Wed Apr 30 12:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Jenna Ortega: From Wednesday Addams to Hollywood Powerhouse

**Los Angeles, CA** – Jenna Ortega, the 22-year-old star of Netflix’s hit series *Wednesday*, is rapidly ascending to the top echelons of Hollywood. Already a household name, Ortega is now actively pursuing directing and producing, signaling her ambition to become a major creative force in the industry.

In a recent interview with The Weeknd, for their upcoming film *Hurry Up Tomorrow*, Ortega revealed her desire to tell her own stories. She has a script she’s been developing for nearly a decade and is actively developing other projects. Ortega expressed a particular interest in directing, stating it’s her primary creative goal. She acknowledged the challenges facing female filmmakers in Hollywood, but expressed confidence in her ability to navigate the industry on her own terms.

Ortega’s experience on the set of *Hurry Up Tomorrow* proved pivotal in her development as a filmmaker. She praised the collaborative and creative environment fostered by The Weeknd and director Trey Edward Shults, stating that it allowed her to hone her instincts as a storyteller and confidently contribute creative input. She contrasted this positive experience with past roles where she felt less agency as a young actor.

Her performance in *Hurry Up Tomorrow*, described by The Weeknd as both “incredible” and “scary,” showcases a wider range than her iconic *Wednesday* role, drawing comparisons to legendary performers like Charlie Chaplin and Debbie Reynolds. Ortega’s dedication to physical performance was also highlighted, echoing her commitment to her craft in previous projects.

The interview also touched upon her upcoming projects, including a J.J. Abrams film with action sequences and a remake of *Single White Female* with Taylor Russell, where she’s enthusiastic about reimagining the story for a modern audience. Ortega expressed admiration for diverse filmmakers like Claire Denis and Bong Joon-ho, revealing a desire to collaborate with international artists and infuse fresh perspectives into her work. While acknowledging the pressures of fame, Ortega expressed gratitude for her success while longing for the anonymity and less pressured environment she experienced in her early career. The interview concluded with The Weeknd’s suggestion to introduce Ortega to Takashi Miike, a collaboration both expressed excitement for.

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