Jenna Ortega has become a prominent figure in Hollywood’s current fascination with horror, starring in a range of dark and thrilling projects that have captivated moviegoers. Although she did not appear in the latest installment of the Scream franchise released this month, Ortega featured in the previous two films and has since expanded her career with varied roles in macabre stories, including the eerie thriller Miller’s Girl and the dark fantasy Death of a Unicorn. Her ongoing collaboration with renowned director Tim Burton, particularly for the Beetlejuice sequel, has marked an important phase in her development as an actress.
Early Career and Breakthrough with Tim Burton
Ortega’s acting journey began in 2012, and by 2013 she had already stepped into the horror genre with Insidious: Chapter 2. Although she spent several years working on the Disney sitcom Stuck in the Middle, her career took a decisive turn in 2019 when she joined Netflix’s psychological thriller You. That same year, she appeared in The Babysitter: Killer Queen, which, despite its gore, received poor reviews. Ortega’s major breakthrough arrived in 2021 when Tim Burton cast her as the lead in the Addams Family spin-off Wednesday. Auditioning via Zoom during the Covid-19 lockdowns, she secured a role that would bring her international acclaim, with the show becoming Netflix’s most-watched and earning her Golden Globe and Emmy nominations.
Reflection on a Missed Opportunity with Dumbo
Despite her growing success, Jenna Ortega recalls a role she deeply wished to have but ultimately missed: the 2019 Disney reboot of Dumbo, directed by Tim Burton. This film, while financially profitable for Disney, received mixed critical reception and was noted for its departure from the original through its exclusion of talking animals and an updated storyline. Ortega reflected on the experience with some disappointment, recalling her youth and excitement at the chance to work with Burton early in her career.
“I remember auditioning for Dumbo. I actually auditioned for Dumbo. I was like fourteen or something like that, and I was so excited. I couldn’t believe that Tim [Burton] was making a movie; it had been a minute. I was like, ah man, this would just be an incredible opportunity. I remember Dumbo being one, that for weeks I was just gutted.”
— Jenna Ortega, Actress
Current and Upcoming Projects
Ortega continues to build on her reputation in the horror and thriller genres, recently completing work on a new film directed by JJ Abrams called Ghost Writer, also known as The Great Beyond. In this project, she stars opposite Glen Powell as a newlywed couple confronting a terrifying supernatural force. This film is expected to attract significant attention upon release, further cementing Ortega’s status as a leading actress in dark and intense storytelling.
Significance of Jenna Ortega’s Career Choices
Jenna Ortega’s career trajectory showcases her dedication to complex and unsettling roles that challenge traditional genre boundaries. Her collaborations with acclaimed directors like Tim Burton and JJ Abrams highlight her growing influence in Hollywood’s darker narratives. The regret she expressed over missing Dumbo reflects the often unexpected nature of an actor’s path, underscoring the importance of timing and opportunity. As she takes on new projects, Ortega’s work continues to shape contemporary horror and thriller cinema, promising further critical and popular success.
