In recent years, Hollywood’s horror scene has been dominated by actors celebrated for their roles in dark and thrilling films, with Jenna Ortega standing out prominently among them. While Ortega did not appear in the latest installment of the Scream franchise released this month, she played key roles in the previous two films and continued to build her reputation through various chilling projects, exemplifying her connection to the genre.
Career Growth Through Thrillers and Collaboration with Tim Burton
Since her acting debut in 2012, Ortega’s path has shown an inclination towards eerie and suspenseful roles. Notably, she featured in the horror sequel Insidious: Chapter 2 early on but also explored lighter roles on Disney’s sitcom Stuck in the Middle. The turning point in her career came when she auditioned for Tim Burton’s Addams Family spin-off, Wednesday, during the Covid-19 lockdown via a Zoom call. This role turned out to be a milestone, making the show Netflix’s most-watched series in its history and earning Ortega Golden Globe and Emmy nominations.
Ortega’s Ongoing Success and Missed Opportunity with Dumbo
Following Wednesday’s success, Jenna Ortega embraced more intense horror projects, including starring in Ti West’s brutal thriller X and signing on for further forthcoming films, such as a rumored remake of Single White Female. Despite the strong professional ties she developed with Burton—arguably a key figure in her rise—she has openly revealed her disappointment at missing out on a film she was enthusiastic about: Burton’s 2019 reboot of Disney’s Dumbo.
Reflecting on the missed chance, Ortega told GQ,
“I remember auditioning for Dumbo. I actually auditioned for Dumbo. I was like fourteen or something like that, and I was so excited. I couldn’t believe that Tim [Burton] was making a movie; it had been a minute. I was like, ah man, this would just be an incredible opportunity. I remember Dumbo being one, that for weeks I was just gutted.”
Jenna Ortega, Actress
Details on the Dumbo Reboot and Its Reception
Dumbo’s 2019 CGI reboot, though financially successful for Disney, received mixed reviews from critics. While performances from longtime Burton collaborators Michael Keaton and Danny DeVito earned some praise, the overall production was burdened by a heavily criticized script and Burton’s dissatisfaction with the project, leading him to vow not to work with Disney again. Unlike the 1941 original, this remake avoided the use of talking animals, sidestepping controversial elements from the past, but its attempt to modernize the story met with limited acclaim.
Upcoming Projects Highlight Ortega’s Continued Rise
Looking ahead, Jenna Ortega has recently completed filming a new project centered on supernatural suspense. She stars alongside Glen Powell in a film directed by JJ Abrams titled Ghost Writer (potentially retitled The Great Beyond), which depicts a newlywed couple haunted by a malevolent entity. This movie is anticipated to attract significant attention and further cement Ortega’s status in the realm of intense, eerie storytelling.
