"Wednesday" star Jenna Ortega mocked by striking writers

Published By Alexandra Heilbron on May 10, 2023

Jenna Ortega in Wednesday. Photo courtesy of NetflixStriking Hollywood writers mocked Jenna Ortega as they walked the picket line this week -- for comments she made about the writing on her Netflix hit series Wednesday.

She was quoted as saying she helped improve the writing by "changing lines" on the series during an episode of the Armchair Expert podcast.

She said, "There were times on that set where I almost became unprofessional in a sense, where I just started changing lines... I would have to sit down with the writers and they would be like, ‘Wait, what happened to this scene?’ And I would have to go through and explain why I couldn’t do certain things."

She added, "I don’t think I’ve ever had to put my foot down on a set in the way that I had to on Wednesday. Everything that she does, everything that I had to play, did not make sense for her character at all. Her being in a love triangle made no sense. There was a line about a dress that she has to wear for a school dance and she said, ‘Oh my God, I love it. Ugh, I can’t believe I said that, I literally hate myself.’ And I had to go, 'No.'"

Several writers have responded to her comments since the strike began, including Just Roll with It writer Brandon Cohen who carried a picket sign that read: "Without writers, Jenna Ortega will have nothing to punch up!"

New Girl writer Nick Adams tweeted: "Jenna Ortega better be back from NY for her afternoon shift on the picket line" and Yellowjackets writer Karen Joseph Adcock added, "Rewriting is writing! See you at the line, Jenna."

Wednesday, which was renewed for a second season, was nominated for two Golden Globe awards earlier this year, including a nod for Jenna Ortega. It's been predicted that she'll also receive a 2023 Emmy nomination. ~Alexandra Heilbron


Comments & Discussion

  1. Daniel • 5/11/2023 11:38:34 AM

    What an entitled brat. This was her first time playing the character, it's not like this was the 5th season and new writers were on board. The writers wrote the character, they know the character better than the actress who was hired to play her. So disrespectful.

  2. Reign • 5/11/2023 12:36:26 PM

    Good heavens !!!! There are wars ,floods , fires ,you name it and all you can complain about is somebody saying something you don't like. She didn't start a war or hurt anyone ,she just commented on things she thought were correct in her view .She may be right or they nay be right or vice versa , but , put it in context and start living and realizing just how lucky you really are . The USA is a big country with people who are for the most tolerant of people with different opinions .

  3. Cheese • 5/11/2023 1:25:20 PM

    People need to stop making a big deal out of everything Jenna Made the show better and yes it's unprofessional to change lines and all but she definitely improved the show with it

  4. Susan Martin • 5/11/2023 3:38:08 PM

    Jenna did an awesome job putting her foot down on things Wednesday would/wouldn't say. Anyone who is familiar with the ORIGINAL Addams Family, would KNOW Weds would NEVER, EVER say, "I love this dress"...unless is was covered in BLOOD from her murdering someone making her say, "I love this dress"!!! Kudos Jenna, for keeping the character genuine!

  5. Karl Varga • 5/12/2023 7:57:07 AM

    Not everyone has “ got the look and talent for acting. You can get 1000’s of writers graduating from universities waiting for their opportunities.

  6. Judy • 5/16/2023 11:20:42 AM

    She's already a narcissistic psychopath. Yikes.


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