Five Years Of Horror: Jenna Ortega's Reign Concludes With A24's Newest Film

Aria Freeman

5 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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Jenna Ortega's Horror Filmography: A Retrospective

Jenna Ortega's impressive horror movie roles haven't just been about screaming; they've showcased her remarkable range and acting prowess within the genre. Her journey is a fascinating study in how a young actress can rapidly become a genre icon.

• Early Roles and the Horror Persona: While not strictly horror, early roles like her appearances in Iron Man 3 and Insidious: Chapter 2 helped her build experience and a screen presence that would serve her well in later, more prominent horror roles. These performances, although smaller, laid the groundwork for her distinctive screen persona – one of both vulnerability and quiet strength.

• The Scream Franchise and its Impact: Ortega’s role in Scream (2022) proved pivotal. As Tara Carpenter, she brought a fresh intensity and relatable fear to the legacy franchise. Her performance was praised by critics and fans alike, catapulting her into the spotlight and establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the horror world. This role significantly impacted her career trajectory, opening doors to bigger and better opportunities within the genre.

• Other Notable Horror Roles: Ortega’s talent wasn't limited to Scream. Her roles in films like X (2022), a retro slasher homage, and The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020), a darkly comedic horror, further demonstrated her versatility. X saw her in a more vulnerable and tragic role, while The Babysitter: Killer Queen allowed her comedic timing to shine through. While box office numbers varied across these films, her performances consistently garnered positive reviews, proving her ability to excel in different subgenres of horror.

• Evolution as a Horror Actress: Ortega's evolution within the horror genre is particularly noteworthy. She didn't simply repeat the same type of role; she actively sought out diverse characters and narratives, demonstrating remarkable growth and maturity as an actress within just a few short years. This ability to adapt and reinvent herself is key to her continued success.

The Wednesday Effect: How a Netflix Hit Transcended Horror

While not a horror film in the traditional sense, Wednesday (2022) had a profound impact on Jenna Ortega's career and the horror landscape. The Netflix series, based on the Addams Family character, proved to be a global phenomenon.

• Massive Success and Impact on Fame: Wednesday's success was unprecedented. It became a cultural touchstone, breaking streaming records and cementing Ortega's status as a household name. This catapulted her into a level of fame few young actresses achieve so quickly.

• Expanding Reach Beyond Horror Fans: Wednesday’s appeal transcended the horror genre. Its gothic aesthetic, darkly comedic tone, and compelling storyline attracted a vast audience, including many who may not consider themselves horror fans. This widened Ortega's fanbase significantly, solidifying her crossover appeal.

• Cultural Influence and Trends: Wednesday sparked significant cultural trends. From the show's iconic dance scene going viral to its influence on fashion and music, Ortega's portrayal of Wednesday Addams left an indelible mark on popular culture. This cultural impact is a testament to both her performance and the show's overall success.

• Contribution to Overall Horror Image: Although not strictly a horror film, Wednesday's gothic horror elements, coupled with Ortega’s intense portrayal, strengthened her image as a leading figure in the horror genre. The show’s success amplified her presence in the wider horror community, further solidifying her association with the genre.

A24's Newest Horror Film: A Fitting Finale (for now)?

Haunted Mansion (Film title inserted here), A24's latest offering, marks what could be the culmination of Ortega's initial foray into horror. The film positions Ortega to cement her status as the reigning queen of the modern horror scene.

• Premise and Potential: Haunted Mansion (insert title here), (brief description of the film's premise). Its release is highly anticipated, capitalizing on Ortega's immense popularity and A24's reputation for producing high-quality, critically acclaimed films.

• Box Office Predictions: Given Ortega's star power and the success of A24's previous horror releases, Haunted Mansion is poised for significant box office success. Early box office predictions (if available) suggest a strong opening weekend, promising a lucrative run for the film.

• Genre Analysis and Comparison: (Discuss the film's genre—is it a slasher, psychological thriller, supernatural horror, etc.? Compare and contrast it with her previous work.)

• Early Critical Reception: (Include early critical reviews or audience reactions if available, focusing on how the critics and audiences respond to Ortega's performance.)

• Future in Horror: While this might seem like a final chapter for now, Ortega's talent and the success of Haunted Mansion could easily lead to future collaborations within the horror genre. Her adaptable style and consistent quality make it unlikely this will be her last horror venture.

Conclusion

Jenna Ortega's five-year reign in the horror genre has been a phenomenal success, marked by breakout roles in critically acclaimed films and a universally adored TV series. Her performance in A24's newest horror film, Haunted Mansion (insert title here), promises to be a fitting capstone to this chapter of her career. From Scream to Wednesday and beyond, Jenna Ortega's impact on the horror landscape is undeniable. Don't miss her latest terrifying performance in A24's newest horror film, Haunted Mansion (insert title here)! Experience the conclusion (for now!) of Jenna Ortega's horror reign and share your thoughts using #JennaOrtegaHorror.