She’s Not Just Acting — Jenna Ortega Is Calling the Shots in Wednesday Season 2

In the world of streaming, few stars have risen as quickly and impressively as Jenna Ortega. After captivating millions as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s gothic mega-hit Wednesday, Ortega has returned for Season 2 not just as an actress, but also as a producer, proving that she’s far more than just the face of the franchise — she’s its driving force.

With Tim Burton returning to direct and the ensemble cast diving deeper into the Addams Family world, it’s Ortega’s behind-the-scenes evolution that is making the most waves. From pushing creative decisions to redefining her character’s complexity, Ortega is stepping into new territory, and audiences are taking notice.

Jenna Ortega: From Star to Producer

Jenna Ortega began her career in Hollywood at a young age, but her role in Wednesday marked a cultural breakthrough. With Wednesday Addams quickly becoming a Gen Z icon for her confidence, sarcasm, and authenticity, Ortega embraced the responsibility of carrying a franchise on her shoulders.

Now in Season 2, she’s taken on even more responsibility, becoming an executive producer alongside showrunners and Burton himself.

“There’s so much to learn,” Ortega said during a recent press conference. “What I love about working with Tim is that nothing is really prepared for the day-to-day stuff. So it’s really wonderful to walk onto set and have something fresh every day.”

By stepping into a production role, Ortega is helping to shape everything from tone to set design — giving her a deeper hand in how Wednesday’s world is built.

Why Wednesday Addams Resonates with Jenna Ortega

It’s easy to see why Wednesday Addams feels like a natural fit for Ortega. She’s spoken openly about relating to the character’s honesty, sharpness, and refusal to fit into conventional molds.

“Most characters on TV are written to have some painful insecurity,” Ortega explained. “But Wednesday is so unapologetically herself. It’s nice to step into those shoes.”

That clarity of identity is something Ortega believes resonates especially with young people navigating a world dominated by social media and external expectations. In Wednesday, she sees a kind of emotional freedom — and she’s determined to portray it truthfully.

Mastering Weapons, Wit, and Wardrobe: Jenna’s Season 2 Prep

Stepping into Season 2, Jenna Ortega didn’t just return to familiar territory. She also had to expand her skills — particularly with the increase in action sequences. That meant weapons training and physical preparation unlike anything she’d done before.

“There were a couple of weapons I had to learn to use that I hadn’t used on people before,” she joked. “But I hear I was a quick student.”

In addition to the stunts, Ortega worked closely with the wardrobe team to evolve Wednesday’s iconic look, subtly reflecting the character’s inner growth. Her approach remained hands-on — ensuring that every element of Wednesday’s presence remained true to the character while evolving alongside the narrative.

A New Creative Playground: Filming in Ireland

One major change in Season 2 was the shift in filming location. While the first season was shot in Romania, this time the cast and crew traveled to Ireland, giving the show a fresh yet equally gothic backdrop.

Ortega praised the new setting, noting that Ireland’s atmosphere — filled with history, fog, and crumbling castles — gave the show an organic sense of mystery.

“There was a lot more creative freedom this time,” she noted, citing how Netflix gave the production team more space to explore visually intense locations. With Nevermore Academy partially rebuilt after the dramatic finale of Season 1, the new sets in Ireland reflect a world that’s darker, more dangerous, and more emotionally charged — just like Wednesday herself.

Jenna Ortega and Tim Burton: A Creative Bond

The dynamic between Jenna Ortega and Tim Burton is one of the core reasons Wednesday has become a cultural touchstone. Ortega often describes Burton as her favorite director and someone who shares her love of the strange and emotionally layered.

“He’s one of the funniest people I know,” Ortega said. “And what’s great about Tim is he doesn’t stick to routine. He sees things from every angle. Every day is different with him, and that keeps me on my toes.”

Their collaborative spirit was especially important in shaping Wednesday’s tone for Season 2, as the series walks a tightrope between gothic darkness and emotional depth.

Becoming the Voice of a Generation

Whether intentional or not, Jenna Ortega has become something of a voice for a generation. Through Wednesday, she gives younger viewers permission to be weird, to be quiet, to be bold — and to be wholly themselves.

Her influence goes beyond the screen. As a Latina actress, producer, and creative voice in one of the most-watched shows on Netflix, she represents a broader shift in Hollywood — one where young women aren’t just starring in shows, they’re helping to build them.

Catherine Zeta-Jones on Watching Jenna Grow

Even co-stars like Catherine Zeta-Jones, who plays Morticia Addams, have praised Ortega’s evolution as both an actress and leader.

“She’s grown so much between seasons,” Zeta-Jones shared. “She’s strong, focused, and very clear on who her character is and what the show needs.”

In Season 2, Ortega’s increased role means she also has greater interaction with characters like Morticia and Gomez, as the Addams family dynamic becomes more central to the plot.

What to Expect from Jenna Ortega in the Future

With Wednesday Season 2 poised to dominate the streaming charts once again, Ortega’s future looks brighter — and darker — than ever. She’s reportedly taking on other high-profile roles in upcoming films and has expressed interest in directing one day.

If her transition from actress to producer is any indication, Jenna Ortega isn’t just interested in taking direction — she’s determined to create it.

The Era of Jenna Ortega Has Just Begun

From leading one of Netflix’s most successful shows to becoming an executive producer at just 22, Jenna Ortega is defining what it means to be a modern television icon. Her portrayal of Wednesday Addams is more than just a role — it’s a reflection of her creative power, intelligence, and fearless originality.

As Wednesday Season 2 rolls out, all eyes are on Ortega — not just to see what she’ll do next as an actress, but as a storyteller and cultural force in her own right.