**Jenna Ortega Reflects on Early Audition for Horror Classic ‘Hereditary’**
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In a recent podcast appearance, actress Jenna Ortega opened up about her early audition for the critically acclaimed horror film *Hereditary*. The 2018 movie, which has since garnered a reputation as one of the most terrifying films of the last decade, features a small ensemble cast anchored by Toni Collette and Milly Shapiro. During her chat on the *Big Bro with Kid Cudi* podcast, Ortega, who is now 23, recounted her experience as a young actress entering the frightening world created by director Ari Aster.
Ortega candidly admitted that she felt out of place during the audition process. “When I think back to my audition for *Hereditary*, I didn’t make any sense for it, especially considering my age at the time,” she explained. Auditioning at just 12 years old, Ortega was not only grappling with the film’s complex themes but was also tackling what would be some of the most challenging material in her early career.
The actress described the audition as perplexing, noting that she was only provided with minimal script excerpts, which consisted of cryptic dialogue that left her bewildered. “I remember seeing it, looking at it, and thinking, ‘I feel like this is an important movie’. When it came out, I sat up in my chair, looked at my mum, and said, ‘This is one that I said was going to be important’,” she shared. This confident assertion turned out to be prophetic; the film was a critical success and has remained a talking point in horror cinema since its release.
*Hereditary* delves into themes of grief and familial trauma, revolving around the character Annie, portrayed by Collette. The film presents a haunting narrative that becomes more intense as the story unfolds. While Ortega did not disclose which character she auditioned for, she did reflect on the significance of the movie’s impact and its extraordinary storytelling. Milly Shapiro’s role as Annie’s daughter, Charlie, plays a crucial part in the movie, resulting in unsettling moments that have left audiences shaken.
It is intriguing to consider what could have been had Ortega secured a role in this landmark film. She acknowledged the surreal nature of her audition, especially in hindsight. “It’s funny to think that I went in for that because, again, I just didn’t make any sense for it,” she remarked with a chuckle, indicating her awareness of the mismatch.
Ortega’s career has blossomed since her debut in films such as *Iron Man 3* and *Insidious: Chapter 2*, with her breakout roles in popular television series like *Stuck in the Middle*, *You*, and *Jane the Virgin*. The last few years have marked a significant rise in her profile, particularly with standout performances in *The Fallout*, the latest *Scream* instalment, and Netflix’s *Wednesday* series, where she plays the iconic Wednesday Addams.
When discussing rejection from roles, Ortega exhibited a mature outlook. She told Kid Cudi, “I’ve always taken rejection really well. I never really questioned it… what’s meant to be mine will come to me.” This perspective reflects a healthy mindset that many aspiring actors would benefit from adopting.
In addition to her successful series, Ortega has been busy with new film projects. She recently appeared in *Death of a Unicorn* and *Hurry Up Tomorrow*. Furthermore, her latest film, *The Gallerist*, premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in January, further solidifying her position as a significant talent in contemporary cinema.
As Ortega continues to carve out her niche in the industry, her reflections on her past experiences, including her memorable audition for *Hereditary*, serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of show business and the paths that bring actors to prominence. With her growing catalogue of work and a dedicated fan base, Ortega’s career is one to watch closely in the years to come.