A24's New Horror Film: A Look Back At Jenna Ortega's Five-Year Horror Journey

Kenji Nakamura

5 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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Early Successes: Laying the Foundation (2018-2019)

Jenna Ortega's early career laid a crucial foundation for her later success in the horror genre. While she appeared in various projects, her early forays into horror, though perhaps less prominent than her later roles, provided invaluable experience in mastering the nuances of suspense, fear, and the unique demands of horror acting. These early roles honed her skills in portraying vulnerability, delivering chilling screams, and navigating intensely suspenseful scenes—all essential components of a successful scream queen.

• "Insidious: The Last Key" (2018): A small but pivotal role in this established horror franchise gave Ortega her first taste of the genre's atmosphere and demands. This experience provided invaluable on-set learning about the technical aspects of horror filmmaking.
• "The Babysitter: Killer Queen" (2020): This Netflix horror-comedy allowed Ortega to showcase her versatility, blending comedic timing with the thrills of the horror genre. It demonstrated her range beyond pure terror, showcasing a comedic sensibility that has served her well in later projects like "Wednesday."
• Various TV appearances: Throughout this period, Ortega also appeared in various television shows that involved elements of horror, further enriching her skills and building her confidence. These experiences were crucial in building her portfolio and preparing her for larger roles.

These early roles, while perhaps not widely recognized individually, were essential stepping stones, shaping her acting style and building the experience that propelled her to future stardom in the horror world. They represent the crucial early stages of her Jenna Ortega horror journey.

The Turning Point: "Scream" and Beyond (2022)

The year 2022 marked a significant turning point in Jenna Ortega's career. Her role as Tara Carpenter in the "Scream" reboot catapulted her into the mainstream consciousness and firmly established her as a force to be reckoned with in the horror genre. The "Scream" franchise carries immense weight and legacy, setting a high bar for any actor taking on the mantle.

• The Legacy of "Scream": The franchise's history, its iconic characters, and its blend of meta-commentary and genuine scares created enormous expectations for the new installment. Any actor taking on such a role faced intense scrutiny.
• Ortega's Performance: Ortega's performance was praised for its authenticity, vulnerability, and ability to convey genuine fear and resilience. She perfectly captured the spirit of the franchise while adding her unique style.
• Solidifying her Status: Her role in "Scream" wasn't just a successful performance; it was a definitive statement, solidifying her status as a modern-day scream queen. The success of this film dramatically shifted the trajectory of her Jenna Ortega horror journey.

The "Scream" reboot wasn't simply another horror film; it was a pivotal moment, proving Ortega's talent and setting the stage for even bigger opportunities.

Mastering the Genre: "Wednesday" and the A24 Film (2022-Present)

Following the success of "Scream," Jenna Ortega's career exploded. Her performance as Wednesday Addams in Netflix's "Wednesday" showcased her range and solidified her position as a leading figure in both horror and mainstream entertainment. This led directly to her current project: a yet-to-be-fully-revealed A24 horror film.

• "Wednesday's" Impact: The show's massive popularity significantly expanded Ortega's fanbase, exposing her talent to a vast new audience, many of whom hadn't previously seen her horror work. This crossover success is a rare achievement.
• The A24 Horror Film: While specific details remain scarce, the anticipation surrounding Ortega's new A24 horror film is immense. The collaboration with A24, known for its critically acclaimed and often genre-bending horror projects, promises a high-quality and potentially groundbreaking cinematic experience. The film is expected to continue her Jenna Ortega horror journey on a new and exciting level.
• Expectations and Comparisons: Considering the success of "Scream" and "Wednesday," the expectations for her A24 film are sky-high. While comparisons to her previous work are inevitable, the collaboration with A24 suggests a departure into new and unexplored horror territory.

The A24 film represents the culmination of Ortega's journey so far, a testament to her hard work, talent, and dedication to the horror genre.

Conclusion

Jenna Ortega's remarkable journey through the horror genre in just five years is a testament to her versatility, talent, and undeniable screen presence. From early successes laying the groundwork to her breakout roles in "Scream" and "Wednesday," her impact on the genre is already significant. The anticipation surrounding her new A24 horror film is a clear indication of the high regard she holds within the horror community and beyond. Her Jenna Ortega horror journey is far from over; this is only the beginning of a promising career.

Are you excited to see Jenna Ortega's continued success in the horror genre? Share your thoughts on her career and anticipation for her new A24 film in the comments below! Let's discuss Jenna Ortega's horror journey and her impact on the industry. What are your predictions for her future in horror? #JennaOrtega #HorrorMovies #A24 #Scream #Wednesday