Jenna Ortega’s Next Move: Why the ‘Wednesday’ Star is Stepping Away from TV

From the macabre hallways of Nevermore Academy to the heights of Hollywood stardom, Jenna Ortega has become one of the most influential young actresses of her generation. However, in a recent revelation that has fans buzzing, the star shared a surprising plan for her future: once Wednesday comes to a close, she intends to step away from television for a while.

A Need for New Horizons

During an appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast with Josh Horowitz, Ortega opened up about her desire to pivot. Having spent the majority of her life in front of the camera, the 24-year-old actress expressed a need to breathe and explore different creative avenues.

“I think after ‘Wednesday,’ I’ll probably be off the TV for a while,” Ortega shared. “I was bouncing from show to show as a kid… and I want to leave time for new things.”

What to Expect from ‘Wednesday’ Season 3

While she may be planning an exit from the medium, fans can still look forward to more of the gothic charm of the Addams family. Production for the third season—slated for a 2027 release—has already wrapped. Under the direction of Tim Burton, the series will continue to showcase the macabre adventures of the family’s most famous daughter.

Key highlights for the upcoming season include:

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• The return of the core family: Gomez, Morticia, and Pugsley Addams.

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• The addition of powerhouse talent like Eva Green and Winona Ryder.

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• A continued dive into the dark, satirical world that made the show a global phenomenon.

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The Price of Early Fame

Ortega’s journey to the top hasn’t been without its struggles. Reflecting on her time as a child star in projects like Jane the Virgin and Stuck in the Middle, she has been candid about the pressures of the industry. She previously revealed the grueling nature of early sets, mentioning times she went entire days without eating or drinking to keep up with the production pace.

Her versatility is evident in her impressive filmography, featuring a blend of horror and drama:

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• Iron Man 3 (2013)

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• The Fallout (2021)

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• X (2022)

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• Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

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• Death of a Unicorn (2025)

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Standing Her Ground: The ‘Scream’ Controversy

Jenna Ortega is not afraid to make bold career moves based on her principles. This was most evident when she decided to exit the Scream franchise. Following the firing of her co-star Melissa Barrera due to political expressions regarding the Israeli-Hamas war, Ortega felt the creative and emotional synergy of the project had dissolved.

Coupled with the departure of directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Ortega decided that Scream VII was no longer the right move for her career trajectory. It is a testament to her maturity and willingness to prioritize her values over a franchise paycheck.

Conclusion: A Star in Evolution

Whether she is conquering the box office or taking a much-needed break from the screen, Jenna Ortega is redefining what it means to be a modern celebrity. By choosing her projects carefully and prioritizing her mental well-being, she ensures that whenever she does return to our screens, it will be with a performance that is authentic and impactful.