Jenna Ortega Is Now Known For Working With Tim Burton On Multiple Projects, But There’s One She Auditioned For And Didn’t Get: ‘I Was Just Gutted’

Jenna Ortega Is Now Known For Working With Tim Burton On Multiple Projects, But There's One She Auditioned For And Didn't Get: ‘I Was Just Gutted'

As a fan who has witnessed Jenna Ortega‘s meteoric rise in Hollywood, I can’t help but marvel at her resilience and determination. At just twenty-one years old, she has joined the ranks of esteemed actors who have worked with Tim Burton multiple times, yet she still auditions for roles and faces rejection – a testament to her passion for her craft.


At a tender age of 21, I’ve found myself joining an illustrious circle of actors who have collaborated with the legendary director, Tim Burton, on numerous projects. It’s an honor that feels almost surreal, and it seems I’m treading a path that may one day see my name synonymous with his cinematic universe. However, let me clarify, our collaboration doesn’t mean I skipped the audition process. In fact, there have been instances where I didn’t make the cut for certain roles in his movies. The journey is far from over, and every opportunity to work with him is a hard-earned achievement.

As a dedicated fan, I’d like to share an interesting tidbit: During an interview with GQ, I, the one who now brings Wednesday Addams to life, revealed that before stepping into that role, I had auditioned for Tim Burton’s live-action adaptation of Dumbo. Isn’t it fascinating how close we came to flying with the elephant instead of soaring on a broomstick?

Back then, when I was around fourteen, I tried out for the role in Dumbo. It was hard to believe that director Tim Burton was bringing the film to life again, and I couldn’t contain my excitement about potentially being part of such a fantastic opportunity.

Three years had passed since Burton last directed a movie (specifically “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”), which received varying criticisms upon its premiere. Meanwhile, Ortega had been consistently working in Hollywood for four years, but was still waiting to secure a standout role.

Just like any other actor, Ortega recognized that not every role she pursued would be hers due to the nature of the acting industry. She’s accustomed to rejection and had supporters who helped keep her grounded. Nevertheless, losing the part in Dumbo left a significant impact on her.

I remember Dumbo being one, that for weeks I was just gutted.

On Wednesday, the actress didn’t disclose which part she tried out for, but considering her age, it seems likely that it was for the role of Milly Farrier. However, this role ended up being given to Nico Parker, now widely recognized for portraying Sarah Miller in the initial season of “The Last of Us.” Remarkably, she excelled in the part.

Reflecting on the situation now, I realize my initial response was fueled by emotions and misconceptions – I feared that my one and only opportunity to collaborate with Burton had slipped away. Looking back, it’s clear that this reaction was impulsive and irrational, considering the path my career has taken since then. In a lighter moment during an interview, I even joked about it, saying: “Who knew I had so much invested in one chance to work with Burton?

I recently pondered, could it be that I won’t have another chance to collaborate with him? Yet, surprisingly, we’ve already worked together on two occasions.

Six years following the premiere of “Dumbo”, Ortega first appeared on Burton’s initial television production, “Wednesday”. Critics praised her acting, and an unplanned dance scene from one episode gained widespread attention, boosting the popularity of the already successful show. Not only did she captivate the world, but she also managed to impress him significantly enough to secure not just an audition, but a role in the eagerly awaited sequel “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice”.

It appears that bringing back the original actors, such as Ortega, and introducing new characters seems to have been a successful strategy, given that the sequel had an almost record-breaking opening weekend at the box office. Not only is it generating profits, but Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has also been lauded by critics who describe the movie as “whimsically eerie.

To watch Oretga, Keaton, and the entire cast of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” make your way to your nearest cinema. Also, remember to stay updated on Netflix for the release date of Season 2 of “Wednesday.

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2024-09-10 23:07