Jenna Ortega is happy to play Wednesday Addams because ‘she’s technically a Latina character’

Jenna Ortega spoke about being given a chance to portray Wednesday Addams in the forthcoming Tim Burton-helmed series Wednesday during an interview with Empire.

The 19-year-old performer said she was eager to showcase the character’s Hispanic origins and serve as a role model for other aspiring performers from similar backgrounds. 

‘A big part of the reason I signed on is because she’s technically a Latina character and that’s never been shown or represented,’ she stated. 

Ortega went on to say that she found herself in a position where she could serve as a role model for other actresses of Hispanic backgrounds. 

‘I recognized this was an opportunity for me to… give that relatability to other girls like myself,’ she said.

The You actress also noted that she saw a lack of immediately recognizable young Latina characters in television.

Making a difference: Ortega went on to express that she found herself in a position where she could serve as a role model for other actresses of Hispanic backgrounds

‘Looking the way I do and having the cultural background I have, there aren’t many iconic characters out there. So when an opportunity like this comes up…it just seemed fitting,’ she said.

She added: ‘I thought that would be a nice way to flex my muscles in a different way.’ 

Ortega also pointed out that the idea of playing Addams, who had previously been portrayed by actresses such as Christina Ricci and Cindy Henderson, was an intimidating prospect.

‘There’s that pressure. I knew that I could not be ripping anybody off. She’s a deadpan character. She’s sarcastic and she’s tough. I think there are several different paths that I or anyone could have taken to this part,’ she recalled.

Imposing position: Ortega also pointed out that the idea of playing Addams, who had previously been portrayed by actresses such as Christina Ricci and Cindy Henderson, was an intimidating prospect; seen in the movie Scream

The performer went on to remark that modernizing Addams for the new show was both an intimidating and important task.

She stated that the character had ‘always been the one-liner. How do we keep that kick, that fire, while also giving us enough of an emotional range to carry a story without losing the emotionless character she is at her core?’ 

Ortega did state, however, that the series’ head had been very open to working new ideas and concepts into the forthcoming series. 

‘It’s been really incredible because our director, Tim Burton, is very collaborative,’ she said.

Working well: Ortega did state, however, that the series’ head had been very open to working new ideas and concepts into the forthcoming series

Development on Wednesday was first made known to the public last February, when Burton signed on to helm the series.

In addition to directing the program’s episodes, the 63-year-old filmmaker will serve as one of its executive producers. 

The show is centered on its titular character and will follow her as she navigates her troubling and turbulent years at the Nevermore Academy.

Ortega’s casting was initially announced last May, and much of the cast was brought together that same year.

Signing on: Ortega’s casting was initially announced last May, and much of the cast was brought together that same year

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzman will portray Morticia and Gomez Addams, respectively.

The show’s cast includes performers such as Riki Lindhome, Percy Hynes White and Gwendoline Christie, among others. 

Physical production on the program began last September and work on the series is set to conclude in the near future. 

Wednesday is currently scheduled to be made available to the public on the Netflix streaming service later this year.

Coming soon: Wednesday is currently scheduled to be made available to the public on the Netflix streaming service later this year