Quick read
- Jenna Ortega opened up about feeling ‘patronized’ while portraying Wednesday Addams due to her schoolgirl costume and youthful appearance.
- The actor admitted the pressures of fame after the show’s success left her feeling ‘unhappy’ and struggling to adjust.
- Ortega highlighted the double standards in Hollywood’s treatment of female actors transitioning from teen to adult roles.
- As a producer for Season 2, Ortega is taking an active role in shaping the show’s creative direction.
- Season 2 of ‘Wednesday’ premieres on Netflix in two parts, beginning August 6, 2025.
Why Jenna Ortega Felt Patronized on ‘Wednesday’
Jenna Ortega, the breakout star of Netflix’s Wednesday, has opened up about feeling patronized during her time on the show. In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she explained how her schoolgirl costume and youthful appearance contributed to a perception that she wasn’t being taken seriously. “It’s always been really annoying because you just don’t feel like you’re being taken seriously,” Ortega said. She added that being short only compounded this issue, as people would physically look down on her.
The actor, now 22, plays the titular Wednesday Addams, a gothic and sharp-witted teenager attending a fictional boarding school. Despite her age, Ortega feels that the costume and setting lock her into a perception of being much younger. According to Farout Magazine, this frustration ties into broader stereotypes that female actors face in Hollywood, particularly when transitioning from teenage to adult roles.
The Psychological Toll of Fame
Ortega also shared the emotional challenges she faced following the massive success of Wednesday. The show quickly became Netflix’s most-watched title in a single week upon its release in December 2022, only to break its own record the following week. However, the accompanying fame brought immense pressure. “To be quite frank, after the show and trying to figure everything out, I was an unhappy person,” Ortega admitted in her interview with Harper’s Bazaar. She described the attention as “intense and scary,” especially as someone who identifies as introverted.
The transition from a relatively private life to global stardom was jarring for Ortega. As reported by Hindustan Times, she previously noted how fame can feel like losing control of one’s identity. “Now I just feel like I’m floating and… I’m up for interpretation,” she said.
Hollywood’s Double Standards for Female Actors
Ortega’s experiences also highlight the double standards that female actors often face in Hollywood. She pointed out how women are criticized for evolving beyond the roles that first made them famous. “If girls don’t stay as this perfect image of how they were first introduced to you, then it’s ‘Ah, something’s wrong. She’s changed. She sold her soul,’” Ortega remarked. This contrasts sharply with the leniency often afforded to male actors as they grow and experiment in their careers.
According to Hola, Ortega’s comments resonate with the struggles of other former child stars, such as Natalie Portman, who have faced similar challenges. Portman once noted that her petite stature often led people to treat her like a child, long after she had transitioned into adult roles. Ortega echoed these sentiments, describing how such perceptions can be both limiting and frustrating.
Jenna Ortega’s Role in Season 2
Despite the challenges, Ortega is taking an active role in shaping the future of Wednesday. As a producer for the show’s second season, she’s stepping into a leadership position behind the scenes. “I sit in on meetings and listen and learn. I’m still finding my footing in that area,” she said in her Harper’s Bazaar interview.
Season 2 promises to expand the world of the Addams Family, with new characters and storylines. According to Just Jared, notable additions to the cast include Joanna Lumley as Morticia’s mother, Hester Frump, and Lady Gaga in a yet-to-be-revealed role. The upcoming season will be released in two parts, with Part 1 premiering on August 6, 2025, and Part 2 following on September 3.
Ortega expressed excitement about returning to the role, calling Wednesday Addams “one of the coolest characters of all time.” She added that revisiting the character allows her to explore new facets of the iconic personality, blending intelligence, wit, and dark humor.
As Jenna Ortega navigates the complexities of fame, her candid reflections offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by young actors. With her growing influence both on and off-screen, she continues to redefine what it means to transition from a child star to a multifaceted artist.