Wednesday Is Iconic
New photos from the set of Beetlejuice 2 suggest Jenna Ortega’s role could be even more iconic than her turn as Wednesday Addams in Tim Burton’s Wednesday. Beetlejuice 2 was confirmed earlier this year, with Michael Keaton set to reprise the titular role and Winona Ryder returning as Lydia Deetz. While this news alone was promising for the sequel, the announcement of a new cast addition in Ortega has only added to the anticipation surrounding the film, which is set for release in 2024.
A new character created for Beetlejuice 2, Ortega is reportedly playing Lydia’s daughter. While there’s still a lot left to be revealed about the upcoming movie, the latest photos of Ortega in her new role are incredibly promising, both for the direction of Beetlejuice 2 and Ortega’s career as a whole. If the photos are any indication, Ortega’s role in Beetlejuice 2 could prove to be even more iconic than Wednesday Addams.
Jenna Ortega’s New Beetlejuice 2 Character Looks Like The Perfect Blend Of Her Biggest Horror Roles
In July, two rounds of Beetlejuice 2 set photos appeared online, and both suggest Ortega’s character to be a blend of her other already beloved horror roles. The first Beetlejuice 2 set photos show Ortega dressed for a wedding. While largely a traditional wedding outfit, there are elements that give a nod to the alternative styles favored by Wednesday Addams throughout her history, namely the Doc Marten-style boots as well as the colorful fabric of the gown that deviates from the traditional fully white bridal look.
The second set of photos show Ortega riding a bike, dressed in a more overtly alternative outfit of a ripped sweater and large black boots (via Lainey Gossip). Add her classic pigtails and the outfit wouldn’t look too out of place on the Wednesday protagonist. In both instances, the character’s actual hair, make-up, and jewelry are also somewhat reminiscent of Ortega’s Scream character, Tara Carpenter. So far, the fashion choices for Ortega’s Beetlejuice 2 character seem to blend Wednesday’s alternative style with Tara’s more approachable look. These subtle nods to the horror characters Ortega has become known for could be the recipe for success.
Wednesday Is Iconic, But Jenna Ortega Isn’t Sharing Her Beetlejuice 2 Character With Other Actors
Ortega is undeniably strong as Wednesday Addams, but her new, original character for Beetlejuice2 could prove to be an even better addition to the actor’s filmography, mainly because she doesn’t share the role with anyone else. While Ortega has certainly proved her worth as the Addams daughter, she will always be one in a line of actresses known for playing Wednesday. Ortega is the seventh actor to take on the role which was originated by Lisa Loring in the 1960s. Loring’s portrayal of Wednesday remains one of the most iconic, along with Christina Ricci’s version from The Addams Family and Addams Family Values, making for a tough act to follow.
With her role in Beetlejuice 2, however, Ortega has the chance to carve out a new role in an already beloved franchise that she doesn’t have to share with any other actors. What’s known about Beetlejuice 2 includes confirmation that Ortega will be playing Lydia Deetz’s daughter. Lydia is one of Winona Ryder’s most iconic roles, which is promising for Ortega’s role. If the sequel can capture the original’s magic while bringing elements of Ortega’s other beloved performances, Lydia’s daughter in Beetlejuice 2 may prove to be Ortega’s strongest character yet.