Jenna Ortega Details Plans to Step Back from Television
Jenna Ortega has established herself as one of the most visible performers of her generation, but the 23-year-old American actress is ready to shift gears. Despite her relatively young age, Ortega has built an extensive portfolio spanning major streaming hits, indie cinema, and mainstream studio franchises. However, as she contemplates the trajectory of her career, she has revealed intentions to scale back her small-screen commitments once her commitments to Netflix’s Wednesday conclude.
During an appearance on Josh Horowitz’s YouTube channel for an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Ortega discussed the fatigue that can accompany recurring television productions. When Horowitz asked whether the reality of locking herself into “an ongoing commitment of a franchise” causes apprehension given her involvement in multiple properties, Ortega addressed where her creative priorities currently rest. She noted that she hasn’t “had a lot of franchise [sic] conversations” recently and approaches casting with the perspective that what she is “meant to do will come and find me.”
Looking beyond her current titular role as Wednesday Addams, Ortega confirmed she will likely withdraw from serialized television work in the immediate future. “You know, I had many years doing that. I was bouncing from show to show as a kid,” she explained regarding her choice. She emphasized her desire for personal and professional evolution, noting: “I want to leave time for new things.”
A Grueling Early Career and Prioritizing Self-Care
Ortega’s drive began long before her breakthrough in Wednesday, a cameo in Marvel projects, or her arc on the hit Netflix thriller You. As a young actress, she carried the Disney Channel sitcom Stuck in the Middle as Harley Diaz, working continuously from a young age. In previous reflections shared with Esquire, Ortega acknowledged that she “was not actually looking after myself” while navigating the intense demands of back-to-back productions.
“I wasn’t asking for a sip of water,” she recalled. “I would go all day without eating, drinking, whatever, because I wanted so badly to not be in the way of anybody.” Looking back on the toll that intense focus took on her early life, Ortega added: “Maybe that was my mistake, was not actually looking after myself.”
That discipline originated early in her childhood, when she first set her sights on the entertainment industry. “I was seven years old when I said I wanted to do this,” Ortega told Esquire. “My parents laughed at me when I told them that I wanted to do it, and then that was kind of the root of everything. The motivation. And I never really stopped, because I’m very stubborn. And then I never questioned it.”
Looking back at her adolescent roles, Ortega noted how distinct her mindset was compared to adulthood. “I really had it going for me as a child ‘cause I can’t think of one mistake I made. Is that a terrible thing to say?,” she asked. “I feel like I make mistakes now all the time, but as a child, I was so grateful and so excited to be there that my game face was on.”
Why This Matters
Ortega’s decision to pivot away from long-term television commitments reflects a broader trend among high-profile actors navigating modern franchise demands. Between television commitments, high-profile genre work such as the Scream film series, and promotional tours, recurring franchise obligations can restrict a performer’s ability to take on standalone films, independent features, or alternative artistic formats. By choosing to take time away from small-screen series after Wednesday, Ortega joins a rising cohort of performers prioritizing creative autonomy and personal well-being over continuous studio continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jenna Ortega leaving Wednesday immediately?
No. Ortega indicated that her planned hiatus from television will occur after her work on Wednesday concludes, rather than departing before the series wraps up.
Why does Jenna Ortega want to take a break from television?
Ortega explained that after spending her childhood and adolescence moving constantly from project to project on network and streaming series, she wants to step away from television for a while to free up her schedule and create space for new creative ventures.
