Jenna Ortega’s Rise to Stardom: How ‘Wednesday’ and Horror Films Made Her a Cultural Phenomenon

Jenna Ortega is one of the most exciting young actresses of her generation, and her recent work has only cemented her status as a rising star in Hollywood. From her roles in hit horror films like Scream to her groundbreaking performance as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s smash hit Wednesday, Ortega has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. Recently, she appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to discuss her burgeoning career, the viral dance craze from Wednesday, and her love for horror movies.

From Horror Sets to Streaming Success

At just 20 years old, Jenna Ortega has already made an indelible mark in the entertainment industry. Known for her versatility and depth, she has embraced a variety of roles that show off her talent and range. One genre she particularly loves is horror. As she revealed to Jimmy Fallon, her affinity for horror movies goes beyond mere acting; it’s a passion that makes working on films like Scream deeply rewarding.

Ortega spoke about her experience working on the Scream franchise, now making its second appearance. The recent Scream film trailer went viral almost instantly, garnering over 3 million views on its first day. For Ortega, being part of the Scream universe isn’t just about scares and thrills—it’s a close-knit community of cast and crew who love the genre as much as the fans do. She described the set as a family where everyone can laugh even during the scariest scenes, sometimes breaking takes because of their camaraderie.

Her genuine enthusiasm for the genre is contagious. She explained that while some might find running around screaming bloody murder on camera stressful, she finds it therapeutic and fun. This authentic passion for her work makes her performances all the more compelling.

The Breakthrough: Netflix’s Wednesday

While Ortega’s horror credentials are impressive, it is her role as Wednesday Addams that has truly launched her into the spotlight on a global scale. Netflix’s Wednesday became the second-most watched series in the platform’s history and is one of only three shows ever streamed over a billion times. This phenomenal success has brought Ortega into millions of homes worldwide and cemented her place as a household name.

Jimmy Fallon praised her performance as both stunning and magnetic, pointing out how she commands attention on screen. Ortega’s portrayal of Wednesday Addams was both darkly comedic and emotionally nuanced, a combination that captivated audiences and critics alike.

The Viral Dance That Took Over TikTok

One of the most talked-about moments from Wednesday was the now-iconic dance scene that Ortega performed. The dance quickly became a viral sensation, dominating TikTok and social media platforms everywhere. Jenna Ortega shared some behind-the-scenes insights into how that dance came to be.

Contrary to what many might expect, Ortega didn’t have a choreographer and initially refused one. She wanted to create a dance that was authentic to Wednesday’s character — something that wouldn’t involve a flashy flash mob but instead reflected Wednesday’s unique, solitary vibe. Tim Burton, the show’s director, trusted her to choreograph it herself, despite her confessing to not being a trained dancer.

In fact, she admitted to not having rehearsed much and juggling multiple responsibilities on set, including cello and fencing lessons. Despite these challenges, she threw herself into the task, pulling inspiration from a variety of sources such as goth club footage from the ’80s, artists like Siouxsie and the Banshees, Lene Lovich, and Nina Hagen. She also paid homage to Lisa Loring, the original Wednesday Addams, by incorporating some of her signature moves.

The result was a perfectly imperfect dance that felt genuine, quirky, and unmistakably Wednesday. Ortega’s instincts and creativity resonated with viewers, turning the scene into a cultural moment. Netflix executives predicted the dance’s TikTok success, but Ortega herself was initially skeptical — a common response when artists don’t anticipate the viral impact of their work.

A Role Model On and Off Screen

Ortega’s impact extends beyond her acting abilities. Her candidness on The Tonight Show revealed a grounded, hard-working young woman who embraces her craft with humility and dedication. She works hard on Wednesday, managing to learn cello, fencing, and other skills simultaneously while navigating the pressures of fame.

Her story is inspiring to many young fans, especially those who see her as a representation of diversity and authenticity in Hollywood. Ortega often speaks about the importance of being true to oneself and encourages others to embrace their individuality, much like Wednesday Addams’s character does in the show.

Looking Ahead

With the overwhelming success of Wednesday and the continued buzz around her horror roles, Jenna Ortega is poised for an exciting future. Fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see what projects she takes on next. Whether it’s diving deeper into horror, exploring new genres, or expanding her creative pursuits, Ortega’s star shows no signs of dimming.

As she continues to evolve as an artist, her unique blend of talent, passion, and charm ensures she will remain a beloved figure in entertainment. And with millions of fans watching, from Netflix to TikTok, Jenna Ortega has firmly established herself as a cultural phenomenon for the digital age.

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