Jenna Ortega had huge patent leather-based footwear to fill when she stepped into the titular position for Netflix’s Addams Family spin-off, Wednesday.
Not solely was the actress taking up an iconic character—most famously portrayed by Christina Ricci in 1991’s The Addams Family—however her predecessor was on set for all eight episodes of the black comedy (albeit in a unique, “normie” position).
Although Ricci’s presence on set made Ortega a bit nervous at first, the rising star advised Screen Rant that she finally discovered a method to pay respects to Ricci’s beloved Wednesday whereas additionally placing her personal private touches to the character.
“I felt the script was written very paying homage to her Wednesday, and audiences already know and love Wednesday, [so] I do not assume I may have strayed too far with the character. Otherwise, it might have been a shame or offensive or one thing like that.” Ortega, 20, shared in an interview forward of the collection’ November 23 launch.
The younger actress, who beforehand expressed fears about “doing [Wednesday] justice,” mentioned that whereas Ricci’s adaptation was nice, she hopes the refined modifications she made for her socially awkward, murder-solving Wednesday will resonate with audiences.
“I actually love [Ricci’s] iteration and that concept for Wednesday, however then [I was] including a little bit of different qualities and mannerisms or reactions that push the character arc all through the season.”
Ortega on Sharing a Set with ‘Iconic’ Wednesday Ricci: ‘We Never Talked About the Character’
Ortega, who not too long ago discovered fame as a scream queen in slashers similar to X and Scream, additionally shared that regardless of getting alongside “rather well” with Ricci, the 2 Wednesdays by no means really spoke concerning the character—serving to Ortega preserve her iteration of the teenager terror distinctive.
“It was bizarre, for certain. I bear in mind after they advised me [Christina would be on set], I believe my coronary heart fell simply out of pure panic. But happily, she’s a very cool girl, and we received alongside rather well,” the actress recalled, sharing that after the panic subsided, the 2 talked about every thing however their shared character.
“We by no means talked concerning the character. I simply received to know her, and it was very nice and actually great. But it’s a bit bizarre.”
From director Tim Burton and likewise starring Gwendoline Christie, Riki Lindhome, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán, Wednesday is now obtainable to stream on Netflix.