunion for Ortega and Burton, who previously collaborated on the hit Netflix series Wednesday.
“Working with Tim again was an incredible experience. He has such a unique vision, and being part of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was a dream come true.”
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is set to hit theaters on September 6. Fans can watch the trailer here.
The evolving landscape of Hollywood
Ortega’s journey highlights the evolving landscape of Hollywood, where young actors navigate the complexities of early fame and the pressures of the industry. Her story is a testament to resilience and passion, qualities that have propelled her to success.
For those interested in exploring more about Jenna Ortega’s work, check out the trailer for Wednesday and dive into the world of this talented young actor.
Final thoughts
Jenna Ortega’s career is a fascinating blend of early challenges and remarkable achievements. Her near-miss with Dune and her ongoing collaborations with visionary directors like Tim Burton showcase her versatility and dedication. As she continues to make her mark in Hollywood, fans can look forward to more captivating performances and intriguing projects from this rising star.