The Shocking Truth Behind Jenna Ortega's Rise to Horror Movie Supremacy

Jenna Ortega, a prominent figure in today's horror film industry, has divulged the secret behind her success in the genre. Her introduction to horror began with a minor role in 2013's Insidious: Chapter 2, but it was her more recent performances in films like The Babysitter: Killer Queen, X, and the upcoming 2022 release of Scream that solidified her reputation as a scream queen. Furthermore, her stardom received a significant boost with the release of Netflix's Wednesday, a supernatural comedy-horror series, in which she appeared. During a recent "Actors on Actors" interview with Elle Fanning for Variety, Ortega discussed why she believes audiences enjoy watching her in horror movies. According to the actress, it's not her screaming that captivates viewers, but rather the expression she makes when she weeps. To hear Ortega's complete statement, watch the interview or view her comments starting at 3:25.

Jenna Ortega Is The Actor Horror Needs Right Now

Horror is my passion. It's where I feel most at home. I've noticed that people enjoy watching me get scared out of my mind. My scream is not particularly great, but it comes naturally to me. Plus, I have a hideous crying face that seems to give people a thrill. When I'm in a movie theatre and I see someone crying and looking like a complete mess, I know they're fully immersed in the experience.

Despite horror movies being a consistent moneymaker at the box office, there hasn't been a standout actor in the genre for quite some time. In the past, performers like Jamie Lee Curtis, Heather Langenkamp, and Sarah Michelle Gellar were known for their roles in popular horror films during the 1980s and '90s. However, it seems like the industry needs a new face to fill that void and draw audiences to theaters solely based on their presence.

Ortega's success with Wednesday marks a significant turning point in her career, as she has gained a substantial following from the show. While not a horror series itself, the newfound fans Ortega has amassed could potentially follow her to other projects, such as Scream 6, which may have drawn in those previously unfamiliar with the franchise due to her involvement. It's worth noting that Ortega, along with Samara Weaving and Emma Roberts, is now one of the new generation actors most associated with the horror genre. While it remains to be seen how her relationship with the genre will develop, it's clear that audiences can expect to see more of Ortega in distress in future horror films.

Source: Variety/ YouTube