The Bizarre Reason Jenna Ortega Refused to Blink During ‘Wednesday’ — A Director’s Bold Move

One of the most talked-about elements of the hit Netflix series “Wednesday” is the intense, almost eerie performance delivered by Jenna Ortega in the title role. But beyond her haunting voice, deadpan humor, and gothic wardrobe, there’s one thing viewers can’t stop noticing: she rarely blinks.

Yes, if you’ve seen “Wednesday”, you’ve probably caught yourself asking: “Why doesn’t she blink?” That wasn’t a post-production trick or a digital edit — it was completely intentional. In fact, Jenna Ortega went through the entire filming of the series almost without blinking at all. And the story behind that decision might surprise you.

Jenna Ortega’s Unblinking Performance in “Wednesday”

Jenna Ortega, who plays the famously morbid and stoic Wednesday Addams, has received critical acclaim for her unique portrayal of the iconic character. The series is a modern take on the classic “Addams Family”, and under the direction of Tim Burton, the show has quickly become a fan favorite.

From her monotone delivery to her calculated stillness, Ortega’s performance adds a chilling depth to the role — and the lack of blinking is a huge part of that effect.

The Decision Not to Blink Came From Tim Burton

According to multiple interviews and behind-the-scenes sources, the idea for Jenna Ortega not to blink came directly from Tim Burton, the visionary director behind the first four episodes of “Wednesday”. During one of the early rehearsals, Burton noticed how compelling Ortega’s stare was when she kept her eyes wide open during a scene. He immediately suggested that she avoid blinking throughout the entire series to enhance the unsettling and mysterious tone of her character.

“He came up to me and said, ‘I don’t want you to blink. If you blink, I’ll take it out in the edit.’ So I just stopped blinking altogether,” Ortega shared in an interview. This bold directorial choice became one of the defining visual elements of her performance.

How Many Times Did Jenna Ortega Blink in the Series?

Fans have gone to great lengths to analyze Ortega’s on-screen presence. Several eagle-eyed viewers claim that Jenna Ortega only blinks around 9 times throughout the entire season of “Wednesday.” When you consider that most people blink about 15 to 20 times per minute, that’s an almost superhuman level of control.

This remarkable statistic has become a viral point of interest online, sparking both admiration and concern. How could someone go through long, emotional scenes without even flinching, let alone blinking?

The Physical Challenge of Not Blinking

Let’s be honest: not blinking is hard. Try staring at one point for even just 60 seconds without blinking. Your eyes start to water, your vision gets blurry, and your natural reflexes kick in. Now imagine doing that while delivering complex dialogue under bright lights and multiple camera angles.

For Jenna Ortega, this wasn’t just a visual gimmick — it was a physically demanding commitment. Not blinking made every scene more intense, but it also required an immense level of focus and endurance. It’s a testament to her dedication as an actress that she could carry out such a challenge across multiple takes and long shooting days.

Criticism and Controversy Around the No-Blink Rule

While many have praised Ortega’s commitment to the role, others have voiced concerns about the pressure placed on young actors, particularly when the demand crosses into extreme physical or emotional effort.

Some critics have commented that “it’s a lot of dedication to a role, but on the other hand, it’s unfair to expect so much from someone.” They argue that Tim Burton’s vision, though artistically valid, may have pushed Ortega into uncomfortable territory — especially considering how young she is and how physically straining such a performance can be.

However, Ortega herself has not expressed regret. Instead, she seems proud of the unique performance, which has set her portrayal of Wednesday Addams apart from any previous version.

The Psychological Layer: When Jenna Ortega Does Blink

One of the most fascinating aspects of this creative decision is that Jenna Ortega only blinks during specific, emotional scenes. In several instances, she blinks only when her character becomes vulnerable, or when discussing deeply sensitive or personal topics.

This subtle technique adds another psychological layer to her performance. It tells the audience that Wednesday Addams, while outwardly cold and composed, is still human — and those rare blinks become moments of truth, discomfort, or emotional weakness.

So rather than being a simple stylistic choice, the lack of blinking turns into an acting tool that speaks volumes about the character’s internal state.

Tim Burton’s Unique Vision Shaped “Wednesday”

Of course, none of this would have been possible without Tim Burton’s artistic direction. Known for his dark, quirky, and visually rich storytelling, Burton has always had a talent for creating otherworldly characters that blur the lines between odd and endearing.

In “Wednesday”, Burton’s fingerprints are everywhere — from the gothic architecture of Nevermore Academy to the deeply stylized cinematography. But it’s his attention to small, almost subconscious details — like the absence of blinking — that give the show its hypnotic, eerie mood.

Jenna Ortega’s Rising Stardom After “Wednesday”

Since the release of “Wednesday”, Jenna Ortega has become a household name. Her performance has been described as iconic, and her commitment to the role has drawn widespread acclaim from both fans and industry professionals.

Her portrayal of Wednesday Addams is not just a role — it’s a transformation. She completely disappears into the character, creating a version of Wednesday that feels fresh, intense, and unforgettable.

Ortega has now joined the ranks of Hollywood’s most promising young stars, and many are watching closely to see what roles she will take on next.

Final Thoughts: Why the No-Blinking Technique Worked

At first glance, the idea of not blinking might sound like a gimmick. But in the context of “Wednesday”, it becomes a powerful storytelling device. Jenna Ortega didn’t just play Wednesday Addams — she embodied her. From the stillness of her posture to the coldness of her stare, everything about her performance radiates a controlled tension that keeps viewers glued to the screen.

The lack of blinking makes her seem otherworldly, disconnected, and almost emotionless — exactly how Wednesday should feel. But the rare, calculated blinks allow just enough humanity to seep through, making the character nuanced and intriguing.

It’s not just a visual trick. It’s acting, direction, and storytelling all working in harmony.

Conclusion: A Small Choice With a Big Impact

Sometimes, it’s the smallest choices that make the biggest impact. In the case of “Wednesday”, the decision to have Jenna Ortega avoid blinking may seem minor — but it has become one of the most talked-about elements of the entire show.

It takes incredible discipline, creative trust, and emotional intelligence to carry out such a demanding acting choice. And yet, Jenna Ortega not only met the challenge — she redefined an iconic character in the process.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Addams Family or a newcomer to the world of Nevermore, one thing is clear: the unblinking stare of Wednesday Addams is something you’ll never forget.