Jenna Ortega Eyes Pivot Away From Television After Wednesday

Ortega’s decision reflects a desire to break the relentless pace that defined her early career. During a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, she noted that while she is not actively mapping out her future, she remains open to whatever projects find her next. The actress admitted she had doubts about the show during its first season, finding the massive global response—over 252 million views—surprising and somewhat surreal.

Her experience on the production was not without initial friction. She recalled feeling intimidated by director Tim Burton, whose reserved, quiet demeanor left her questioning their creative connection. She eventually realized his distance was simply a byproduct of his shyness rather than a lack of interest. Beyond the gothic aesthetic of her breakout role, Ortega is actively pursuing diverse projects, including Taika Waititi’s Klara and the Sun and a role as a gymnast in Nasty. She has also expressed interest in exploring theater and directing, signaling a clear intent to move beyond the horror and dark-comedy archetypes that currently dominate her public identity.