Ortega: Burton Connection Felt Strained at First

Actress Jenna Ortega shared candidly that her initial collaboration with director Tim Burton on the Netflix series "Wednesday" was not an immediate success. Ortega confessed to feeling a lack of connection with Burton during the first season, attributing it to his notably reserved and shy demeanor. She recounted feeling stressed, especially as a teenager in a foreign country, believing she wasn't "clicking" with the acclaimed director.

Burton's approach of maintaining distance was intended to allow Ortega space to inhabit her character, but it amplified her anxieties. She expressed disbelief when "Wednesday" became a global phenomenon upon its release in 2022. Ortega admitted to her discomfort with watching her own performances, finding it difficult to even view early episodes, and was mortified by the show's widespread acclaim and the ensuing recognition.

Ortega now feels much more at ease on the "Wednesday" set, praising the crew and the collaborative atmosphere. She noted that the characters, including Wednesday Addams whom she first encountered years prior, have settled into comfortable iterations. Production for the upcoming third season has begun, with a glimpse showing Wednesday and Thing in Paris. The season will also feature new additions to the cast, including Eva Green and Winona Ryder.