Jenna Ortega has opened up about the whirlwind of attention that followed her starring role in Netflix’s Wednesday, admitting the sudden fame was anything but easy to handle. The series, which became the platform’s most-watched English-language show after its 2022 debut, thrust the young actress into the spotlight in ways she never anticipated.
While grateful for the show’s massive success, Ortega confessed that the intense public scrutiny took her by surprise. “No one is ever truly prepared for that kind of attention,” she remarked. “It’s not something you can just shrug off—it changes everything.”
The upcoming second season promises to delve deeper into the Addams family dynamics, particularly the relationship between Wednesday and her parents, Morticia and Gomez. With new cast members like Joanna Lumley, Steve Buscemi, and Billie Piper joining the mix, the story expands beyond Nevermore Academy, offering fresh challenges for the famously stoic protagonist.
Ortega, who also steps into an executive producer role this season, described the experience as a learning opportunity. “I wanted to absorb as much as I could,” she said. The extended gap between seasons, she noted, allowed for more thoughtful storytelling—something she hopes will satisfy fans who’ve waited patiently.
Beyond the gothic humor and supernatural intrigue, Ortega believes Wednesday resonates because it tackles modern struggles—like finding one’s identity in an increasingly digital world. “Today, people connect online, but it can feel isolating,” she observed. “The Addams family, for all their quirks, show that being yourself is more important than fitting in.”
Catherine Zeta-Jones, who plays Morticia, echoed that sentiment, praising the show’s exploration of family bonds. “They’re odd, but they embrace it,” she said. “That’s what makes them relatable.”
With the first half of Season 2 arriving in August and the rest following in September, fans won’t have to wait much longer to see where Wednesday’s journey takes her next. For Ortega, the role has been transformative—both on-screen and off. “It’s been chaotic, but incredible,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
