Jenna Ortega is aiming bigger than just executive producer

In recent years, Jenna Ortega has become a household name, thanks to her breakout roles in film and television. Most notably, her performance in Netflix’s “Wednesday” has catapulted her into global stardom. But acting is no longer the only focus for the rising star. With a growing desire to shape stories from behind the lens, Jenna Ortega eyeing directing signals a new phase in her artistic journey—one defined by creativity, control, and vision.

A Rising Star in Control of Her Narrative

Jenna Ortega has demonstrated remarkable range and maturity in her acting, transitioning seamlessly between genres—from horror and drama to dark comedy. However, what makes her stand out among her generation is not just her screen presence, but her evolving role behind the scenes.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone AU/NZ, Ortega discussed how her involvement in “Wednesday” Season 2 deepened beyond acting. As she stepped into the role of executive producer, she experienced a new layer of responsibility that allowed her to be part of the decision-making process.

According to Ortega, this shift happened naturally during the filming of Season 1 in Romania. “I naturally just started to become more involved as the months went on,” she said. “There was a lot of creative collaboration happening.”

The move into executive production was more than a title—it marked the beginning of Ortega’s transition into leadership in storytelling.

The Role of Executive Producer: Learning by Doing

For Ortega, executive producing wasn’t just about having a credit in the opening sequence. It was about immersing herself in the full production process. She became engaged in both creative and technical discussions, balancing her on-camera duties with behind-the-scenes input.

“So, the second time, it just was kind of further elaborating on that,” she explained. “If anything, I just kind of got to be in on the less creative stuff and a lot more of the technical stuff which is still really exciting to me and new for me.”

This behind-the-scenes involvement gave Ortega an opportunity that many actors don’t often receive: a view into the machinery of storytelling from development through post-production. She described it as opening a “new door,” one she didn’t know existed before. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, Ortega embraced the challenge. “It was great being able to learn a lot of other things, but I didn’t feel strained.”

It’s this curiosity and willingness to grow that underpins the idea of Jenna Ortega eyeing directing. Her transition feels less like a departure and more like an evolution.

A Natural Fit for the Director’s Chair

When asked directly whether she would like to direct in the future, Ortega didn’t hesitate. “Yes. Yes, I would.”

This moment—simple yet powerful—marks the beginning of a new narrative arc in her career. With years of experience in front of the camera, and now significant time spent behind it, Jenna Ortega eyeing directing feels not just logical but inevitable.

Her experiences on “Wednesday,” particularly under the creative guidance of Tim Burton, have exposed her to high-level artistic decisions that go far beyond performance. Working closely with someone as visually distinctive as Burton has helped shape Ortega’s understanding of storytelling, mood, and visual language.

Tim Burton’s Trust in Jenna Ortega

Tim Burton, known for his unique cinematic style and gothic sensibilities, saw something special in Ortega from their very first Zoom call. Casting during the COVID-19 pandemic meant he hadn’t met her in person until production began.

“I mean, this was during COVID, so I only met Jenna when we were casting by Zoom,” Burton said. “In fact, I didn’t actually see her until we started shooting. But it was amazing—even by Zoom, she was obviously the right person and was completely Wednesday.”

Burton’s confidence in Ortega speaks volumes. For a director of his caliber to recognize her potential so quickly underscores how deeply Ortega embodies her characters—and how naturally she could take on the director’s role herself.

Their collaboration on “Wednesday” was more than just actor and director. It was a creative partnership. And as Ortega moves into production roles, she carries with her the lessons learned from working alongside one of the most visually inventive directors in modern cinema.

The Influence of “Wednesday” on Ortega’s Artistic Growth

“Wednesday” has been more than a successful series for Ortega—it has been a transformative experience. The show’s unique tone, blending dark humor with supernatural mystery, demanded that Ortega explore layers of performance and character work. But it also placed her in an environment filled with collaborative storytelling.

The massive success of the show—garnering 50 million views within five days of its premiere—demonstrates the power of well-crafted, character-driven narratives. Ortega has seen firsthand what it takes to make such a show resonate with global audiences, from script development and casting to camera work and post-production editing.

With the upcoming Season 2 of “Wednesday” premiering on September 3rd, all eyes are once again on Ortega. But this time, fans and industry insiders are watching not just for her performance, but for her expanding influence behind the scenes.

Jenna Ortega Eyeing Directing: A Sign of What’s to Come

There is a growing movement of actors taking control of their creative futures by stepping into directing. From Jordan Peele to Greta Gerwig, many have transitioned successfully from acting to directing. Ortega’s potential move is part of this broader trend—but with her own unique voice and perspective.

Her journey speaks to the importance of agency in storytelling. By directing, Ortega would not only interpret stories—she would craft them from the ground up. Her background, experiences, and passion for the creative process suggest that her directorial projects will be rich with perspective, detail, and emotional intelligence.

It’s not just about ambition. It’s about vision. And Ortega seems to have plenty of it.

What Could a Jenna Ortega-Directed Project Look Like?

While she has not publicly revealed any specific plans or concepts, one can imagine Ortega taking on material that is emotionally resonant, stylistically bold, and narratively compelling. Her acting career already demonstrates a penchant for complex characters and psychological depth. These elements could become hallmarks of her directorial work.

Genres like psychological drama, dark coming-of-age stories, and even supernatural thrillers could provide fertile ground for her debut. Whatever the direction, it’s likely that her first project behind the camera will reflect her growth, her generation, and her vision of storytelling in today’s entertainment landscape.

Conclusion: The Creative Future of Jenna Ortega

As Jenna Ortega eyeing directing becomes a headline shared across entertainment news, it represents more than just a career pivot. It’s a testament to her maturity, her ambition, and her deepening love for storytelling.

From child actor to globally recognized lead, to now a creative force behind the camera, Ortega is building a legacy rooted in curiosity and commitment. Her journey through “Wednesday” has opened new doors—not just to roles, but to creative control and direction.

If her past work is any indication, her future as a director promises to be just as impactful, layered, and inspiring as her performances on screen.