Jenna Ortega pays tribute to Ireland: “Romania has beautiful Gothic architecture, but so does Ireland”

While Wednes remains one of Netflix’s most popular series, Jenna Ortega is quickly becoming the beating heart of the show. With her captivating performance as Wednesday Addams, Ortega has breathed new life into a character that has endured for generations. But beyond the dark eyeliner and iconic deadpan stare, Ortega has shown tremendous depth and personal investment in this role—something that becomes even clearer as she reflects on the experience of filming the much-anticipated second season.

In a recent interview, Jenna Ortega shared insights that go far beyond plot summaries. From the immersive sets to the emotional layers of her character, and her profound love for Ireland as a filming location, Ortega’s commentary gives fans a deeper understanding of how this season came to life.

“Everything about Ireland was so beautiful” – A Personal Reflection

Of all her reflections, one sentiment stands out: “Everything about Ireland was so beautiful.” This isn’t just a throwaway comment about a filming location—it’s a heartfelt tribute to a country that clearly left a mark on the young actress.

“We were shooting in Ireland instead of Romania,” Jenna Ortega explained. “Romania had such beautiful gothic architecture, but Ireland did as well. And there was a lot of great locations that we got to use, which had very intense histories.”

By shifting production from Romania to Ashford Studios in County Wicklow, the series gained access to Ireland’s lush green landscapes, historic castles, and mystical ambiance—all of which played directly into the gothic tone of Wednesday.

But shooting in Ireland also presented unique challenges for the crew. Ortega noted, “The only real challenge we had was fighting the green – it was so bright for the show. (Laughs) Suddenly, the Addams looked alive!” Still, her admiration remained clear: “Everything about Ireland was so beautiful.”

Her words highlight not only the natural splendor of Ireland but also the hard work and passion of the local crew: “We had such a hard-working crew, people who really gave it their all. They were so skilled.”

Reuniting with Tim Burton: A Learning Experience

A significant part of Ortega’s journey in season two revolves around her evolving working relationship with revered director Tim Burton. Known for his stylized visuals and emotionally resonant portrayals of outsiders, Burton has found a kindred spirit in Ortega.

“What I love about working with Tim is that nothing’s really prepared for the day-to-day stuff,” Ortega said. “It’s really wonderful to be able to walk onto a set and let him take it in. He looks at it from every perspective, and it’s something fresh every day.”

For Ortega, this meant an ever-changing creative process—something rare in traditional television productions, where routine can sometimes dull spontaneity. “I think it’s really easy on a TV show to fall into routine habits and shots,” she explained. “But some days Tim might want to do a lot of set-ups, and sometimes he wants to fit it all into one. Or sometimes he bases it off a single line, which is really fascinating.”

This unconventional approach created an artistic environment where Ortega was able to grow not just as an actress, but as a collaborator.

Deepening the Character of Wednesday Addams

As the lead, Jenna Ortega carries the weight of the show on her shoulders. But rather than shying away from that pressure, she seems to thrive under it—especially when it comes to exploring the emotional intricacies of Wednesday Addams.

“She’s not very vulnerable in general, because she’s usually the smartest in the room,” Ortega noted. “But she never denies her love, hate, or passion for her family – and Enid sort of naturally becomes that.”

This quote points to a major theme in season two: emotional growth. While the show continues to explore gothic horror, psychic powers, and dark mysteries, Ortega brings attention to a much quieter but equally compelling arc—Wednesday’s evolving capacity for emotional connection.

In season one, the finale hinted at a deeper bond forming between Wednesday and her roommate Enid Sinclair (Emma Myers). Ortega reflects on that moment with insight: “I think sometimes, something really traumatic and terrible happens to you, like a hug, and you just pretend it never happened. That’s kind of what Wednesday does.”

She continues, “She really lets her guard down with Enid at the end of the first season, and in the second season, she doesn’t want to be questioned on her relationship with Enid. She’s become family – it’s one of those undeniable things.”

A New Visual Language: Irish Landscapes and Gothic Sets

Season two gave production designer Mark Scruton and his team a fresh canvas. With more trust from Netflix, the design department was able to explore bold creative directions—something Ortega clearly noticed and appreciated.

“It was just absolutely beautiful,” Ortega said of the new sets. “We had the privilege of getting to burn down a majority of the school at the end of the first season, so we got to start almost entirely from scratch. It was great to see these new, beautiful castles covered in moss and cobwebs.”

These moss-covered structures and haunted landscapes reflect more than just aesthetic ambition. They serve as metaphors for Wednesday Addams herself—elegant, eerie, and layered with history. According to Ortega, the atmosphere created a space where the entire cast and crew could push deeper into the emotional and narrative core of the series.

Jenna Ortega’s Commitment to Authenticity

One of the most striking aspects of Ortega’s approach is how personally she connects with the material. She doesn’t treat Wednesday as just a character she’s playing—she embodies her with genuine emotional insight.

“Wednesday isn’t someone who talks about her feelings,” Ortega shared. “So she doesn’t really have to talk about it – she just does it.”

This no-nonsense approach, much like the character herself, is also evident in how Ortega discusses her on-set work ethic. According to Tim Burton, “I remember on the first day of season one, Jenna was there before anybody else. She was watching everything – she knows more than I know sometimes.”

Such dedication has not gone unnoticed. Ortega’s commitment adds depth and authenticity to the show, grounding its fantastical elements in emotionally real performances.

A Love Letter to Ireland and Storytelling

As Ortega continues to grow into her role both on and off-screen, it’s clear that her connection to Ireland, her creative rapport with Tim Burton, and her deep understanding of Wednesday Addams are what truly define this new season.

“Everything about Ireland was so beautiful,” she repeats—a line that encapsulates not only the landscapes and history of the country but the entire spirit of season two. This isn’t just a new chapter in the Wednesday saga—it’s a testament to how environment, artistry, and emotion can come together to create something truly special.

Final Thoughts

Jenna Ortega has proven that she is much more than a young star riding the wave of a hit show. She is a thoughtful, intuitive, and fearless performer who brings authenticity and nuance to every scene. Her reflections on filming in Ireland, working with Tim Burton, and shaping Wednesday Addams into a more complex and emotionally resonant character provide fans with a new appreciation for the series.

And while the shadows of Nevermore Academy remain thick and mysterious, one thing is crystal clear: Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday has found her place—not just on screen, but in the hearts of fans around the world.