Jenna Ortega, though widely recognized as an A-list star, is well-known for her role in one of Netflix’s standout thriller series, You. Though she initially gained fame portraying Haley Diaz in the Disney Channel show Stuck in the Middle, Ortega quickly transitioned from her early “Disney kid” reputation to become a significant figure within the horror and thriller genres. Her compelling performances have solidified her place, especially in the dramatic and suspenseful narratives she chooses to embrace.
Ortega’s impact intensified in 2022 when she delivered memorable performances in four films, notably including horror titles like Scream 6 and X. On television, she collaborated with Tim Burton for Wednesday, a Netflix hit that explores the dark and quirky life of the iconic Addams Family character, Wednesday Addams. Before this, Ortega had appeared in You season 2, a pivotal role in a thrilling narrative centered around the dangerous Joe Goldberg.
Why You Remains Netflix’s Premier Thriller
You, a psychological thriller featuring Joe Goldberg (played by Penn Badgley) as its central figure, has become one of Netflix’s most compelling original shows. The story unfolds over five seasons, chronicling Joe’s alarming transition from seemingly affable suitor to ruthless stalker and killer. The series is set apart by its clever use of Joe’s first-person narration, pulling viewers into the mind of a character who navigates the complexities of charm and menace.
Joe initially appears as an ideal partner—warm, attentive, and respectful, a modern interpretation of Prince Charming. Yet beneath this facade lies a darker side; Joe is a predator who pursues romantic interests obsessively and violently eliminates anyone who obstructs his desires. The disturbing contrast between his outward charisma and his brutal behavior provokes a tense, conflicted response from the audience, contributing to the show’s gripping nature.
The thriller stays fresh by relocating Joe to different cities across seasons, where he adopts new identities such as a quiet bookseller, a devoted father, a professor, and a philanthropist. His ability to mask his malevolent tendencies in plain sight relies heavily on social stereotypes and his perceived niceness, which allows the show to explore society’s complicity in enabling such behavior.
The Role Jenna Ortega Played Within You’s Storyline
In its second season, You introduces a new set of characters as Joe moves into an apartment complex in Los Angeles. Jenna Ortega portrays Ellie Alves, a scrappy 15-year-old with filmmaking aspirations who lives with her older sister, Delilah. Ellie’s dynamic with Joe is distinctive, characterized by a casual, teasing friendship where she often pokes fun at Joe’s lack of understanding about social media and modern culture.
Joe, in turn, sees himself as a protective older brother figure toward Ellie, much like his relationship with Paco from season one. This guardianship reaches a dark turning point when Joe kills Henderson, the comedian Ellie interns for, after Henderson attempts to drug and sexually assault her. Joe’s willingness to intervene violently for Ellie highlights the morally complex relationships that thread through the series.
However, Joe’s protection has limits. Delilah becomes suspicious of Joe and is ultimately imprisoned in Joe’s notorious cage. Although Joe refrains from killing Delilah, his partner Love does not hesitate to fatally wound her. Joe’s conflicted feelings about this event underline his self-centered survival instincts, as he neither seeks justice for Delilah nor exposes himself to danger by involving authorities.
The Innocent Figures Across Each Season of You
Each season of You introduces an “innocent” character connected closely to Joe, who often serves as a symbol of vulnerability and potential redemption. Below is a breakdown of these figures:
- Season 1: Paco – Joe’s young neighbor who navigates the dangers in Joe’s orbit.
- Season 2: Ellie Alves – Joe’s teenage neighbor and aspiring filmmaker.
- Season 3: Theo Engler – Joe’s college-aged neighbor in a new city.
- Season 4: Nadia Farran – An English student mentored by Joe until she uncovers his true nature.
- Season 5: Henry Goldberg – Joe’s young son, representing a new familial complication.
Ellie’s relationship with Joe epitomizes the delicate balance of trust and danger that Joe cultivates. Despite Joe’s efforts to protect Ellie, the trauma she endures from Joe’s violent actions reshapes her view of him, culminating in a strong rejection as she tells him to “burn in hell.”
The Reasons Jenna Ortega’s Character Did Not Return to You
Ellie Alves gained a strong following among viewers, largely due to Jenna Ortega’s gripping portrayal. The showrunners, Michael Foley and Justin W. Lo, were eager to bring Ortega back for the series’ final season, seeing her character as a potential key to the unfolding story involving internet sleuths determined to expose Joe’s crimes. However, Ortega’s commitment to Wednesday prevented her participation, even for a brief cameo among other returning characters who confront Joe.
Despite this absence, the idea of Ellie as a protagonist for a You spinoff remains compelling. Given the trauma Ellie has faced, she could emerge as a complex figure seeking justice against the culture that allows predators like Joe Goldberg to operate unchecked. A narrative told through Ellie’s lens, possibly adopting a similar voiceover style to Joe’s, could explore themes of retribution and survival, fitting well with Ortega’s strengths and perhaps even surpassing the original series in impact.
Notable Cast Members of You
The series You is anchored by a diverse and talented cast. Penn Badgley plays Joe Goldberg, the deeply troubled lead whose charm masks his violent tendencies. Elizabeth Lail also stars as Guinevere Beck, one of Joe’s early romantic interests whose story sets the dark tone for the series.
