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Jenna Ortega reflects on ‘Wednesday’ controversy: A deeper dive into character integrity
A candid reflection
In a recent interview, Jenna Ortega opened up about the controversial comments she made earlier this year regarding her role in Netflix’s hit series, Wednesday. Ortega admitted, “I probably could have used my words better in describing all of that. I think, oftentimes, I’m such a rambler. I think it was hard because I felt like had I represented the situation better, it probably would’ve been received better.”
The podcast revelation
Back in March 2023, during an episode of the Armchair Expert podcast, Ortega expressed her frustrations with the original scripts of Wednesday. She felt that many of the lines and scenarios did not align with her character’s essence. “I don’t think I’ve ever had to put my foot down more on a set in a way that I had to on Wednesday,” she said. “Everything that Wednesday does, everything I had to play, did not make sense for her character at all. Her being in a love triangle? It made no sense.”
The backlash
Ortega’s candidness did not sit well with everyone. Her comments drew significant backlash from the film and TV writing community, especially as writers were gearing up for a strike. Many writers took to social media to criticize Ortega, labeling her as “toxic” and “beyond entitled.” Some even carried signs on the picket lines with slogans like, “Without writers, Jenna Ortega will have nothing to punch up!”
A lesson learned
Reflecting on the fallout, Ortega shared, “Everything that I said felt so magnified … It felt almost dystopian to me. I felt like a caricature of myself.” She acknowledged that the experience taught her a valuable lesson: “You’re never going to please everybody, and as someone who naturally was a people pleaser, that was really hard for me to understand. Some people just may not like you … and that’s entirely fine.”
The media’s role
Ortega also touched on the media’s role in amplifying her comments. “My face was everywhere … so it’s like, fair enough, if I were opening my phone and I saw the same girl with some stupid quote or something, I would be over it too.” This self-awareness highlights the pressures young actors face in the age of social media and 24/7 news cycles.
Women in Hollywood
The interview also delved into the broader context of women’s roles in Hollywood. Despite the #MeToo movement empowering women to advocate for themselves, Ortega noted that many still face backlash for being outspoken. “I feel like we definitely need to practice what we preach a little bit more … Women have to be princesses. They have to be elegant and classy and so kind and … then when they’re outspoken, they can’t be tamed and they’re a mess.”
A new role as producer
Looking ahead, Ortega is taking on a new role as a producer for the upcoming second season of Wednesday. This move allows her to have more creative input and ensure that the character stays true to her vision. Executive producer and director Tim Burton praised Ortega, saying, “She’s very direct. She’s very no-nonsense, and I find that very refreshing and beautiful and artistic.” He even suggested that Ortega “could direct [the series] if she wanted to,” adding, “I saw, from day one, she’s very aware. She’s more aware, sometimes, than I am.”
Anticipation for season 2
Fans eagerly await the second season of Wednesday, expected to arrive on Netflix in 2025. With Ortega’s increased involvement behind the scenes, there’s a palpable sense of excitement about how the series will evolve. Will her hands-on approach bring a new depth to the character and the storyline? Only time will tell.
Final thoughts
Jenna Ortega’s journey with Wednesday offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of character development and the challenges actors face in staying true to their roles. Her willingness to speak out, despite the backlash, underscores the importance of creative integrity in the entertainment industry. As she steps into her new role as a producer, Ortega is poised to make an even more significant impact on the series and beyond.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the magic of Wednesday, you can catch a glimpse of the series by watching the trailer.
