
Jenna Ortega: The New Gen Z Scream Queen Ready to Dominate
Jenna Ortega, the 21-year-old actress who has swiftly become a defining figure in modern horror, is drawing comparisons to a legendary predecessor: Winona Ryder. With her recent involvement in Sabrina Carpenter's chilling new music video and her role in the highly anticipated sequel to Tim Burton's classic, Beetlejuice , Ortega is cementing her place as the ultimate Gen Z scream queen.
Ortega's rise to fame began with her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in Tim Burton's Netflix series. This role, marked by her iconic fringe and penetrating gaze, revitalized the gothic aesthetic for a new generation. Her success with Wednesday was monumental, making it the most-watched English-language show on Netflix within its first three months. This success set the stage for Ortega's further ventures into the horror genre.
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Much like Ryder, who made her mark as a Scream Queen at just 17 with Beetlejuice , Ortega is making waves in the same genre. Winona Ryder's early career was significantly shaped by Tim Burton, a connection that Ortega now mirrors. Ryder's collaboration with Burton continued with Edward Scissorhands and other gothic classics, establishing her as a staple in the genre. Ortega's trajectory mirrors this path, with her involvement in both Scream and the new Beetlejuice film.
In Sabrina Carpenter’s new horror-themed music video, Ortega stars alongside Carpenter in a nod to classic thrillers. The video features a scene reminiscent of Hitchcock's Psycho , with Carpenter wielding a knife in a suspenseful shower scene. This homage to classic horror underscores Ortega’s seamless fit into the genre, combining her modern edge with the traditional horror tropes.
Ortega's journey began at a young age with roles in projects like Jane the Virgin and Insidious: Chapter 2 . Her dedication to the horror genre, showcased through her roles in Scream and now Beetlejuice , illustrates her evolution into a prominent horror icon. In the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel, Ortega will play Lydia Deetz's daughter, Astrid, a role that aligns her closely with Ryder's iconic character from the original film.
Burton’s decision to cast Ortega in the sequel highlights his continued affinity for the dark and whimsical, traits that defined the original film. Ortega’s presence in this sequel not only connects her with Ryder’s legacy but also positions her as a key player in Burton’s modern gothic vision. The sequel promises to blend nostalgia with fresh, new horror elements, making Ortega a central figure in this revival.
Ortega's style, often gothic and minimalistic, mirrors the aesthetic that made Ryder a household name. Both actresses share a penchant for dark fashion and subtle makeup, emphasizing their roles as the quintessential modern gothic icons. This alignment in style and genre solidifies Ortega’s position as the new face of horror for her generation.
So, Jenna Ortega’s rise as a scream queen is not just a reflection of her talent but also a continuation of a storied tradition in horror. Her roles and collaborations, particularly with Tim Burton, echo the path once tread by Winona Ryder, making Ortega a fitting successor to the throne of horror royalty. As she continues to build her career, Ortega’s impact on the genre will undoubtedly be as lasting as that of her predecessor.
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