Jenna Ortega: Unlikely To Return To The Marvel Cinematic Universe

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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Wednesday's Success Overshadows Her MCU Role

The Immense Popularity of Wednesday

The success of Netflix's Wednesday has been phenomenal, catapulting Jenna Ortega to global stardom. The show's impact is undeniable:

• Streaming numbers: Wednesday shattered Netflix viewership records, becoming one of the platform's most-watched shows ever.
• Awards buzz: Ortega's performance has garnered significant critical acclaim and award nominations, solidifying her status as a leading actress.
• Social media impact: The show sparked countless memes, fan theories, and online discussions, creating a massive social media presence and solidifying Ortega's status as a cultural icon.
• Positive critical reviews: Critics lauded Ortega's nuanced portrayal of Wednesday, praising her comedic timing, expressive delivery, and ability to capture the character's essence.
• Fan adoration: Ortega has gained a massive and fiercely loyal fanbase, who eagerly anticipate her future projects.

Shifting Career Trajectory

The overwhelming success of Wednesday has significantly altered Ortega's career trajectory. The demand for her talent has exploded, leading to:

• Increased demand for leading roles in diverse projects: Ortega is now sought after for leading roles in a variety of genres, from horror to comedy to drama.
• Potential for creative control in future projects: Her newfound influence allows her to potentially select projects that offer more creative freedom and artistic expression.
• The allure of independent films and prestige television: Ortega may be drawn to smaller, more character-driven projects, offering a different creative landscape compared to the large-scale productions of the MCU.

Scheduling Conflicts and Future Projects

Demand for Ortega's Time

Post-Wednesday, the demand for Ortega's time is incredibly high. This presents significant scheduling challenges:

• Numerous film and television offers: Ortega is likely inundated with offers for various roles, requiring careful consideration of which projects align with her career goals.
• Potential for long-term commitments to future projects: Many prominent roles involve multi-year commitments, leaving little room for additional projects, especially large-scale productions.
• The time commitment required for large-scale productions like MCU films: MCU movies require extensive filming periods, reshoots, and extensive promotional tours. This commitment is significant and difficult to accommodate alongside other projects.

The MCU's Production Schedule

The MCU is known for its complex and lengthy production schedules:

• Extensive filming periods: MCU movies often involve months of filming, sometimes spread over years.
• Reshoots: It's not uncommon for MCU films to undergo extensive reshoots, further extending the production timeline.
• Promotion and press tours: The promotional requirements for MCU films are substantial and demand significant time and effort from the cast.

Her Character's Arc in the MCU

A Minor Role with Limited Potential

Ortega's previous MCU appearance in X-Men: The New Mutants was a relatively minor role with limited potential for future development:

• The film's box office performance: X-Men: The New Mutants underperformed at the box office, impacting its overall influence on the MCU.
• The character's limited screen time: Ortega's character had minimal screen time, limiting the development of her story arc.
• The lack of clear plans for her character within the larger MCU narrative: There was no indication of significant future storylines for her character within the established MCU timeline.

Focus on New Characters

Marvel Studios is consistently introducing new characters and storylines, making it less likely they will prioritize bringing back a character with limited prior involvement:

• Upcoming MCU projects: Future MCU projects are focused on established characters and entirely new heroes and storylines.
• Focus on established characters: The MCU is prioritizing its already well-established characters and narratives.
• Introduction of new heroes and villains: The MCU’s continued expansion focuses on developing new heroes and villains for its ever-growing cinematic universe.

Conclusion

While Jenna Ortega's talent is undeniable, a Jenna Ortega MCU return seems unlikely at this time. Her meteoric rise to fame after Wednesday has shifted her career focus towards more diverse and potentially creatively fulfilling opportunities. The scheduling demands of large-scale productions like those within the MCU, combined with the limited scope of her previous role, further diminish the prospects of a future appearance. While we can always hope for surprises, focusing on her current projects and upcoming roles seems a more realistic approach for fans eager to see more of Jenna Ortega. Therefore, the chances of seeing a Jenna Ortega MCU return are currently slim. Instead, let's appreciate her incredible talent in her current and future endeavors outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe.