Jenna Ortega is addressing the stereotypes she has encountered in Hollywood throughout her journey as a child star, particularly in relation to her role as a “schoolgirl” in the hit series “Wednesday.” In a recent profile with Harper’s Bazaar, Ortega expressed her appreciation for forming connections with other former child actors like Winona Ryder, Natasha Lyonne, and Natalie Portman. She resonated with Portman’s remarks about being treated as a child due to her petite stature, stating, “It’s always been really annoying because you just don’t feel like you’re being taken seriously.”
Ortega reflected on her past experiences in the industry, sharing that although she has always been drawn to darker themes, her early career, influenced by her time at Disney, emphasized a more wholesome and cheerful persona. “Now, at 22, as I continue to navigate this complex portrayal of a character like Wednesday Addams, I find myself grappling with the label of a ‘schoolgirl’ while also stepping into my identity as a young woman.”
She acknowledged the complexity of her character Wednesday, noting that even as an “outcast,” she has become a pop culture icon, a trajectory Ortega had not anticipated for herself. To avoid being typecast in the horror genre, she is actively seeking a balance in her career by pursuing projects that challenge her creatively, indicating her desire for “roles that are older and bolder and different.”
In addition to her on-screen work, Ortega is stepping into a producer role for the upcoming season of “Wednesday.” She is also eager to expand her artistic endeavors, expressing a long-held ambition to direct a script that she has been committed to for nearly a decade.
This reflection from Ortega highlights an important dialogue about the challenges faced by young actors in Hollywood, particularly regarding the stereotypes that can persist into adulthood. Her determination to break these molds and expand her craft is encouraging, signaling a bright future for her in the entertainment industry.