Jenna Ortega, recently celebrated for her Jenna Ortega Tim Burton collaboration in international hits like Netflix’s Wednesday and the upcoming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, shared how a key film from Tim Burton’s career first inspired her passion for cinema. Speaking about her experiences and impact, Ortega explained the transformative effect working with Burton had on both her career and his creative resurgence.
Establishing Herself Among Tim Burton’s Trusted Ensemble
Tim Burton is well-known for working closely with a recurring group of actors and creatives, often including celebrated names like Johnny Depp, Michael Keaton, Helena Bonham Carter, Danny DeVito, Alan Rickman, and Christopher Lee. It is a rare honor to join this tight-knit circle, and Jenna Ortega’s recent collaborations with the director have secured her a place within this respected group.
Ortega’s journey with Burton began with her role as Wednesday Addams in the Netflix adaptation of The Addams Family story. The live-action reboot brought immense anticipation and pressure, but upon release, Wednesday became one of the most-watched series in Netflix’s history, earning Ortega widespread recognition. This success paved the way for her next role under Burton’s direction in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, where she plays Astrid Deetz, daughter of Winona Ryder’s character Lydia from the classic original film.
The Mutual Impact of the Ortega-Burton Partnership
While the Jenna Ortega Tim Burton collaboration brought newfound stardom for Ortega, it also marked a creative upswing for Burton. After starting his career with acclaimed films like Edward Scissorhands, Burton faced some less celebrated releases in recent years such as Dark Shadows, Big Eyes, Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children, and Dumbo. Yet, his projects with Ortega have rekindled both critical and public appreciation of his unique, gothic-inspired style.
Mars Attacks! Left a Lasting Impression on Ortega
Jenna Ortega has long admired Burton’s work, crediting him directly for igniting her interest in movies. In a candid conversation with Vogue, Ortega talked about what first hooked her as a young cinephile—a memorable screening of Burton’s absurdist science fiction comedy, Mars Attacks!.
“Sarah Jessica Parker on a chihuahua changed my life,”
Ortega said,
“It was the first film I remember seeing and wondering, ‘what is this world?’”
– Jenna Ortega, Actor
While many Tim Burton fans might point to Ed Wood or Batman Returns as high points of his career, Mars Attacks! has gradually gained more recognition from critics. Upon its release in December 1996, just six months after the blockbuster Independence Day, audiences were surprised by its satirical take on an alien invasion and its portrayal of human and government ineptitude. Although it was initially overlooked, Mars Attacks! is now widely seen as a clever critique of militarism and hubris, making it a resonant choice for film lovers like Ortega.
Ortega’s Career Choices Mirror Burton’s Darkly Comic Vision
The influence of Mars Attacks! and Tim Burton’s dark humor is evident in Ortega’s recent film roles. Despite facing occasional criticism for some of her choices, Ortega’s filmography demonstrates her affinity for edgier, satire-laden narratives similar to those found in Burton’s work. Recent projects like Death of a Unicorn, X, and the latest Scream sequels all echo that same sharp, mischievous sensibility.
Looking Ahead to More Collaborations
Jenna Ortega’s connection with Tim Burton not only helped launch the director’s return to form, but also established her as a defining figure for a new audience. With her ongoing projects and their shared creative interests, the film industry can expect further innovative stories and memorable characters to emerge from this influential partnership.
