Jenna Ortega: Doubt, Disbelief, and the Global Phenomenon She Never Saw Coming

Before Wednesday became Netflix’s most popular English-language series of all time with over 252 million views and counting, Jenna Ortega was convinced it might never work at all. The 24‑year‑old actress has opened up about her deep doubts during season 1 production, her horror at seeing herself on screen, and the surreal journey from anxious uncertainty to global icon.

"I Didn’t Think It Was Working"

Speaking on the October 22 episode of the Dez podcast, Ortega recalled feeling utterly unsure throughout the making of the show. “I didn’t think that it was working at all,” she admitted. The pressure weighed heavily: she was carrying a series built entirely around her, stepping into a character beloved by generations, and collaborating with visionary director Tim Burton in a way that felt entirely new.

When episodes were sent to her ahead of the premiere, she tried to watch and couldn’t make it past the first five minutes. “I was mortified,” she said. “So when people started freaking out over it… it really felt like some sick mind game the world was playing. I still am a little confused by it.”

Mortified and Confused by Her Own Performance

That disconnect between what she saw and what the world fell in love with has never quite faded. Where viewers found strength, wit, and a perfect modern interpretation of Wednesday Addams, Ortega saw only her own insecurities. “Still to this day, I am a little confused by it,” she confessed. It is a reminder that even the most celebrated performers can be their own harshest critics.

The scale of success is staggering: season 1 remains Netflix’s most popular English‑language series ever; season 2 debuted among the platform’s top 10. Yet Ortega processes it all with quiet bewilderment, proof that the most unexpected breakthroughs are often the most powerful.

Finding Her Rhythm With Tim Burton

A major source of early stress was collaborating with Tim Burton, the legendary filmmaker whose signature style defines the show. “I had never worked with someone like Tim before,” Ortega explained. “He is very, very shy. He’s opened up a bunch now, but when you start working with him, he does not speak.”

That silence was intimidating at first. Over time, though, she learned to read him to trust his vision even when he wasn’t articulating it constantly. The quiet space he gave her became freedom to discover Wednesday on her own terms, and their partnership grew into something deeply creative.

The Price of Sudden Fame

Success has brought joy, but also loss. Ortega has spoken openly about missing the anonymity and struggle of her early career, the adrenaline of chasing roles, the drive, the uncertainty that made every booking feel like a miracle.

“It was so nice to have had way less pressure,” she told V Magazine. “Sleeping in the cars, driving all around LA for auditions, waiting for weeks, feeling sick to my stomach that I wasn’t going to get the job… the adrenaline rush was so exciting.”

She wouldn’t trade Wednesday she calls it a “dream role” but she is honest about the trade‑offs: the end of quiet days, the weight of expectation, and the shift from hustling to leading.

Respected by Veterans, Ready for More

Those who work alongside her see something extraordinary. Fred Armisen, who joined the cast, praised her deep understanding of character logic: “She keeps track of the script in a way that she understands the logic of her character.” Steve Buscemi, too, has spoken admiringly of her dedication and leadership on set.

Beyond acting, Ortega has her eyes on what comes next, including directing. She has already stepped into executive producing, and envisions a future where she guides stories as well as stars in them.

From Uncertainty to Legacy

When Wednesday returns for a third season, it will do so with a cast and crew that know exactly what they have built and a leading lady who is still learning to believe it herself. Jenna Ortega never set out to conquer the world. She just wanted to do the work. That she did it while doubting herself every step of the way makes the achievement even more remarkable.