With the launch ofWednesday,fans will be treated to a new rendition of the iconicAddams Familycharacter. In a red carpet interview, actress Jenna Ortega, who plays the character on theNetflixseries, explained how she’s similar to Wednesday Addams.Netflix’sWednesdaycenters on its titular protagonist as she works outthe inner machinations of Nevermore Academy, a school for young people who fit in with the likes of the Addams family - some are creepy, some are kooky, some are mysterious, some are spooky, and some are murderous. While Wednesday learns to interact with other peers her age, she retains her own deadpan, anti-social personality, refusing to conform even by Addams standards.RELATED:Wednesday ReviewIn a red carpet interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, Ortega explained how she’s similar to Wednesday. “I think we both have dark senses of humor and can be very dry,” Ortega explained while wearing a black funeral veil. “We’re both very sarcastic people. We both like things like mutilation, stuff like that.”
Her deadpan delivery does sound like something Wednesday Addams might say if an interviewer asked her about her favorite pastimes. Ortega has previously called theWednesday Addams role her scariest yet, but it doesn’t sound like the dark humor and subject matter are what’s keeping her up at night. Instead, Ortega understands thatThe Addams Familyhas a long history with fans, and she’s worried she won’t live up to expectations. Based on this interview, though, she’ll probably get the role down right.
PreviousWednesdayfeaturettes have shown a Tim Burton-like qualityto the series, which makes sense considering he directed the show, which would suit the tone ofThe Addams Familyquite well. Ortega appears to be cognizant of what fans want and expect from the character, which could go a long way to endearing her to audiences. Her previous credits inScreamandYouhave had her as a victim more than anything, so it’ll be interesting to see Ortega showcase her range.
Fans will likelycompare her rendition to Christina Ricci’s (who also appears in the show as a different character). It’s simply inevitable, asThe Addams Familyfilms have become classic Halloween movies, and Ricci was iconic in the role. But Ortega could still make a splash and make the role her own.
