**Jenna Ortega Reflects on Overwhelming Fame from “Wednesday”**
In a recent interview, actress Jenna Ortega expressed her feelings about the sudden fame she experienced after starring in the hit Netflix series “Wednesday.” The 22-year-old actress described this new level of recognition as “very overwhelming” but also expressed her gratitude for the success of the show. She shared her thoughts with BBC culture correspondent Lizo Mzimba, highlighting the positive impact the series has had on its audience.
“Wednesday,” which first premiered in November 2022, quickly became Netflix’s most-watched English-language series. The show, which focuses on Wednesday Addams, the iconic daughter of the Addams Family, resonated with viewers for its unique storytelling and character depth. Speaking about her unexpected rise to fame, Ortega candidly admitted, “Is anyone ready for that attention?” She noted the surreal experience of going from relative obscurity to stardom and remarked on the unusual nature of such fame. “I wouldn’t want to know someone who is,” she added, indicating the inherent challenges of celebrity culture.
Despite the challenges, Ortega remains grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many fans. She mentioned that when the show first launched, no one anticipated it would garner the success it did, making its popularity all the more surprising. “You do these things, and you don’t know what’s to come, so it was very overwhelming,” she reflected, capturing the allure and unpredictability of a career in acting.
As the anticipation builds for the second season, Ortega has teased exciting developments for her character. The new season is set to continue following Wednesday as she returns to Nevermore Academy, this time under the direction of a new principal. Notably, the second installment will place a greater emphasis on Wednesday’s relationship with her parents, Morticia and Gomez Addams, portrayed by Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán, respectively. Netflix has hinted that this shift will add layers to Wednesday’s character dynamics, describing it as “a rare new form of torture for a fiercely independent amateur sleuth.”
Ortega’s understanding of the Addams family dynamic extends beyond the screen. She articulated that the series’ appeal stems from the family’s unique quirks and characteristics, emphasizing the relatability in their unconventional ways. “I think one of the reasons people resonate with the Addams family so much is their strangeness,” she noted. The chemistry between Wednesday and Morticia, filled with friction and a desire for independence, offers a familiar narrative, echoing the complexities of teenage life.
Zeta-Jones echoed Ortega’s sentiments, emphasizing how her character will have a more active role in season two. She described the experience of being part of the project as a blessing, noting how the show’s creators have enriched the characters’ arcs without overshadowing Wednesday’s journey. As Zeta-Jones put it, the evolution of family dynamics within the series adds depth while maintaining the core story.
The second season promises to introduce new characters and themes, including the exploration of online community dynamics, a topic Ortega feels is relevant to today’s youth. She observed that the online realm can often lead to feelings of isolation, explaining, “People don’t talk to each other in person…it’s very isolating.” Ortega’s reflections resonate with the series’ themes of identity, community, and the struggle for self-discovery.
Additionally, she and Zeta-Jones collectively emphasized the importance of embracing individuality and the comfort of being true to oneself. “It’s very easy now to get swept up in some sort of sheep mentality,” Ortega mused, underlining the significance of showcasing a family that encourages authenticity and strength.
As excitement mounts for the second season, viewers can look forward to a deeper exploration of character relationships and the nuanced portrayal of a modern family. The first four episodes of “Wednesday’s” second season will be available on August 6, followed by the remaining four episodes on September 3, providing ample content for fans eager to see how the story unfolds.
