The Queen of Modern Horror: How Jenna Ortega Became the New Face of Teen Slasher and Psychological Thrillers

In recent years, the horror genre—especially the teen slasher and psychological horror subgenres—has experienced a dynamic rebirth. Central to this resurgence is Jenna Ortega, whose career trajectory is reshaping the landscape of modern horror and redefining the archetype of the “final girl.” With pivotal roles in major horror and thriller titles like Scream (2022), X (2022), The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020), and the hit Netflix series Wednesday (2022), Ortega has cemented herself as the new scream icon for a generation craving fresh, authentic voices in horror and dark storytelling. But how exactly did she achieve this status, and why does she represent a significant shift in the genre’s storytelling?

Reviving the Teen Slasher and Psychological Horror: Jenna Ortega’s Breakthrough Roles

The teen slasher genre—once dominated by franchises like Halloween and Scream—has long relied on a formula: a group of young people stalked by a relentless killer, with one girl usually emerging as the survivor or “final girl.” In the early 2020s, this genre faced a creative challenge. Audiences grew tired of repetitive tropes and predictable narratives, craving something that felt both contemporary and culturally relevant. Enter Jenna Ortega.

Scream (2022): A New Era of Terror

Ortega’s role as Tara Carpenter in Scream (2022) marked a significant moment in her horror career. The Scream franchise has always been about meta-commentary—self-aware, witty, and layered with genre critique. Ortega’s Tara was a smart, relatable teenager who faced a terrifying ordeal, but what set her apart was the blend of vulnerability and resilience she brought to the role. Unlike previous “final girls,” Tara felt authentic and modern, reflecting a generation shaped by social media, anxieties, and a nuanced understanding of trauma.

Ortega’s performance helped the franchise stay relevant, bridging the gap between longtime fans and new audiences. She brought a fresh face to a classic narrative, proving that the final girl archetype could evolve without losing its core essence of strength and survival.

X (2022): Challenging Norms with a Bold Horror Experience

In X, directed by Ti West, Jenna Ortega took on the role of Maxine Minx, a young woman thrust into a violent nightmare while filming an adult movie in rural Texas. This film diverged from the typical slasher setup by merging elements of retro horror with a raw exploration of ambition, innocence, and mortality.

Ortega’s Maxine is more than just a victim; she is a complex character navigating a hostile environment with grit and determination. Her performance showcased her ability to carry a film as a protagonist who is simultaneously vulnerable and fierce, broadening the scope of what a horror lead could be.

The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020): Horror Comedy with Heart

While Scream and X demonstrate Ortega’s dramatic horror chops, The Babysitter: Killer Queen highlights her versatility. This horror-comedy sequel blends dark humor with gore, and Ortega’s role contributes to the film’s youthful energy and irreverent tone. Here, she taps into a playful side of the genre, showing that the scream icon doesn’t always have to be serious—sometimes, she can also deliver laughs amidst the chaos.

Wednesday (2022): The Dark Psychological Thriller Reimagined

Arguably one of Ortega’s most iconic roles to date is her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the Netflix series Wednesday. Though not a traditional slasher film, Wednesday infuses the gothic and macabre with psychological thriller elements and mystery, amplifying Ortega’s reputation as a queen of dark, horror-adjacent storytelling.

Her performance as Wednesday Addams—an intelligent, sardonic, and fiercely independent young woman with a fascination for the dark and supernatural—redefined the character for a new generation. The series blends teen drama, horror, and supernatural mystery, allowing Ortega to showcase her range while deepening the modern “final girl” archetype to include intellectual depth, dry wit, and emotional complexity.

This role also expands her influence beyond the confines of pure horror into a broader cultural phenomenon, blending horror aesthetics with mainstream appeal, thus further solidifying Ortega’s status as a defining figure in contemporary horror and dark fantasy.

Redefining the “Final Girl” for a New Generation

The “final girl” trope—coined by film theorist Carol J. Clover—traditionally features a virtuous, often virginal young woman who outlasts her tormentor. But Jenna Ortega’s characters are rewriting this script. They’re more layered, diverse, and reflective of modern realities.

• Authenticity: Ortega’s portrayals feel genuine. She brings a depth that resonates with audiences, portraying fear, courage, and resilience in ways that go beyond clichés.

• Diversity: As a Latina actress, Ortega’s visibility in horror contributes to much-needed representation in a genre historically dominated by white leads. This diversity adds fresh perspectives and stories that broaden the genre’s appeal.

• Agency: Ortega’s characters often make active choices, demonstrating intelligence and resourcefulness rather than passivity. This shift empowers her “final girls” as proactive survivors.

• Complexity: Especially through Wednesday, Ortega’s characters are not just survivors but deeply flawed, intellectual, and emotionally intricate, reflecting the evolving nature of horror protagonists.

Jenna Ortega’s Impact on Modern Horror Culture

Ortega’s rise coincides with a broader cultural movement that values diversity, complexity, and subversion of traditional storytelling. Horror has always been a mirror to societal fears and changes, and Ortega’s presence in these films and series signals a genre in evolution.

Social Media and Fan Engagement

Jenna Ortega connects with fans beyond the screen through her active social media presence, where she openly discusses mental health, representation, and her passion for horror. This accessibility helps humanize the scream icon, making her a relatable figure and inspiring a loyal fan base invested not only in her characters but also in her as a person.

Influence on Emerging Talent and Genre Trends

Ortega’s success is inspiring other young actors and filmmakers to approach horror with a fresh lens. Producers and studios recognize the commercial and critical value of diverse leads who can carry horror films and shows with nuance and authenticity. As a result, the genre is seeing more experimental storytelling and inclusive casting choices.

The Future of Horror with Jenna Ortega Leading the Charge

As the queen of modern horror, Jenna Ortega is poised to shape the genre’s next chapter. Her body of work reflects a commitment to roles that challenge stereotypes and push creative boundaries. Fans and critics alike eagerly await her upcoming projects, expecting her to continue breaking new ground.

Her ability to embody the modern final girl—fearless, multifaceted, and authentic—offers a blueprint for future horror protagonists. In doing so, she honors the legacy of classic scream queens while paving the way for new stories that resonate with today’s audiences.

Conclusion

Jenna Ortega’s rise to prominence in horror and dark fantasy is more than just a career milestone; it’s a cultural shift. By breathing new life into the teen slasher genre and redefining the “final girl” for the 21st century—both through films like Scream, X, The Babysitter: Killer Queen and through the psychological thriller Wednesday—she has earned her place as the new scream icon. Ortega embodies the evolution of horror, embracing diversity, complexity, and emotional truth.

For fans of horror, thriller, and dark fantasy alike, Jenna Ortega represents not only the future of scream queens but also the enduring power of the genre to adapt, challenge, and terrify with fresh energy. The queen of modern horror has arrived, and her reign is just beginning.