Jenna Ortega in Providence? The Secret They Don’t Want You to Know

The streets of Providence, Rhode Island have been buzzing with excitement over the past week as rumors swirl about the potential presence of Jenna Ortega, star of Netflix’s Wednesday, on the set of the mysterious upcoming film tentatively titled “Ghostwriter.” With confirmed sightings of Glen Powell, and whispers of Samuel L. Jackson and Emma Mackey being involved, local fans and curious passersby are eager to know — was that really Jenna Ortega filming in their city?

While there has been no official confirmation from the movie’s producers, and no public appearances from Ortega herself, a series of eyewitness accounts and circumstantial clues have sparked widespread speculation that the raven-haired actress may, in fact, be working quietly in the heart of Rhode Island.

Glen Powell Confirmed in Providence

While much of the cast of Ghostwriter has kept a low profile, one star certainly hasn’t: Glen Powell, known for his recent role in Twisters, has been openly seen around Providence, East Providence, and Cranston on Monday and Tuesday, August 18 and 19. Locals have reported seeing him riding a bicycle, walking through closed film sets, and even shooting scenes around popular neighborhoods like Federal Hill.

His confirmed presence on set only added fuel to the speculation fire when others began claiming they had seen Jenna Ortega filming scenes alongside him.

Blonde Hair Raises Questions About Jenna Ortega’s Identity

One of the biggest points of confusion surrounding the potential presence of Jenna Ortega on the Ghostwriter set lies in the visual details. Specifically, the question of hair color.

Jenna Ortega, widely recognized for her striking dark hair, especially in her role as Wednesday Addams, was reportedly seen sporting blonde hair during filming in Glasgow, Scotland earlier this year. That transformation caught the attention of fans and media outlets alike. If the reports are true, she could be continuing to film with the same blonde look — a move likely required for her character in Ghostwriter.

So when a hip-looking blonde woman was spotted hanging around the cell phone store set on Wickenden Street on August 19, many onlookers began to wonder: could that be Ortega in disguise, or is it simply a stand-in?

Eyewitness Reports Add Fuel to the Fire

The speculation intensified on August 20, when a woman who had lent her apartment to the Ghostwriter production shared a curious piece of information with locals gathered on Benefit Street. According to her, someone involved in the filming had told her that Jenna Ortega was in the cell phone store scene being shot just down the block.

On the same day, the same mystery blonde woman was reportedly seen filming another scene with Glen Powell on Lily Street, located in the vibrant Federal Hill district. Observers described her as moving in sync with Powell during the scene, suggesting that she wasn’t merely standing in — she was acting.

This second sighting, so close to the first, and involving the same blonde figure, has led many to believe that Ortega may have been working quietly and purposefully on location without announcing her presence.

Production Silence Only Deepens the Mystery

So far, the Ghostwriter production team has offered no comment on whether the blonde woman seen on set is indeed Jenna Ortega. Given the film’s high profile and the involvement of J.J. Abrams, it’s possible that the secrecy is intentional.

The film began shooting in London and then moved to Edinburgh and Glasgow before relocating to the United States. Now, with filming scheduled to wrap up in Providence on August 24 or 25, time is running out for fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive cast.

The Point Street Bridge is expected to close for about 24 hours to accommodate final scenes — possibly signaling a major moment in the film that might include the main cast, including Ortega, Powell, or even Samuel L. Jackson.

Why Jenna Ortega’s Involvement Matters

The idea of Jenna Ortega being part of Ghostwriter adds significant weight to the film’s potential success. With her breakout role as Wednesday Addams turning her into one of the most recognized young stars in Hollywood, her attachment to the movie boosts audience interest and elevates the film’s profile.

Known for her ability to bring dark, complex characters to life, Ortega fits perfectly into what many expect to be a moody, suspense-driven story, especially under the direction of someone like J.J. Abrams. If her involvement is confirmed, it would also mark her continued rise in the industry — moving from gothic horror to high-stakes mystery thrillers.

Emma Mackey and Samuel L. Jackson Also Rumored

While the spotlight has been squarely focused on Ortega and Powell, it’s worth noting that Emma Mackey and Samuel L. Jackson are also attached to the project. Mackey, known for her work on Sex Education and Barbie, previously filmed scenes for Ella McCay in Providence in 2024. Though she hasn’t been spotted this time around, her familiarity with the city makes her presence all the more likely.

As for Jackson, his movements are notoriously discreet when filming, but the buzz surrounding his involvement has raised the stakes for fans waiting to see whether this movie becomes one of the major thrillers of 2026.

When Will We Know for Sure?

With the final days of filming approaching and no official statements, fans may have to wait for behind-the-scenes footage, a teaser trailer, or a cast list confirmation before knowing whether the woman seen on Wickenden and Lily Streets was in fact Jenna Ortega.

The possibility that producers are using lookalikes or stand-ins to keep the plot under wraps cannot be ruled out. However, given the striking similarities in appearance and the timeline connecting Glasgow to Providence, many believe that Ortega is here — just staying out of the spotlight.

Jenna Ortega in Providence – Mystery or Marketing?

So, was that ‘Wednesday’ star Jenna Ortega filming the J.J. Abrams movie in Providence? At this point, the answer remains unclear — but signs increasingly point toward yes. From the reported hair color change to eyewitness accounts on multiple days, all indicators suggest that the Netflix star may have made her way quietly to the East Coast to complete work on Ghostwriter.

Whether a brilliant piece of stealth marketing or simply an actress trying to avoid media attention, the rumors surrounding Ortega’s involvement have added a layer of real-world intrigue to what’s already shaping up to be a high-profile cinematic project.

As the city prepares to shut down roads for one last scene, Rhode Islanders — and the rest of the movie world — are left wondering whether the mystery blonde seen on set was, in fact, the queen of gothic cool herself: Jenna Ortega.