AceShowbiz - When it comes to iconic franchises like "The Addams Family," it's easy to see why some actors may feel hesitant about getting involved. For many performers, joining such a renowned and cherished series could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Yet, Wednesday star Jenna Ortega had her reservations before signing on for the Netflix spin-off. Her portrayal of Wednesday Addams is a pivotal moment in her career, but doubts lingered in her mind.

The first season of Wednesday premiered on Netflix in 2022, followed by a two-part second season release in 2025. The show centers around Ortega's character, a 16-year-old Wednesday Addams, who is sent to Nevermore Academy—a unique boarding institution for outcasts and monsters. Directed and produced by gothic cinema icon Tim Burton, the series blends elements of creepy comedy, murder mystery, and classic coming-of-age narratives. While Ortega may have taken the dark themes in stride, she was initially uncertain about joining another teen drama.

In an interview with The New York Times, Ortega candidly shared her feelings about the project: “I definitely had hesitations about doing it,” she explained, noting that she had already experienced similar roles in various teen-centric productions. Before stepping into the world of Wednesday, Ortega had portrayed multiple young characters in shows targeting adolescent audiences. However, Burton's distinctive blend of quirky horror offered a refreshing change from her previous performances.

Jenna Ortega's acting career began in childhood, with her debut in a 2012 episode of the CBS sitcom Rob. The following year, she had a minor, non-speaking role in Marvel's blockbuster Iron Man 3. Her breakthrough came when she was cast as young Jane in The CW’s hit series Jane the Virgin, which paved the way for her participation in various Disney Channel projects. She starred as Harley Diaz in Stuck in the Middle, lent her voice to Elena of Avalor, and appeared in shows like Bizaardvark and Big City Greens.

During her interview, Ortega also touched on the stigma often associated with being a Disney star. She remarked that audiences frequently pigeonhole actors from the Disney Channel, assuming that those roles define their entire career potential. Eventually, she transitioned from her Disney persona, securing a role in the second season of Netflix's You in 2019. Her experiences in several horror films, including Scream (2022), Studio 666, Scream VI, and American Carnage, prepared her for the dark and mysterious tone of Wednesday.

Ultimately, Ortega's decision to embrace the role of Wednesday Addams has proven to be a successful one, as the series has become a hit, with a third season already in development.