‘Wednesday’ Star Jenna Ortega Closes the Door on Beloved Franchise, Explains Why
Hollywood’s current It-girl has tackled horror, drama, and even superhero movies. But don’t expect to see Jenna Ortega donning a cape or wielding superpowers anytime soon.
In recent years, Ortega has skyrocketed from child star to one of the most sought-after actors of her generation. After her breakout roles in You and Jane the Virgin, she cemented her scream queen status with Scream (2022) and X (2022). But it was Wednesday that made her a global name, earning her a Golden Globe nomination and turning the Netflix series into a cultural juggernaut.
Despite her horror-heavy résumé, Ortega has proven her versatility, balancing franchise blockbusters with prestige projects. From working with Tim Burton in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) to co-starring alongside Paul Rudd in the upcoming Death of a Unicorn (2025), she’s moving seamlessly between the mainstream and the auteur-driven.
But while Ortega is willing to jump between genres, there’s one type of film she’s unlikely to return to: a Marvel movie.
Jenna Ortega Rejects Marvel Return
Ortega’s name seems to be in circulation for just about every major franchise, but don’t expect her to pop up in the MCU anytime soon—if ever.
Though many fans might not know it, Ortega actually made her big-screen debut in Iron Man 3 (2013), playing the daughter of the vice president (Miguel Ferrer). The role was small but narratively significant, providing the character’s key motivation for supporting the Extremis project. However, for Ortega, it was a forgettable experience.
“I did it once,” Ortega told Entertainment Tonight. “But it was one of the first jobs I ever did, and they took all my lines out. They even took my name away. I’m really, I’m just, I count that, and I move on.”
That’s about as clear as it gets. Unlike many young actors who would jump at the chance to headline a superhero film, Ortega appears completely uninterested in revisiting the Marvel universe—even as rumors swirl about potential casting opportunities.
Who Would Ortega Play in the MCU?
Whenever an actor gains traction in Hollywood like Ortega, the internet predictably starts fan-casting them into the MCU. Ortega is no exception. Recent speculation has linked her to Kitty Pryde, the X-Men’s phase-shifting mutant, with some fans convinced that Marvel Studios is eyeing her for the role.
Of course, actors have been known to mislead when it comes to Marvel secrecy. Andrew Garfield swore he wasn’t in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)—until he was. But Ortega’s dismissal of her past MCU experience seems definitive. Between Wednesday season two and a growing slate of films, she has plenty to keep her occupied.
For now, fans can look forward to her return as Wednesday Addams, with the upcoming season set to introduce Lady Gaga in an undisclosed role. According to Ortega, Gaga is “one of the most talented individuals I’ve ever worked with.”
Whether it’s horror, drama, or fantasy, Ortega has her pick of Hollywood’s biggest projects. But when it comes to superheroes, she’s made one thing clear: that chapter is firmly in the past.
Would you like to see Jenna Ortega in the MCU?
