Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday High‑Pressure Gig
The Weight of an Iconic Legacy
Jenna Ortega, the 20‑year‑old star of Netflix’s Wednesday, has admitted that stepping into the shoes of the famed Addams Family character felt like a whirlwind of expectations. The original Wednesday Addams (played by Susan Sarandon in 1991 and later by Christina Ricci) is a name many of us grew up with, so Jenna’s sense of responsibility was huge.
- Her mantra: “I’ve never played such an iconic character who everyone loves and respects.”
- The “Do‑right” mindset: Jenna wanted to honor the legacy and make fans feel proud of her work.
Meeting the Legacy‑Holder
When the 1993 Addams sequel came around, Christina Ricci delivered the original Wednesday vibe. Jenna’s latest project had Ricci in a different role, but that didn’t stop Jenna from feeling a special bond with her. She told the Backstage podcast that:
- People inevitably compare her, but that comparison highlighted how respectful and generous Ricci is.
- “They’re two completely different realities—two completely different people,” Jenna says, hinting that realizing the distinction eased her nerves.
Mom, Dad, and the Hollywood Dream Team
Behind the scenes, Jenna’s parents are the ultimate faith‑spenders. The story’s about those epic “six‑hour car trips” to auditions in LA—no surprise that they believed in her. However, her mom recently confessed she never expected Jenna to make headlines so early.
- “We’re still amazed—what a surprise!” Jenna joked.
- Even at nine‑to‑five, they kept her on a tight schedule, proving Hollywood isn’t just a walk in the park.
Takeaway: Perfection Is a Moving Target
All in all, Jenna Ortega’s battle with Wednesday’s legacy shows that even the most iconic roles carry a weight that influences every line you speak and every gaze you hold. With supportive parents and a respectful ally in Christina Ricci, she’s turned the pressure into a passion—and maybe a laugh or two along the way.
