How Jenna Ortega Became Wednesday Addams | Teen Vogue

When Jenna Ortega got an email from Tim Burton to play Wednesday Addams, she thought it was a prank since the actor has been compared to Wednesday for most of her life. She takes us through her entire process of auditioning and preparing for her role as the iconic Wednesday Addams in the new Netflix series 'Wednesday.' From learning cello to consulting the original Wednesday, Christina Ricci, Jenna spills all on how she gets in (and out) of character.

Wednesday is available to stream on November 23rd exclusively on Netflix.

Director: Adam Lance Garcia
Director of Photography: Brandon Yoon
Editor: J.Y. Chung
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
Junior Editor: Paul Tael
Celebrity Talent: Jenna Ortega
Producer: Madison Coffey
Line Producer: Jen Santos
Production Coordinator: Mark Bond
Talent Booker: Mica Medoff
Camera Operator: Jack Belisle
Audio: Lily Van Leeuwen
Production Assistant: Rafael Vasquez
Gaffer: Alfonso
Post Production Supervisor: Christian Olguin
Supervising Editor: Erica Dillman


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[elizabethogle]

I love how she recognizes to give herself grace when she says "my mom is an ER nurse, this is a Netflix show." She does a phenomenal job as Wednesday and I can totally tell this can't be an easy character to take on.

[thereaper]

Jenna seems like such a nice and hardworking person, like she really committed to her character. And the way she explains stuff too idk how to explain

[dianasbracamonte]

I don’t think she realizes how good she is in this series. I also don’t think she gives herself enough credit. Wednesday was good and awesome. I’m literally obsessed with her 💜

[mozorellastick]

Her micro expressions are incredible. Her face is so dainty and sharp, so it feels like all her expressions are amplified. This girl just absolutely nailed it

[bdnewton]

She is so clear spoken and articulate!!! I’m extremely jealous

[briguy]

As someone who played the violin as a child, I have to say Jenna did a really a great job with the cello. It always annoys me when actors don't match he bowing/fingering of the music, but she nailed it.

[suzannascott]

The fact that she learned the cello for this role shows how much of a dedicated actor she is. As a cello, bass, violin, piano, and guitar player it’s not easy to learn how to play the cello in such short times.

[XVIXENN]

She’s actually the most suited actor for this role.. I couldn’t think of anyone else fit for Wednesday which is crazyyy to me

[hassanashuaib]

I was like... She is born to play this character, she did it so well that I got carried away along with her dark humor, she is selfless and selfish at same time, she is brave and strong too... Also Catherina played her part well too... I wish they make a season 2

[ABC-edcg]

‘My mum is an ER nurse’.

Your mum saves lives. Props to your mum! You, on the other hand, save our sanity with wonderful shows. 😄😄

[pevensive]

Im a musician and the joy of me seeing her hit her cello notes accurately was so satisfying 😭

[lovefist]

She has way more knowledge and self-awareness than so many actors 20 to 30 years older than her. She's going to go so far in this business.

[warningdeadinside]

Honestly, my favorite part of how she portrays Wednesday is her micro expressions. She keeps her deadpan expression throughout the show but is able to make these small subtle changes, allowing the audience to see how she's really feeling. Which is important since Wednesday is the main character. It's so unique and fascinating to watch.

[slsthewriter]

I really, really do appreciate how Jenna recognizes that this is a different interpretation of the character and has leaned into it. While I certainly love seeing a character be the same regardless of the person behind the story itself, I also just adore it whenever a character is malleable enough to shift with the narrative.

[alexjohnson]

Jenna Ortega's level of humility is super refreshing to see. I hope her career continues to sky rocket!

[Aquarius]

I love how she actually wants to pursue playing the cello. As a classical musician, it made me happy to see an actor play this wonderful instrument so well.

[Nevermore]

This series might be the best casting I’ve seen in years, Netflix really outdid themselves, the entire adams family is perfect

[Pixelb]

She’s such a well spoken dedicated actress. She was the perfect choice for sure.

[dreamingofautumn]

She's like a perfect physical mix of Christina Ricci and Helena Bonham Carter...but with her unique mannerisms, charm, and wit. She's amazing! 🖤

[GREATking]

My expectations was very low for this series but I was blown out of the water with how good it actually was and how good Jenna did as Wednesday.