Jenna Ortega has become one of the defining faces of modern television and film, especially among the younger generation. Her diverse roles and unique screen presence have catapulted her to stardom, with roles like Wednesday Adams and Astrid Deetz.
Yet, despite her success in this niche genre, Ortega has revealed a surprising choice for her dream role. It’s of a historical figure who contrasts starkly with her previous performances, so there’s certainly more to the actress than she lets on.
Who is Jenna Ortega’s Dream Role?
In an interview with Letterboxd, Jenna Ortega was asked about her four favorite movies, and much to everyone’s surprise, the young actress named some classics. Her preference for timeless and visually stunning films already reflects a taste for deeper, and more impactful narratives, which is in line with what she wants from her dream role. At first, she briefly spoke about the films she enjoyed.
Recently I was talking a lot about La Haine, I think that’s like a good, classic movie. Timeless. Oh my god, it’s so good, it’s about police brutality in Paris. But it’s just very, I think it’s still relevant today but also visually absolutely stunning.
I would say Barry Lyndon, the reason why I am saying this one is because it’s another just stunning, beautiful movie. I really like a movie that inspires me greatly and an actress that I love, and it’s something that I talk about with Tim [Burton] a lot, I think that’s why I am thinking of it now.
So, even though she’s only 21 years old, her taste is refined and she truly appreciates cinema. Now, for the big reveal, her desired role is none other than Joan of Arc, who’s a historical figure, renowned for her bravery and tragic fate.
The Passion of Joan of Arc. The [Carl Theodre] Dreyer Film. Renee Falconetti’s performance in that is absolutely insane. I feel like a dream character for me would be Joan of Arc.
Despite her young age and contemporary frame, Ortega has a penchant for roles with depth. She wants to challenge herself as an actress, which further underlines her desire to tackle complex figures like Joan of Arc.
Jenna Ortega’s Dream Role: A Departure From Her Previous Characters
The role of Joan of Arc is not in the same territory as Wednesday and Beetlejuice 2. Joan of Arc was a martyr and a military leader in the 15th century, so to portray her, Ortega will have to leave behind her gothic and quirky personas to embrace a character that embodies courage, faith, and tragedy.
As per Britannica, Joan of Arc is still pivotal in French history because she was merely a young peasant girl who claimed she received visions from saints, which instructed her to support Charles VII to recover France from English domination. Her depiction in the 1928 film is renowned for its emotional intensity and groundbreaking cinematic techniques.
Jenna Ortega’s dream role reveals a surprising face of her acting ambitions, so we could see her moving away from well-loved characters to playing a historical figure. This aspiration highlights Ortega’s love and appreciation for classical cinema, and the willingness to take on new and intriguing roles.
Beetlejuice 2 is now playing in theatres. You can stream Wednesday on Netflix.
