Jenna Ortega Wants to Direct Her Own Film: Reveals Her Dream of Holding a Camera With a Shocking Project

Jenna Ortega, one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars, has already left a significant mark in film and television. From her breakout role in Wednesday to her chilling performances in X, Scream, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, she’s proven time and time again that she’s more than just a rising star — she’s a creative force.

Now, Ortega has revealed what many fans have been hoping to hear: she has ambitions beyond acting. During a recent press event, the 22-year-old actress opened up about her aspirations to direct films one day — and the kind of stories she wants to tell might just surprise you.

Jenna Ortega Isn’t Just Thinking About Directing — She’s Visualizing It

Speaking with People during promotion for Wednesday Season 2, Jenna Ortega offered candid insights into the kinds of films she dreams of directing. While many actors transitioning to directing often choose dramas or indie romances, Ortega’s taste is, unsurprisingly, a little darker.

“It’d either be, like, really graphic and German, or really grounded and nasty,” she said.

That statement alone paints a vivid picture of the kind of filmmaker she might become — someone who doesn’t shy away from gritty, emotionally charged, and possibly disturbing content. And when you consider her acting resume, it all makes perfect sense.

Why Jenna Ortega’s Directing Vision Isn’t a Shock to Horror Fans

For those familiar with Jenna Ortega’s filmography, her desire to helm gritty and surreal films isn’t exactly unexpected. She’s carved out a niche for herself in modern horror, starring in a string of self-aware, genre-bending titles that have earned her widespread acclaim.

From her chilling performance in X, directed by Ti West, to her work in Scream and Wednesday, Ortega has consistently chosen projects that subvert expectations. In fact, her performances often blur the line between vulnerability and unflinching strength, a balance she clearly values both on-screen and behind the scenes.

It’s this deep understanding of tone, character, and atmosphere that has fans and critics alike excited about what a Jenna Ortega-directed film could look like.

A Love for the Surreal and the Grounded

In the same interview, Ortega elaborated on the kinds of films that inspire her. She explained that she enjoys movies that are “grounded with a hint of surrealism,” a style that often resonates deeply with fans of horror, psychological thrillers, and experimental dramas.

“Maybe that’s part of the reason why I like horror so much,” Ortega added, “because oftentimes it goes to this kind of unbelievable state.”

This subtle observation reveals a lot about Ortega’s artistic values. She’s not chasing jump scares or cheap thrills. Instead, she seems fascinated by how horror — and cinema in general — can reflect human truths in heightened, stylized ways.

Wednesday Season 2 and Her Connection to the Macabre

It’s impossible to discuss Jenna Ortega’s creative direction without mentioning Wednesday, the Netflix megahit that catapulted her into global superstardom. Ortega not only portrayed the iconic Wednesday Addams with depth and nuance, but she also played a pivotal role in shaping the tone of the series. She reportedly voiced creative concerns during production, emphasizing the importance of keeping the character’s authenticity intact.

Season 2 of Wednesday, which recently premiered as part of the 2025 Netflix release schedule, continues to reflect Ortega’s influence. In fact, some reports suggest she pushed for the new season to lean even more heavily into horror — aligning with her broader vision for the kinds of stories she wants to tell, whether as an actress or a future director.

So When Will Jenna Ortega Direct?

As exciting as Ortega’s directing ambitions are, she’s quick to temper expectations. Despite her passion for storytelling, she made it clear she’s not quite ready to step behind the camera just yet.

“I haven’t gotten to that point in my life yet,” she said. “And while that’s something that I can dream — to do it — I think it’s very different once you start to experience it.”

This mature and thoughtful response reflects Ortega’s grounded approach to her career. With multiple projects in progress — including Death of a Unicorn and Hurry Up Tomorrow, both released in 2025 — she’s already juggling a packed schedule. But that doesn’t mean the dream is on hold forever.

It simply means that when the time comes, she wants to do it right.

Why Fans Are Already Excited for a Jenna Ortega-Directed Film

Whether or not Jenna Ortega directs in the next few years, it’s clear her fans are eager to see what she’ll bring to the table. And why not? She’s already demonstrated a keen eye for choosing bold and unconventional roles. Her understanding of storytelling goes beyond dialogue and into mood, tone, and psychological complexity — all key ingredients for an impactful director.

What’s more, her desire to direct something “really graphic and German” shows she isn’t interested in playing it safe. She’s drawn to cinema that challenges, provokes, and evokes. And in an era of increasingly formulaic content, that ambition is refreshing.

Horror, Surrealism, and the Future of Jenna Ortega

The genres Jenna Ortega gravitates toward — horror, surrealism, and grounded drama — are enjoying a renaissance. With auteurs like Ari Aster, Robert Eggers, and Julia Ducournau redefining genre boundaries, Ortega’s cinematic taste places her in excellent company.

It also means there’s plenty of room for her unique voice. Whether she explores psychological horror, arthouse surrealism, or gritty indie drama, her experience on the front lines of genre cinema will give her a valuable edge.

And as streaming platforms continue to support bold, experimental storytelling, Ortega may find the perfect home for her future directorial debut.

Final Thoughts: The Director’s Chair Awaits

Jenna Ortega is far more than a talented actress. She’s a creative powerhouse with a clear vision, a love for offbeat stories, and a deep appreciation for the art of filmmaking. While she’s not ready to direct just yet, her openness about her aspirations offers fans a glimpse into her long-term goals.

And if her acting career is any indication, her directorial path — when it comes — will be anything but ordinary.

Until then, we’ll be watching her performances, listening to her interviews, and waiting for the day when:

“Directed by Jenna Ortega” finally hits the big screen.