Jenna Ortega: from rejecting Netflix's Wednesday to global stardom

As we sit in October 2023, we find ourselves reflecting on the nostalgic moments that made the entertainment industry buzz. Top of the list? The phenomenal rise of Jenna Ortega with Netflix's supernaturally delightful Wednesday.

From initial rejections to global acclaim

Few today would believe that Ortega, now a global sensation, initially turned down the role that would mark a significant milestone in her career. "No, I didn’t. I got the email, passed on it," she admitted to the UK’s Times. Her reservations were rooted in her extensive TV background and a yearning to pivot to the world of film. "I was scared that by signing on to another television show it could prevent me from doing other jobs I really wanted and cared about."

Also Read: Jenna Ortega and the dance legacy of the Addams Family: A look back. 

However, fate had a role to play, as legendary director Tim Burton stepped in. His reputation and camaraderie with Ortega were pivotal in her decision-making. She candidly shared, "Tim is such a legend, and we just happened to get along very well. But even then I said, ‘Ah, no — I think I’m OK,’ a couple more times."

The Wednesday legacy and beyond

The overwhelming success of Wednesday was evident when it surpassed even Stranger Things in streamer hours within its debut week on Netflix. Such records aren't made overnight, and Ortega's magnetic presence on screen was undeniably a key factor. Her dance scene in the fourth episode, now a TikTok sensation, is a testament to her reach and influence, with fans worldwide recreating their own renditions.

Also Read: Jenna Ortega almost skipped Wednesday role, know why

Ortega's journey has been a long one, having begun her professional acting career at the tender age of nine. From her Disney Channel days in Stuck in the Middle to spine-chilling roles in movies like Insidious: Chapter 2, The Babysitter: Killer Queen, and even the recent Scream VI, she has displayed her versatility with élan.

The moniker of the screen’s current scream queen has often been associated with her. In her characteristic humorous touch, she mused, "For some reason people see my face and want to throw blood on it ... It was never intentional, but it’s really fun."

In retrospect, as we reminisce about these pivotal moments of 2023, it's clear that Jenna Ortega's decision to embrace Wednesday has not only cemented her legacy but also reshaped the cinematic landscape.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)