Jenna Ortega, the talented actress known for her role in the hit Netflix series *Wednesday*, recently shared her thoughts on her evolving career in an insightful interview with *Esquire*. At just 23 years of age, Ortega reflects on her journey in the entertainment industry, which has included both celebrated performances and some less successful ventures.
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During the conversation, Ortega expressed a distinct lack of regret regarding her work, asserting, “I don’t know if I can ever categorise anything as a mistake.” The young star acknowledged that while some projects have garnered acclaim, such as her part in the critically successful *Scream* franchise, others, like 2025’s *Hurry Up Tomorrow*, have not enjoyed the same fate. This broader perspective seems to have shaped her understanding of herself and her aspirations within the industry.
“I’ve gotten such a better understanding of who I am as a person and what I want from the world,” she remarked, emphasising the inevitability of learning from both successes and failures. Ortega believes these experiences have allowed her to better grasp her identity and place in the world, suggesting that trial and error are essential components of personal growth.
As Ortega embarks on the next chapter of her career, she is keen to pursue projects that resonate deeply with her values. She is currently preparing for two significant roles: one in *Klara and the Sun*, directed by Taika Waititi, and the other in J.J. Abrams’ upcoming film, *The Great Beyond*.
*’Klara and the Sun’*, set to be released on 23 October, features Ortega in the title role as an AI robot navigating loneliness and the search for friendship. The film is an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s acclaimed novel and boasts a stellar cast, including Amy Adams, Steve Buscemi, and Natasha Lyonne. Ortega’s character embodies the complexity of companionship in a dystopian setting, which reflects current societal themes of connection and isolation.
Looking further ahead, *The Great Beyond* is poised for release in October 2027. The film tells the story of a fantasy author whose fictional creation becomes a palpable reality. In this project, Ortega plays a young woman grappling with her tumultuous past in an unfamiliar city, finding solace alongside Glen Powell’s character. While she had to keep many plot details under wraps, her excitement for the role is evident.
Ortega has shared that she is currently navigating a transition phase in her career, which she describes as an “experimental” period. “I’ve been in this experimental phase,” she noted, indicating that her focus is shifting towards stories that resonate with her personally. This newfound clarity comes after a year marked by intense professional developments, including her celebrated performance in *Wednesday*.
Ortega’s approach to selecting roles has evolved substantially; she is now prioritising projects that allow her to portray characters and narratives with which she feels a genuine connection. “Now it’s important to me to be focused on stories and characters that I feel truly connected to,” she explained, hinting at a more intentional strategy for her career path moving forward.
As the actress prepares to release her next two films, it is evident that Ortega is not only aware of her cinematic legacy but also eager to shape it according to her own ideals. Her reflections and aspirations speak to a growing consciousness among young actors, who seek to blend personal authenticity with their professional responsibilities.
Fans can look forward to seeing Jenna Ortega in *Klara and the Sun* this October, and her evolving body of work promises to keep audiences engaged for years to come. With each role, she continues to explore the depths of her craft, shaping her future while remaining true to herself.