By Jérôme Goulon.
Actress Jenna Ortega returns this Wednesday for the highly anticipated final installment of the series. Wednesday, on Netflix. On this occasion, we met the American actress. Dazzling on the purple carpet in London for the world premiere of the second season, the star wore a semi-sheer snake-print dress, featuring a mermaid skirt and a burnt-out effect on the edges. During her visit to London, Jenna Ortega spoke about her return as Wednesday as well as her new role as a producer for this series. She also discussed working with superstar Lady Gaga in the new season, and what fans can expect from the upcoming episodes…
Interview: Congratulations on season 2, Jenna. The show has become a true phenomenon!
Jenna Ortega: We were really lucky with the show because it reached a much wider audience than we anticipated. For young people who are still trying to figure out who they are, in the age of social media where everyone wants to find their uniqueness or voice online, it's also important to own that in everyday life. Being able to introduce this character to young people and show them the importance of staying true to themselves is really exciting for me.
How did you feel during filming, returning to the role of Wednesday?
It was pretty surreal, but I'm so grateful. It's not often you get to revisit a character, and when they have as much impact as Wednesday, it's even more special.
What was most exciting to explore this season?
This season was interesting for me because Wednesday doesn't have her psychic ability. She really has to depend on others, which is difficult for her. It allowed me to address that kind of inner turmoil. She's immensely frustrated a lot of the time. So it's less gleeful spite and more of a real inner struggle, which was fun to explore.
We see a little more of her vulnerability this season. Can you talk about that?
Yes. At the end of the first season, Wednesday may have been starting to appreciate the presence of others. At this point, she's very aware of the danger she poses and her ability to attract threats and death. Pushing people away when you're just starting to let your guard down is difficult for anyone. For someone who doesn't really know how to express gratitude, it becomes even more frustrating. Wednesday, this season, cares for others more than she should out of fear of being too honest and hurting someone's feelings, which, put like that, sounds crazy.
This series has made many people feel understood. To what extent do you identify with this idea of being an outcast?
I think it's very easy in life to feel excluded simply because we spend all our time in our heads. So I think it's just about understanding loneliness or being withdrawn. I think it's human nature.
Do you identify with your character in everyday life?
Yes, I identify with Wednesday. We spend so much time with this character that at some point, it becomes natural.
“Playing Wednesday is a real gift. It’s so great to be mean and deadpan.”
You started this series at 16 or 17. How does it feel to come back a few years later to film the second season?
Playing Wednesday is a true gift. Wednesday is such a revered character, and I never thought I'd have the opportunity to play her. Getting to revisit such a strong and inspiring character has been extremely fun. It's so great to be evil and deadpan.
How do you manage to maintain that impassive gaze?
I don't know. You can feel it. Maybe it's also the atmosphere and the people I play with. For example, touring with Enid, who gives a lot, doesn't put pressure on me to contribute more. Wednesday is naturally enigmatic and prefers to stay that way, without revealing everything. Hairstyles, costumes, and sometimes a simple twitch of the eyebrow say it all.
Does your character influence your real life?
Yes, especially during filming. Outside of filming, perhaps less so, but the pace is intense and every thought is tied to the script.
Lady Gaga makes an appearance this season. What can you say about her?
Yes, she is magnificent in her role. She guided me a lot on set, and every conversation with her is a wealth of wisdom.
You're also a producer this season. How has that changed things for you?
It was a natural progression. In the first season, I was already having conversations about the script. In season two, I was more involved in meetings and production, contributing ideas and technical aspects. It was very rewarding and educational.
Did you influence Wednesday's story arc this season?
The story evolved during filming. We made quick adjustments based on the scripts, but we have a lot of trust in our writers. Tim Burton and I only intervened to enrich or further develop certain aspects.
Some faces from the first season are missing, like Xavier. How did that influence your approach?
Not really. In the first season, I didn't give the boys much space. It was nice to focus on the horror and violent aspects of Wednesday.
This season highlights the mother/daughter relationship with Catherine Zeta-Jones. How did you work on this physical and emotional dynamic?
The series is intense, with a lot of elements to manage. We had few rehearsals, but filming with Catherine is always a pleasure. She brings experience and anecdotes, and each scene becomes rich in performance and intensity.
“The last part of season 2 is my favorite part.”
Wednesday and Enid's friendship continues to grow. Why does this duo appeal so much to fans of the series?
Their contrast is fascinating. You can like someone without sharing their tastes. It's also rare to see girls at this age truly supporting each other rather than seeing each other as rivals.
The costumes and sets are impressive. What helps you most get into character?
Everything helps. The sets, Colleen Atwood's costumes, Nirvana Jalalvand's makeup and hair. But most of all, it's the posture and the way I carry myself. The more still and impassive I am, the more I look like Wednesday.
The first season was a global phenomenon. How did you experience it?
The success of Wednesday and my sudden fame were a shock to me! Comic Con Brazil was a shock. Seeing the audience react with such enthusiasm, the costumes, the fans… it was incredible.
Were you ready for this notoriety?
No. No one can be prepared for this. It's not normal.
What was your overall experience with this series?
There's a lot of work and talent behind every episode. It's an honor to contribute to this work and know that it reaches people internationally.
Finally, what can we expect from the second part of season two?
I'm not going to spoil anything. I can just say that the last part of season 2 is my favorite part.
Interview by Vicky Dearden
