"Felt like I'd been hit by a car": Jenna Ortega filmed memorable 'Wednesday' dance scene while battling COVID-19

Jenna Ortega braves COVID-19 to deliver a stellar performance in 'Wednesday'

In the world of Netflix's Addams Family spin-off, Wednesday, critics, and fans had been divided on many fronts. But if there's one thing that united everyone, it's Jenna Ortega's infectious dance scene. This particular performance gained a new level of awe as Ortega revealed she filmed it while suffering from COVID-19.

"Felt Like I'd Been Hit by a Car": Ortega's COVID-19 Ordeal

In a surprising revelation to NME, which has been widely reported including in Variety, Ortega shared her experience of filming the scene while she was sick. "Yeah, I woke up and—it’s weird, I never get sick and when I do it’s not very bad—I had the body aches. I felt like I’d been hit by a car and that a little goblin had been let loose in my throat and was scratching the walls of my esophagus," she stated.

Before any assumptions arise, Ortega didn't knowingly endanger her co-stars and crew. She was unaware she had COVID-19 at the time, though she did acknowledge feeling unwell. "They were giving me medicine between takes because we were waiting on the positive result," she said. As reported by NME, Ortega was removed from the set once her positive test was confirmed, in line with the producer MGM’s strict COVID-19 protocols.

Unanswered Questions about Safety Protocols on the 'Wednesday' Set

Ortega's experience raised some unsettling questions about the safety measures on Wednesday's set. While the Netflix show might have had strict protocols, it seems peculiar that Ortega was allowed to continue filming while awaiting her COVID-19 test results.

It should be clarified that the blame doesn't fall on Ortega. With her taking a test and crew members continually administering her medication, it's clear many people knew she was unwell but still chose to keep her in front of the camera. Regardless of the protocols in place, someone in a position of responsibility should have exercised better judgment.

This twist in Ortega's filming journey for Wednesday undoubtedly adds a new layer of respect for the actress. And it reminds us of the realities and challenges faced by the entertainment industry in the era of COVID-19.

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