Jenna Ortega, the 21-year-old actress who rose to fame as Wednesday Addams in the hit series Wednesday, recently made a surprising confession about her passion for portraying “weird” characters onscreen. In a candid interview with the BBC, Ortega opened up about her deep interest in representing those who feel different or out of place.
She shared, “People who feel a little bit weird or feel like they stick out a little bit more in a crowd, or it’s hard for them to relate to people.” Ortega emphasized the importance of seeing such individuals take charge in their unique environments. “I think it’s important to see people in these fields, in these worlds, in these environments own it and take charge, and that’s really exciting for me. Especially for people who haven’t really seen anything like this before.”
While Ortega’s comments resonated with some, they left others feeling divided. Her perspective on embracing and portraying “weird” characters sparked debate among her fans, with some expressing frustration online.
One social media user commented, “The irony and catch 22 of this entire post is wild. WILD. There is no ‘weird’. There is no ‘normal’.” Another chimed in, adding, “There is only belief, and belief is so tainted that Ms. Ortega has to say she’s paving a way for people who are perfectly fine as is, but mainstream media may claim otherwise. But then, here is mainstream media saying it’s all accepted.”
Despite the controversy surrounding her remarks, Ortega continues to take on roles that reflect her commitment to portraying unconventional characters. On the professional front, she is set to star as the antisocial teenager Astrid Deetz in the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel. Fans are eagerly awaiting her performance, as she continues to push boundaries and represent characters that challenge the norm.
While her words have sparked a heated discussion, Ortega’s passion for giving a voice to those who feel different remains clear. Whether seen as a champion for the “weird” or someone who has stirred the pot, Jenna Ortega is making waves both onscreen and off with her fearless approach to storytelling.