Jenna Ortega and Gwendoline Christie Share That They Really Opened Up to People After Wednesday Film

Among the many reasons Netflix’s Wednesday has become a global phenomenon, its unapologetic celebration of difference stands out the most. Set in the mysterious halls of Nevermore Academy — a haven for the misunderstood — the show embraces themes of alienation, self-acceptance, and personal transformation. But what makes these themes truly resonate is how Jenna Ortega and Gwendoline Christie, two of the show’s standout stars, have personally related to them.

During their Wednesday press tour stop in Sydney, Australia, both actresses opened up about what it means to be an outsider — not just on screen, but in real life. Their honesty revealed just how closely the spirit of the series aligns with their own experiences. And for fans who have ever felt different, rejected, or out of place, their stories are not only relatable — they’re empowering.

Jenna Ortega on Growing Up Feeling Misunderstood

From the very first episode, Jenna Ortega captured the essence of Wednesday Addams — sharp-witted, observant, and emotionally guarded. But what makes her portrayal so compelling is the authenticity behind it. According to Ortega, that sense of emotional distance and social disconnection is something she has lived with personally.

“I think I’ve always had a hard time relating to people,” Jenna Ortega said candidly in Sydney. “There’s a lot of preconceived ideas or notions about the way that I lead my life.”

Having entered the acting world at a young age, Ortega found herself straddling two vastly different realities. On one side was the highly structured world of film and television; on the other, the life of a typical teenager — full of friendships, school events, and everyday growing pains. The result? A feeling of being constantly in-between, not fully part of either world.

“That sort of thing just amplifies with the job that we do,” she explained, describing how acting can intensify feelings of emotional isolation. “You miss out on ordinary milestones. You’re living kind of two lives.”

Still, just as Wednesday Addams gradually opens up to others at Nevermore, Ortega has begun to find her own sense of community. “I’ve actually started hanging out with people or met people who shared similar interests with me, which was very exciting,” she shared. “I don’t think I really connected with people before.”

Now, what once felt like a burden has become a source of connection. “It’s been really exciting finding a sense of community,” Ortega reflected. In many ways, the same transformation that defines her on-screen character is also happening behind the scenes — a reminder that growth and acceptance can come when we least expect it.

Gwendoline Christie: “I Was Made to Be Extremely Aware of My Difference”

While Jenna Ortega explores the internal struggles of being misunderstood, Gwendoline Christie brings a different — but equally powerful — perspective. Known for her commanding screen presence and unique style, Christie has long stood out, both physically and artistically. But growing up, those same qualities often made her feel like an outsider.

“I’ve felt like an outsider for most of my life,” Christie revealed during the same interview. “Particularly growing up, I was made to be extremely aware of my difference to other people — physically and also my personality.”

That feeling of being different was something she carried for years, and it wasn’t always easy. However, Christie found her strength through creative work. “Really, it’s been my work that has afforded me a creative outlet,” she said. “Each time I’m involved with a project, I tend to be with like-minded souls.”

For Christie, acting became a space where her individuality wasn’t just tolerated — it was celebrated. “It’s through the craft of the work that one can find the qualities that set you apart but also enable you to be part of something larger than yourself,” she explained.

In Wednesday, her character — former Nevermore Academy Principal Larissa Weems — is elegant, composed, and fiercely protective of her students. Though Weems met a dramatic end in season one, the upcoming second installment teases a return in a surprising new role: as Wednesday Addams’ spirit guide. The comeback feels poetic. Just as Weems supported the misfits at Nevermore, Christie in real life has become a voice for those who have never quite fit in.

Why the Theme of Being an Outsider Resonates So Deeply

One of the show’s greatest achievements is how it reframes being different as a strength. Nevermore Academy isn’t a punishment — it’s a sanctuary. And in a world that often pushes conformity, Wednesday reminds viewers that individuality is not just acceptable, but powerful.

For Jenna Ortega, the journey of embracing that individuality is personal. Her experiences of loneliness, emotional distance, and social misalignment echo in her portrayal of Wednesday Addams. Yet, they also show that transformation is possible — that connection doesn’t require changing who you are, but rather finding people who see you clearly.

Likewise, Gwendoline Christie’s personal narrative reinforces the same message. Instead of seeing her difference as a weakness, she’s used it to carve out a space for herself in an industry that doesn’t always reward uniqueness. Her presence in Wednesday is a testament to how far embracing your individuality can take you — and how it can inspire others to do the same.

From Isolation to Empowerment

If there’s one thing Jenna Ortega and Gwendoline Christie want fans to take away from Wednesday, it’s that feeling like an outsider doesn’t have to be permanent — and it doesn’t have to be negative. In fact, being different can be the beginning of something remarkable.

As Ortega put it, “It’s been really exciting finding a sense of community now.” That community may start with shared interests, but it grows stronger through shared experiences, mutual respect, and acceptance — all core themes within Wednesday and within the lives of those who bring it to life.

Whether it’s Wednesday Addams slowly learning to trust Enid, or Larissa Weems guiding Nevermore students with a firm but empathetic hand, the message is clear: you don’t need to fit in to belong.

Final Thoughts: Why Wednesday Speaks to So Many

At its core, Wednesday is more than a gothic mystery drama. It’s a story about identity, growth, and embracing the parts of ourselves that don’t always fit neatly into a box. And thanks to the honesty of stars like Jenna Ortega and Gwendoline Christie, the show’s emotional truth becomes even more powerful.

Their willingness to share personal stories about isolation, self-discovery, and finding their people mirrors the very soul of the show. It’s not just fiction — it’s a reflection of real human experiences. And in a time where so many people feel misunderstood, overlooked, or pushed to the margins, Wednesday offers a rare and needed message:

It’s okay to be different. It’s okay to feel out of place. Because sometimes, what makes you an outsider is exactly what makes you extraordinary.