ladbible homepage
ladbible homepage
  • Home
  • News
    • UK
    • US
    • World
    • Ireland
    • Australia
    • Science
    • Crime
    • Weather
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV
    • Film
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • Netflix
    • Disney
  • Sport
  • Technology
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Money
  • Originals
    • FFS PRODUCTIONS
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Citizen Reef
  • Videos
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Jenna Ortega turned down the role of Wednesday a few times because she was sick of doing TV
Home>Entertainment
Updated 03:56 17 Mar 2023 GMTPublished 03:57 17 Mar 2023 GMT

Jenna Ortega turned down the role of Wednesday a few times because she was sick of doing TV

She nearly passed on the Netflix show that wound up catapulting her into superstardom.

Rachel Lang

Rachel Lang

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Jenna Ortega has revealed she was offered the role of Wednesday Addams multiple times and politely declined at every attempt.

The 20-year-old actor sat down with The Times to chat about all things Hollywood, and explained that she originally rejected the role that would eventually make her a household name.

When asked if she pursued the role, Ortega said: "No, I didn’t. I got the email, and passed on it.

Advert

She added: "I have done so much TV in my life, all I’ve ever wanted to do is film.

"When I first started acting, I don’t want to say nobody believed in me, but at the same time nobody believed in me."

Ortega went on to reveal that Hollywood is a town in which you have to earn your stripes if you wish to be seen.

"You have to prove yourself. It’s only in the last three or four years that I’ve been able to start going up for films, X, Scream, et cetera," she said.

Netflix

"I was scared that by signing onto another television show it could prevent me from doing other jobs I really wanted and cared about."

But it was when she discovered that Tim Burton would be at the helm of Wednesday.

This, she revealed, would change everything.

"The only reason I went back is because Tim is such a legend, and we just happened to get along very well," she said.

"But even then I said, 'Ah, no, I think I’m okay' a couple [more] times."

She further elaborated about her struggles on the set of Wednesday during a chat on Dax Shepard's podcast, Armchair Expert.

"I don't think I've ever had to put my foot down on a set in the way that I had to on Wednesday. Everything that she does, everything that I had to play did not make sense for her character at all," Ortega said.

The 20-year-old added: "Her being in a love triangle made no sense!"

She also revealed she initially thought Wednesday would be a far darker programme.

"When I read the entire series, I realised, 'Oh this is for younger audiences'," she said. "I didn't know what the tone was."

But that didn't go down well with Wednesday producer Steven DeKnight.

DeKnight took to social media after her chat with Shepard, calling the actor 'entitled' and 'beyond toxic' after she 'publicly s**t' on her Wednesday colleagues.

He added on social media: "Life’s too short to deal with people like this in the business."

Yikes. He's since walked back on those comments though.

Featured Image Credit: Netflix

Topics: Jenna Ortega, Netflix, TV and Film, Celebrity

Rachel Lang
Rachel Lang

Rachel Lang is a Digital Journalist at LADbible. During her career, she has interviewed Aussie PM Malcolm Turnbull in the lead up to the 2016 federal election, ran an editorial campaign on the war in Yemen, and reported on homelessness in the lead-up to Harry and Meghan’s wedding in Windsor. She also once wrote a yarn on the cheese and wine version of Fyre Festival.

X

@rlangjournalist

Recommended reads

Mara Wilson says a Matilda sequel is 'possible' but admits there are 'some issues' Jerod Harris/Getty ImagesOlivia Wilde says she's 'intrigued' by 'bedroom divorce' trend and thinks it could be a good thing for couplesGilbert Flores/Variety via Getty ImagesEnzo Fernandez speaks out after costly World Cup final red card Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesLionel Messi breaks silence after World Cup final defeat that ended with 'disgraceful' scenes Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images

Advert

Choose your content:

19 mins ago
3 hours ago
9 hours ago
10 hours ago
  • Jerod Harris/Getty Images
    19 mins ago

    Mara Wilson says a Matilda sequel is 'possible' but admits there are 'some issues'

    Fans have been asking for years and she finally shared what she'd think about returning

    Entertainment
  • Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images
    3 hours ago

    Olivia Wilde says she's 'intrigued' by 'bedroom divorce' trend and thinks it could be a good thing for couples

    The actress shared her honest thoughts on why a little mystery might be a good thing

    Entertainment
  • Universal Pictures
    9 hours ago

    Viewers point out 'biggest problem' with The Odyssey that is never explained in the film

    It's seemingly left a lot of people confused

    Entertainment
  • Magenta Sport
    10 hours ago

    Mystery solved as Robbie Williams responds to ‘white substance falling on mic’ live on TV

    He was speaking on a German broadcast when the incident occurred

    Entertainment
  • How Wednesday season 2 explains key star’s absence from return of Jenna Ortega Netflix show
  • Jenna Ortega's 'chilling' childhood hobby proves why she is the 'real' Wednesday
  • Jenna Ortega spoke out on quitting new Scream after co-star was fired over social media posts
  • Huge amount Sam Worthington earned from Avatar films after Matt Damon said he turned down $300 million for role