Jenna Ortega, the breakout star of Wednesday and a rising force in Hollywood, has been the subject of endless fan speculation about joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). But in a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Ortega set the record straight—and it's not what fans might have hoped for.
During the interview, Ortega was asked about her interest in joining the MCU. Her response? A firm “no.” The actress revealed that she had already dipped her toes into the superhero world—albeit briefly—in 2013's Iron Man 3. Ortega played the daughter of the U.S. Vice President (Miguel Ferrer) in a role so small that her lines were cut entirely. “I did it once,” she quipped. “But it was one of the first jobs I ever did, and they took all my lines out.”
Her co-star in Death of a Unicorn, Paul Rudd (aka Ant-Man), playfully suggested that Marvel could still bring her back, perhaps expanding her character in future projects. But Ortega wasn't having it. “They even took my name away,” she joked, adding, “I count that, and I move on.”
Despite her disinterest in superhero franchises, fans have been eager to see Ortega in the MCU. Rumors recently swirled about her potentially playing Kitty Pryde (Shadowcat) in the upcoming X-Men reboot. While those rumors remain unconfirmed, Ortega's comments suggest she's not keen on revisiting the MCU anytime soon.
Instead, Ortega is focusing on a diverse slate of projects. She'll star alongside Rudd in A24's Death of a Unicorn, a dark comedy about a father and daughter who accidentally hit a unicorn with their car. She's also set to appear in the musical psychological thriller Hurry Up Tomorrow alongside The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), further showcasing her range as an actress.
Ortega's reluctance to join the MCU is refreshing in an era where superhero franchises dominate Hollywood. Her candidness about her Iron Man 3 experience highlights the often-overlooked reality of small roles in blockbuster films. While fans may be disappointed, Ortega's decision to prioritize unique, character-driven projects over big-budget franchises speaks volumes about her artistic integrity.
Jenna Ortega's rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric, and her refusal to be typecast or pigeonholed into superhero roles is a testament to her commitment to her craft. While the MCU continues to be a cultural juggernaut, Ortega's choice to focus on indie films and unconventional projects is a bold move that could redefine her career trajectory. Her honesty about her Iron Man 3 experience is both humorous and revealing, offering a glimpse into the less glamorous side of Hollywood.
Do you think Jenna Ortega's decision to avoid the MCU is a smart career move, or should she reconsider joining the superhero genre? Let us know your thoughts!
