Jenna Ortega, a rising star in Hollywood at just 21, has shocked fans by announcing her departure from a popular Netflix series. Known for her standout role as Wednesday Addams in the hit series “Wednesday,” Ortega’s growing popularity and packed schedule have reportedly forced her to make this difficult decision.
Ortega’s acting career began at the age of 10, and she has since become a favorite among filmmakers, particularly in the horror genre. Her impressive filmography includes notable projects such as the “Scream” franchise and Netflix’s “You.” However, it was her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the 2022 series “Wednesday” that truly catapulted her to stardom. Currently, she has a full slate of upcoming movies and OTT shows, including the highly anticipated “Beetlejuice 2.”
Fans of the Netflix series “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous” will be particularly disheartened by Ortega’s exit. The series, which ran for five seasons from 2020 to 2022, recently announced a new installment titled “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory.” Original cast members Paul-Mikél Williams, Sean Giambrone, Kausar Mohammed, and Raini Rodriguez are all returning for the follow-up series. However, Jenna Ortega, who voiced the character Brooklynn, has decided not to return. The trailer for the new series hinted at Brooklynn’s potential demise, but a twist revealed her character would remain alive. Despite this, Ortega has been replaced by Kiersten Kelly. Additionally, Ryan Potter, who voiced Kenji, has also exited the show, with Darren Barnet stepping in as his replacement.
While the exact reason for Ortega’s departure remains unclear, it is likely due to her burgeoning career and increasingly busy schedule. Alongside her role in “Beetlejuice 2,” Ortega is committed to several other projects including “Wednesday Season 2,” “Winter Spring, Summer or Fall,” “Klara and the Sun,” “Death of a Unicorn,” and an untitled film by Trey Edward Shults. This overwhelming workload may have led to scheduling conflicts, ultimately resulting in her exit from the series.
Fans have expressed their disappointment online, lamenting the absence of Ortega in “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory.” Her portrayal of Brooklynn was a beloved part of the series, and her departure marks a significant change. Nevertheless, Ortega’s star continues to rise, and her future projects are eagerly awaited by her growing fanbase.