Jenna Ortega's Horror Career: A Five-Year Trend Culminating In A24's Latest Film

Chloe Fitzgerald

4 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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Early Roles and Genre Exploration (2019-2020)

Jenna Ortega's early horror roles laid the groundwork for her future success. While not exclusively horror, her early filmography demonstrates a willingness to experiment with the genre, showcasing her versatility as a young horror actress. Exploring the nuances of different horror subgenres was key to her development.

• "The Babysitter: Killer Queen" (2020): This Netflix sequel allowed Ortega to showcase her comedic timing within a slasher context, a crucial step in demonstrating range.
• "You" (Season 2, 2019): Though not strictly a horror show, "You" introduced Ortega to thriller elements and darker storylines, providing experience with intense character portrayals.
• Various short films and guest appearances: Ortega honed her craft through various smaller roles, each contributing to her understanding of horror's diverse storytelling styles.

These early roles, though varied, allowed Ortega to understand different aspects of the horror genre – from the jump scares of slasher films to the psychological tension of thrillers, providing a strong foundation for her later, more substantial roles.

Breakout Roles and Genre Refinement (2021-2022)

The period between 2021 and 2022 saw Jenna Ortega’s breakthrough horror roles, cementing her status as a rising star.

• "Scream" (2022): Ortega's portrayal of Tara Carpenter in the fifth "Scream" installment was a critical success, earning praise for her nuanced performance in a classic slasher franchise. This role significantly boosted her profile within the horror community.
• "X" (2022): Her role in Ti West's "X" showed her ability to handle darker, more complex characters within the horror genre, pushing the boundaries of her earlier work.
• "Wednesday" (2022): While not strictly a horror series, "Wednesday" incorporated significant horror elements, showcasing Ortega's versatility and broadening her appeal to a wider audience. Her portrayal of Wednesday Addams became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying her position as a modern horror icon.

These roles, alongside others, showcased Ortega's versatility and ability to inhabit characters from diverse horror subgenres, propelling her to the forefront of the next generation of horror stars.

A24 Collaboration and Genre Mastery (2023-Present)

Jenna Ortega's continued collaboration with A24 showcases her growing influence within the horror landscape. Her most recent A24 film, Scream VI, exemplifies her mastery of the genre.

• "Scream VI" (2023): Ortega’s performance in Scream VI further cemented her position as a leading lady in the horror genre. The film highlighted her ability to deliver both vulnerability and strength within a high-stakes horror scenario, showcasing her growth as an actress.

This role, and her continued association with A24, emphasizes her capacity to navigate complex narratives, delivering powerful performances within established horror franchises and critically acclaimed independent projects, proving her status as a leading lady in horror films.

The "Jenna Ortega Effect" on Horror

Jenna Ortega's influence on the horror genre is undeniable. Her success signals a potential shift toward more complex and nuanced female characters, moving beyond the stereotypical "scream queen" archetype. She is, without a doubt, influencing new talent entering the genre, inspiring a new wave of horror actors and potentially influencing storylines to feature stronger female leads.

Conclusion

Jenna Ortega's five-year journey within horror films showcases a remarkable evolution. From early roles exploring diverse subgenres to her current status as a leading lady collaborating with A24, her career highlights a dedication to craft and a natural talent for inhabiting complex horror characters. Her latest A24 project further solidifies her position as a significant contributor to modern horror. Keep an eye on Jenna Ortega's burgeoning horror career – the future looks terrifyingly exciting! Dive into the world of Jenna Ortega's horror films and witness the rise of a true scream queen!