Jenna Ortega, who has now become one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, has teased two of her most highly anticipated upcoming projects: Wednesday and Beetlejuice 2. Appearing at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, Ortega revealed that the second season of the critically acclaimed Netflix series Wednesday will lean more into “horror” while sticking to the same Wednesday Addams that fans know and love.
"We're definitely leaning into a little bit more horror. It's really, really exciting because, all throughout the show, while Wednesday does need a little bit of an arc, she never really changes and that's the wonderful thing about her.”
Speaking with E! on the red carpet, Ortega also assured fans of the inherent comedy in both The Addams Family and Wednesday will be satisfied too.
"There's really, really good one-liners and I think everything's bigger. It's a lot more action-packed. Each episode will probably feel a little bit more like a movie, which is nice.”
Beginning back in 2022, the first season of Wednesday has been a major success for the streaming giant. The series follows a teenage Wednesday Addams, who attempts to master her emerging psychic ability and thwart a killing spree while attending Nevermore Academy.
The second series of Wednesday is all set to begin filming in spring 2024, with the series expected to launch its own franchise on Netflix, with an Uncle Fester spinoff now reportedly in development.
Beetlejuice 2 Is Due to Land in Theaters in September
Ortega will continue her spooky legacy with a leading role in the long-awaited sequel, Beetlejuice 2. Directed by Tim Burton from a screenplay by the writing team of Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, Beetlejuice 2 sees Ortega join the fray as Astrid Deetz, the daughter of Winona Ryder’s Lydia Deetz from the original movie.
Speaking with ET on the red carpet at the Emmy Awards, Ortega described Beetlejuice 2 as “so exciting” visually, and teased the use of practical effects and sets.
“[It’s] some of the most fun I've ever had on a set." She adds, "Visually, so exciting. Everything was practical…I think we're not using very much CGI or something like that at all.”
Discussing the cast, which will include Michael Keaton in the title role, as well as Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe, Justin Theroux, and Arthur Conti, Ortega said she “felt so lucky” to be part of such an incredible ensemble.
"Everyone did an incredible job. I felt so lucky to be there, it was insane … I can't wait for people to see."
The first season of Wednesday is now streaming on Netflix, with the second season still awaiting a release date reveal. Beetlejuice 2, meanwhile, is set to be theatrically released by Warner Bros. Pictures on September 6, 2024. Check out the announcement trailer for Wednesday season two below:
